The 1st XI entered the School history books after victory in the 2019 ESFA U18 Cup.

It is the first time that a team from Hampton, an independent school, has won this trophy and their success delighted Hamptonians far and wide.

In addition to the many avidly following updates on social media, around 700 supporters including boys, parents, staff and alumni made the 170-mile journey to Shrewsbury Town FC’s ground, Montgomery Waters Meadow. 

Dressed in School colours, wearing lion costumes, bearing scarves and waving a range of homemade banners, the younger members of the crowd sang in full voice from start to finish, in what was to prove a very close game from the outset.

Team lifted by crowd’s support

Their vocal encouragement was to prove invaluable after Repton went 1-0 up minutes before half time. Lifted by their loyal fans, the Hamptonians dug deep and with three minutes to go before the final whistle equalised from a penalty.

The score remained 1-1 after extra time forcing the match to be determined by penalties. This was to be Hampton’s day with goalkeeper Tim Wallace blocking all attempts by the Repton strikers to find the back of the net.

John Martin, ESFA Chairman, said:

On behalf of the English Schools’ FA I would like to congratulate Hampton on becoming ESFA U18 Schools’ Cup Champions 2019.

In what was a true showcase of elite footballing talent, Hampton reigned victorious after enduring both extra time and penalties.

We would like to thank the School for bringing along 700 plus spectators to Shrewsbury, helping to create a truly wonderful atmosphere throughout the entirety of the match.

Well done to all those involved.

John Martin, ESFA Chairman

Team Captain, George Maxwell, thanked everyone involved:

It was probably the best day of my School life to date and one that I will never forget. 

The supporters were amazing and we couldn’t have done it without them.

Thank you too to all our coaches for their help and guidance. 

We set ourselves a target to win a major trophy at the start of the year and to win the biggest Sixth Form cup in Schools’ football is a wonderful achievement.

A fantastic way to end our Hampton footballing careers.

There are additional further match details, along with photos and video on the Hampton School website.

Photograph credit Hampton School