Football Academy Crowned League Champions at Wembley

Denbigh’s Football Academy students who are champions of the EFL’s U19 Regional CEFA Football League, received their winners’ medals at Wembley, prior to kick off at the recent EFL League One Play Off final between Bolton Wanderers and Oxford United.

This honour was in recognition of the winning season our Football Academy students have enjoyed in their first year of working in partnership with MK Dons Sport & Education Trust (MK Dons SET). This partnership has allowed students in the Football Academy, the most established Post-16 provider of Football Education in the City, to train and compete in a high-performance environment and represent the Dons in the CEFA League against EFL clubs including, West Bromwich Albion (WBA), Wolves, Derby, Port Vale, Shrewsbury and Birmingham.

The students have faced challenges during the season as they manage their academic studies alongside football training and matches.  However, their dedication and talent were rewarded when they were crowned CEFA Football League Champions, winning 13 of their 16 matches and scoring 50 goals.  This was an even more impressive achievement, as the majority of the wining squad were playing two years above their age group. 

Emmanuel Tetteh led the goal scoring records with a total of 15 goals throughout the campaign, closely followed by Olly Awujo who managed 9 goals from only 8 appearances, after his return from injury.

Team Captain, Abdubasit Agberemi said, “It’s been a really enjoyable and challenging season.  We have had a small squad which has worked to our advantage as we’ve had to stick together and work for each other.  It’s a great feeling to win the League and amazing to go to Wembley for the presentation.”

Malcolm Lay, Denbigh’s Football Academy Director added, “We are incredibly proud of this Team who have worked so hard throughout the year and have been rewarded with success both on and off the pitch.  It has been a very positive first year of partnership between our Academy and MK Dons SET and the future looks bright with most of the squad remaining with us for their second year.  It’s been fantastic to see their individual development and how they have matched their on-field success with their achievements in the classroom.  Our Academy graduates who are leaving us this year, have secured coaching roles, apprenticeships, and places at prestigious universities.”