Chigwell School's Under-11 and Under-13s will both compete at national finals after qualifying from their regional tournaments.

Chigwell hosted 18 teams from across the region in the Essex and Herts round of the Independent Schools FA National Under-11 cup.

Having qualified from their group after playing five matches, the Under-11s beat Aldwickbury in the quarter-finals and Brentwood in the semi-final.

A 1-0 defeat in the final to Westbrook Hay, from Hemel Hempstead, was disappointing but ultimately insignificant as Chigwell were already assured of a place in the national finals to be held at St George’s Park on April 28 next year.

Chigwell School’s head of football Creag Lawrence said: "More than 180 teams from across the country compete in the competition.and to qualify for the national finals is a great achievement."

The Under-13s are into the national finals of the Independent Association of Prep Schools six-a-side competition after winning the eastern regional qualifiers which were played at King's School, Ely.

The national finals, to be held at Shrewsbury on November 17 will involve the top ten finalists from around the country.

Chigwell qualified as undefeated winners of the competition conceding only four goals in six matches.

Mr Lawrence said: "A number of spectators commented on the good behaviour, positive attitude and excellence shown by the Chigwell boys during the matches. Congratulations to the team."