Chingford's Rushcroft Football Foundation Academy win Essex Schools U19 final

Malik Abdul-Lateef popped up in extra-time to seal the win for the Chingford based academy, who won their second trophy of the season in the process having thrashed Barking Abbey 4-1 in the Coomer Cup final before Easter.

It has proven to be another successful campaign for the academy, which offers a full time education and football programme to year 12 and 13 students, allowing them to gain a BTEC award in Sport & Exercise as well as the opportunity to play against league clubs like Leicester City, Burnley, Brighton and Barnsley, among others.

Rushcroft, who train and play at the Peter May Sports Centre in Waltham Forest, also have a link up with League 2 side Colchester United, who have taken left back Ola Ogunwamide as well as a current year 12 student on trial in recent weeks.

Ogunwamide has particularly impressed this season though and has also spent time on trial with Premier League outfit Huddersfield Town as well as AFC Wimbledon, having also performed well for Woodford Town and the National Universities Team this campaign.

Academy director Lawrence Ashworth said: “We have strong links with professional clubs and as a consequence, we regularly play our more talented players in showcase games. It is key players show outstanding technique and decision making in these games.”

Having also reached the semi-finals of the u19 National Cup last season, Rushcroft will seek to build on their success this campaign by entering the FA Youth Cup under the umbrella of Woodford Town and coach Neil Day believes the move will only benefit the academy’s young players.

Day said: “It’s a good fit. Woodford have a very young 1st team and already several ex Rushcroft and Starbridge Sports players have been bloodied at senior level. The experience of playing in the FA Youth Cup and at senior level can only be good for them in the long run and will definitely get them in the shop window.”