This Saturday May 18th brings Banbury United U18 Development’s final – and arguably biggest – game of the season as they travel to the Nationwide Windows Arena, the home of Rugby Borough, to face Sutton Coldfield U18 in the MJPL Trophy Final. Kick-off is 10.15 am.

The team come into this game off the back of an impressive run of form in the second half of the season, and an equally impressive cup run to reach the final. The team entered the competition in the Round of 16 where they beat Strachan Football Foundation 3-1 at the Banbury Plant Hire Community Stadium. The name “Strachan” is significant as it is the education programme run by Gordon Strachan himself, which attracts coaches such as Lee Carsley, head coach of England U21s! They then ran out 7-2 winners against Alvechurch in the Quarter Final, setting up another home tie in the Semi Final against Pershore Town who they dismantled 8-1!

The team have only lost two games in 2024, which is huge testament to the progress of our player pathway. Speaking of which, the game will be a good opportunity to see some of the players who have made first team cameos in action, such as Zach Scott, Lewis Middleton, Jacob Hayes, Josh Crossman, Nathan Whyman and potentially Charlie McCloskey, injury permitting.

Our opponents on Saturday are Sutton Coldfield U18. Banbury have already faced them twice in the 23/24 season, once in the FA Youth Cup and another the MJPL. Sutton Coldfield won both games, however both were through very fine margins, and the team who defeated the U18s in the FA Youth Cup consisted of a number of Midland Floodlit League players, who are not eligible for this game.

For the first time this season we have the privilege of Puritans Radio broadcasting live for an U18s game! They will make the trip up to give you live commentary, courtesy of Dave England and Richard Hamilton. You can listen live on puritansradio.com or by searching “Puritans Radio” on the TuneIn Radio app!

The Nationwide Windows Arena is located off Kilsby Lane, which branches out of the north side of Kilsby village. It seems as though the game will take place on Pitch 2, alongside another final taking place on Pitch 1. To get to Pitch 2 there is a pathway around the north end of the main stadium in order to get there, on the astro pitch. Kick off is at 10:15AM.

We would love to see as many of you as possible supporting the lads for their first bit of silverware under the Banbury United umbrella!