Norfolk FA’s Under-18 Representative Squad will take on Staffordshire in the FA County Youth Cup Final tomorrow afternoon (KO 2pm).

Norfolk will meet Staffordshire U18’s in the final of the National competition which will take place at The BET365 stadium, home of Stoke City FC. The U18’s booked their place in the FA County Youth Cup Final with a 3-1 victory at the expense of Gloucestershire U18’s last month.

After receiving a bye in the first round, Norfolk’s cup run began with a 2-1 home victory over Jersey back in November. In the third round and quarter-finals Norfolk had to travel to Northumberland and the Isle of Man respectively with the latter going to extra-time. Hard fought victories on the road saw Norfolk rewarded with a home tie in the semi-final with the side once again running out victors in extra-time.

The squad travelled today (Friday) and have spent this afternoon training at Derby County FC before they relax and prepare for tomorrow’s match with an overnight hotel stay. Tomorrow there will be a coach of family, friends and Norfolk FA staff travelling to Stoke to support the team and hopefully see the representative squad lift the trophy.

The final kicks off at 2pm and will be broadcasted live on BBC Radio Norfolk. Pre, during and post-match coverage can also be found on the Norfolk FA Twitter feed throughout the day.

Adam Gusterson, Representative Squad Manager said: "It’s a great opportunity for the lads to be involved in such a big game. They have done the county proud by reaching the final and now it is very much a case of focusing on the job in hand, which is to beat Staffordshire and bring the trophy back to Norfolk.

“We have shown all the qualities a side needs to win a cup competition on our run so far and I think the boys can draw strength from the fact they have shown physical and mental strength in abundance in our Quarter & Semi-Final Extra-Time wins against Isle Of Man and Gloucestershire.  

“Nothing changes from our perspective in terms of our approach and I am safe in the knowledge that we have a squad that has the mentality to handle big games and will therefore put in a performance worthy of the occasion.

“For a county of our size to win the FA County Youth Cup, a prestigious national competition, would be incredible and the boys are just one game away from achieving that feat."                                                                                                 

Norfolk FA would like to thank Portable Toilet Hire Specialists, Toilets+ for being the Official Squad Sponsor of the U18’s for the FA County Youth Cup Final.

To find out more about the U18’s journey this season and the build-up to the final, visit Norfolk FA’s Twitter profile, @NorfolkCountyFA or NorfolkFA.com.