Macclesfield FC are delighted to announce that we will play host to the SAFIB Centenary Shield fixture between England U18 Schoolboys v Wales U18 Schoolboys at the Leasing.com Stadium on Friday 11th April 2025.
The England U18 Schoolboys’ squad will be traveling to Macclesfield for their second home fixture of 2025 following their first home fixture against Northern Ireland, due to take place on Friday 14th March at Truro FC.
The highly anticipated fixture against Wales will kick off at 7pm and will be live-streamed via the ESFA’s YouTube channel, ESFA TV. Match tickets are priced at just £10 for a standard adult ticket and £7 for concessions. Tickets are available to purchase via our website HERE.
The fixture will be the England Schoolboys’ first time visiting Macclesfield FC for an international fixture and Association officials are excited to bring the best that schools’ football has to offer to a town with such a rich footballing history. The ESFA hopes the Schoolboys’ visit to Macclesfield will create some schools’ football buzz in and around the town and that a bumper crowd will turn out to support the young England stars.
The SAFIB Centenary shield, which was first contested in 1973, is a competitive international competition between under 18 schoolboy squads from across the home nations. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland all play each other in a round robin format and the team with the most points at the end of the tournament will lift the historic trophy. Northern Ireland are the reigning champions of the Shield, taking the title from England who shared victory with Wales in 2023.
ESFA Chair, Nick Loftus said:
“On behalf of the English Schools’ Football Association, I am delighted to announce that we will be heading to Macclesfield FC to host England’s final home SAFIB Centenary Shield fixture of 2025.
“It is always a pleasure for the ESFA to attend new grounds and I hope that the enthusiastic Macclesfield FC fans, local schools and residents will support this exciting fixture in the Schoolboys’ calendar. Each SAFIB Centenary Shield fixture is a tribute to the hard work and dedication that goes into creating the ESFA’s international programme and to the many schoolboys that have represented England over the decades. I hope that the U18 players this season take full advantage of their status as international schoolboy players and inspire others too. I would like to thank all those people who have an interest in and who support the ESFA’s international programme, particularly the team at Macclesfield FC who will be working hard to create a memorable experience for all involved and I look forward to welcoming many fans along to the game in April.“
Macclesfield FC Head Coach Robbie Savage, said:
“On behalf of Macclesfield FC, we are delighted to be able to play host to the SAFIB Centenary Shield at the Leasing.com Stadium between England and Wales.
“I played for all the Welsh age groups during my career and scored for the U15 school boys against England at Filbert Street, so I am aware of the history behind these events.
“Everyone associated with the Club are privileged to be able to play their part in the event. I urge supporters across our community as well as our fantastic Silkmen fans to come down and watch the next generation put on a show.”
Head of Commercial and Sponsorships Bob Trafford stated –
“Everyone at Macclesfield FC is eagerly anticipating this prestigious fixture and I would like to thank the English Schools FA for selecting the Leasing.com Stadium.
“In particular, I would like to thank Ian Laithwaite who has been a joy to work alongside ever since our very first meeting.
“In addition, I would like to thank Amanda Penney, Rachael Brown and Andrew Ball for helping me secure this very special game.
“A wealth of sponsorship opportunities are available ahead of the game, and you can find out more by emailing bob@macclesfieldfc.com”
To stay up to date with all the England U18 Schoolboys’ action, follow @schoolsfootball across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook.
The ESFA is hoping to see a bumper crowd for home international matches in 2025, with a view to creating a fantastic and memorable atmosphere and experience for the young three lions.
