Oxford Academy bid to land a national double when they line up in the ESFA Boys’ Under 12 PlayStation 9-a-side Schools’ Cup final at Reading’s Madejski Stadium on Monday (11.30).

They have emerged from a massive entry of 663 to face Liverpool’s Cardinal Heenan Sports College – Steven Gerrard’s former school – in the decider.

Oxford have already captured one national title this term, having won the ESFA Under 12 Munich Trophies Indoor 5-a-side Schools’ Cup at the Derby Soccerdome.

They have come through nine matches to reach Reading, surviving a penalty shoot-out on the way and also being taken to extra time by Hurstmere (Sidcup, Kent) in the semi-final before triumphing 4-3.

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And they warmed up for their big day with a 4-0 win over Matthew Arnold (Oxford) in the Oxfordshire Cup final last week.

Coach Grant Thomas said: “It’s a magnificent achievement for our boys and is the first time we have reached this stage in the school’s history.

“The journey they have had in the national cup has been a great experience.

“It is always hard starting a school and as a team gelling together, but the lads have been brilliant and have worked hard together in after-school sessions.

“With a big squad they’ve handled the national and county cup well together.

“The boys are excited by the prospect of walking out of the tunnel at the Madejski Stadium and taking part in the final.

“It will be a memory that they will never forget and hopefully they will bring home the trophy.”

The game will be broadcast live on playstationschoolscup.com.