Oxford Academy are celebrating being crowned national champions for the second time this season.

Playing in a carnival atmosphere at Reading FC’s Madejski Stadium, the Littlemore lads lifted the English Schools’ FA Boys’ Under 12 PlayStation 9-a-side Schools’ Cup after a 1-0 win over Cardinal Heenan (Liverpool) in the final.

It came after they captured the ESFA Under 12 Munich Trophies Indoor 5-a-side Schools’ Cup at Derby earlier this season.

Oxford Academy coach Grant Thomas said: “I think it is unbelieavable for a team that has been together since September to win a national five-a-side competition, the Oxfordshire county cup and then wrap up a treble.

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“They have won all you can in schools’ football for that age group, which is phenomenal.”

In a close and well-contested affair, Oxford Academy were indebted to a vital intervention from Alfie Carter to stop a Cardinal Heenan attack in the first half.

And then, after 14 minutes, Academy captain Dejan Tetek played through a terrific pass for Callum Crook to steer his shot past the Cardinal Heenan goalkeeper.

Claudio Osorio shone in midfield with his silky running, which earned him a PS4 as man of the match, as Oxford controlled the game.

After the break, he supplied the cross, which Tyler Webb headed just over the bar.

The Liverpool lads came more into the game, and Oxford survived a late scare when Tetek blocked an effort.

That proved to be Cardinal Heenan’s last chance, and there were wild celebrations from the Academy boys at the final whistle.

Thomas added: “They were esctatic. Though it was 1-0 you could see like in any cup final near the end they felt we have got to keep this.

“And at the final whistle they just went beserk. In the changing room it was an outstanding reaction with cuddles all round. They were brilliant.”