A Newham College men’s football team beat 15 schools, universities and colleges to get to the national final of a student  competition.

Newham beat Hertswood Academy 4-3 to win the Southern England Student Sports Association football plate final at Essex’s Ford Sports and Social Club.

The college’s FE sports co-ordinator, Liana Mathurin-Brown, said the team’s success was due to Erskine Smith, a coach from the Tessa Sanderson Foundation and Academy, and a former college worker.

“Since moving on from the college, Erskine has continued to give up his time for training and matches,” she said.

“He’s always on hand when players need advice.”

Featured image caption: Newham College footballers and coach celebrate their after their knock-out competition win