Beauchamps High School’s Year 9 football team have been crowned county champions.

The Wickford based school saw off Grays’ William Edwards School 5-1 in the final at Aveley’s Parkside Stadium.

And headteacher Matt Harper was delighted by the success.

“I am so proud of the disciplined and inspirational performance of our Year 9 football team which produced the win at the Essex Cup final,” said Harper.

“Participation in sport is encouraged at Beauchamps High School and achievement at all levels is celebrated.

“Football has always been a successful and popular activity at our school and this most recent footballing success is both a great way to end the season and a fantastic opportunity to launch the new Jimmy Greaves Footballing Academy at Beauchamps High School.”

Beauchamps last won the cup in 1982 and a member of that team had two sons playing in this season’s triumph.

Their success started with a 7-1 win against Ormiston Rivers in the first round before seeing off St Thomas More 6-1 in the second.

After that came a 4-1 win against St. Martins before Beauchamps beat Robert Clack School 4-2 on penalties after the game had finished in a 3-3 draw.

At the quarter-final stage came a 2-0 win against Davenat before Beauchamps beat King John 3-2 in the last four.

That set up the final where Beauchamps also triumphed.

But the school are now looking to build on the success with the introduction of the Jimmy Greaves Academy.

Jimmy’s son Danny will be heading up the academy and will soon be holding an open day to show what is on offer.

“If you want to play football every day, while still receiving a first class education then come along to Beauchamps High School on Friday, June 1 from 10am-12pm,” added a spokesman.

“Our director of football Danny Greaves, who is the son of Jimmy, will be running a taster session for Year 11 students from any school.

“There are only a few spaces available but we would like to get as many people there as possible because we’re really excited about being able to offer this opportunity.”

For further information contact senior administrator Michelle Wright on 01268 735466 or mwright@beauchamps.essex.sch.uk.

Alternatively, contact Gail Randall – senior teacher, on the same number.

More details on the academy can be found online at jimmygreavesacademy.co.uk.