A Memorable Start to JDA's ENG FA Cup Journey

A new chapter for JDA Academy officially began as our teams took to the pitch for our first-ever competitive fixtures in ENG.

The opening weekend brought the first round of the ENG FA Cup, giving our teams an immediate taste of knockout football – and it certainly delivered.

Across the age groups there were brilliant performances, plenty of goals and one moment that will take some beating this season.

For our new U7 team, the weekend marked their first-ever game together.

They were handed a difficult opening tie against strong opposition and, although they weren't able to progress to the next round, it was a fantastic milestone for a brand-new JDA team beginning their journey together.

There is plenty more to come from this group as they continue to train, develop and gain experience throughout their first season.

Our U8 Teals progressed to the next round after receiving a bye following teams withdrawing from the competition.

The U8 Blacks, meanwhile, made sure of their place in the next round on the pitch with an excellent performance.

A convincing 4–1 victory capped off a brilliant first ENG outing for the team and sent them safely through to round two.

Our U9 Teals could hardly have asked for a stronger start to their ENG campaign.

The boys produced a superb attacking performance to record a 12–0 victory and cruise into the next round of the competition.

It was an emphatic way to begin their ENG journey and an exciting first competitive performance of the new season.

Then came the drama.

Our U9 Blacks faced a team competing a division above them and produced what could prove to be one of JDA's games of the season.

An incredibly even contest finished 2–2, with the boys more than matching their opposition and unfortunate not to have taken more from the game in normal time.

That meant one thing – ENG's famous 2v2 decider.

For a team experiencing the format together for the first time, the boys showed incredible character.

And then came the moment of the weekend.

Daniel produced an unbelievable goal to win the 2v2 and send JDA through to the next round, sparking brilliant celebrations from the team.

A special goal, a special moment and one this group won't forget anytime soon.

Our first ENG FA Cup weekend gave us a little bit of everything.

For some teams it was their first game together. For others it brought convincing victories, knockout drama and memories that will last well beyond the weekend.

Most importantly, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for JDA Academy.

Our first ENG weekend is officially in the books – and we're only just getting started.