Boys' 1stXI football achieve back-to-back ISFA wins

The boys’ 1stXI football team are celebrating retaining the Boodles ISFA Cup following a nail-biting 2-0 win against Shrewsbury School at MK Dons stadium earlier this week. Bradfield College have now won 3 of the last 4 Boodles finals, securing their position as the UK’s top independent school for football.

Bradfield were on the backfoot initially with Shrewsbury the stronger team but some staunch defending and fine goalkeeping from George Sapsford (G) meant that any attacks on the Bradfield goal were thwarted. Halfway through the first half a long ball from just outside the Bradfield area caused some misunderstandings in the Shrewsbury defence and Micah John (E) capitalised on the indecision to poke past the Shrewsbury keeper. As time passed Bradfield got more of a foothold in the game albeit with a constant threat from Shrewsbury. The Salopians, however, were unable to breach the Bradfield defenders or find a way past the impressive Sapsford, who made a number of superb saves. Bradfield doubled their lead midway through the second half when left winger Sam Robinson (G) let fly with a diagonal left footed thunderbolt from outside the area after some fine build up play down the right. With Bradfield two nil up Shrewsbury did their best to get back in the game but to no avail and at the final whistle the celebrations of the Bradfield team matched those of the previous generation as the College celebrated back-to-back ISFA wins becoming only the third school to achieve that feat in the 32 years that the competition has been running.

David Chatwin, Director of Football Performance, was delighted with the team’s performance: “What a tremendous experience and outcome for the boys to achieve. We had to weather a storm early on, but the back 5 stood firm and our goalkeeper George (G) was outstanding. After a few tactical tweaks and a few stark reminders at half time, our second half performance was excellent, displaying much more control and many chances were created. Then a decisive attack and switch of play, which was discussed at half time, gave Sam (G) a chance to show his individual brilliance with a fantastic 20 yard left footed drive across their goalkeeper into the far corner of the Shrewsbury. The journey to the final could not have been more difficult, so I think we earnt our luck and the defensive shut out was especially pleasing.”

This year’s run started in the 3rd round with a 3-1 victory over Denstone College followed by a thrilling win after penalties away at Eton. In the quarter-finals there were more penalties, this time to overcome Millfield, before a convincing 4-0 win away to Hampton in the semis.

The squad of 18 boys aged 15-18 relished the opportunity to play in such a large stadium to a crowd of 2300 pupils, parents, staff and alumni from both schools and an audience peaking at 1200 on the YouTube live stream.

David Chatwin joined Bradfield in September 2023 from Charlton Athletic Football Club and his impact on the team’s performance has been evident with other recent successes including winning the Hudl Independent Schools League in 2024 and reaching The English Schools FA (ESFA) semi-finals in both 2024 and 2025, the only independent school to get to this stage.