Our numbers for participation in football have been as high as they have ever been with the continuation of Ruxes for those not competing in teams but still keen to play football.
Between the beloved House League structure and competitive team matches against other schools, competitive football is widely available for all boys at Bradfield who wish to compete. Indeed, this season the College fielded an 8thXI team on numerous occasions for the first time in our history. A further moment of significance was participating against Wilson’s School, the first time a full block of fixtures, 12 matches in total, has been played against a state school.
Whilst the results in the Cup competitions have not been as positive as in previous seasons, numerous teams have had the opportunity to play in competitive knockout fixtures. The U14As and Bs, U15As, U16As, 2ndXI and 3rdXI all competed valiantly in their individual Cups before falling short in what were competitive and enjoyable experiences for all.
The 1stXI excelled in the Hudl Independent Schools League again this season coming within a point of retaining the title they won last year. The boys scored an outstanding 38 goals in their eight league fixtures while conceding just 13 in their six wins and two losses. Bradfield are fortunate to also play fixtures regularly against top opposition and this year was no different with the 1stXI going toe-to-toe with Category 1 academy teams from Fulham and Southampton. Perhaps their best result of the season came against the latter as the boys turned around a 1-2 deficit at half time to win the match 4-3.
Whilst the 1stXI unfortunately lost in their opening ISFA Cup match, which meant they were unable to retain the trophy they deservedly won last year, they made it through to the knockout stages of the ESFA Super League competition where they were narrowly beaten by Hartpury College. and are still in the mix for the Hudl Independent Schools League title.
Bradfield continues to see a number of pupils representing ISFA National Teams across age groups. Congratulations to George (G), Jacob (G), and Archie (D) who all represented ISFA’s 1stXI in national and international fixtures with Marcus (C) and Owen (D) earning selection for the ISFA U17s.
The Junior boys’ futsal team won the South Midland Regional Qualifiers to qualify for the National Futsal Association Tournament. The boys won all of their games in the regional competition, scoring 15 goals and only conceding one. Not only was the team achievement one to savour but also Bradfield player Rio (D) was named as ‘Player of the Tournament’.
The energy and excitement around football at the school continues to be incredibly high with attendance at matches being a much-welcomed boost to a lot of the games where our players feel a real ‘home’ advantage with the spectating pupils acting as a ‘12th player’.
Congratulations should go to all of those who have represented the College this term and thank you to all members of staff who have given up their time to coach, referee and support the pupils.
