While there have been successes on the pitch right across the school since the season started last term, it is our U15s, in particular, who have exploded onto the scene and are making excellent progress in the National Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) Bowl. They have progressed further in the tournament than any other Bedford team before them.
The boys’ first game in the ISFA cup saw them play Finborough School who they beat 8-0. Then on Tuesday, the boys travelled to Kingswood School to play in the quarter-final match, where they were fortunate enough to play at Dorking Wanderers FC, a semi-professional club who play in the Conference South division. Suffice to say the pitch and facilities were excellent. Despite the long journey and the droves of opposition spectators, the Bedford boys won 14 or 13-1 (we all lost count and are waiting for the referee’s report to confirm the score!).
This win secured the boys a place to compete in the semi-finals against Dame Allan’s School in Newcastle upon Tyne, a match which will see the boys take the long trip to Tyneside to play on a city-centre pitch. With an overnight stay looking likely, the boys are beyond excited for this trip.
Remove Former Freddie Bowis, who plays on the team, told us, “I feel as though our season so far has been unbelievable. I knew we would have a strong team this year, but I never thought it would instantly click the way it has. The stats speak for themselves; 38 goals scored and two conceded in three games – it feels unreal.”
Master in Charge of Football, Mr Prior, along with their coach Mr Jones, has been creating a style of play that suits the boys well.
Remove Former Rajan Uppal explained, “We have all worked together very well to allow us to proceed, and we are proud of each other.”
Talking to the boys, it is clear the match in Newcastle will be more than just a game – it will provide an opportunity for this already close-knit team to bond further, play the game they love in an exciting new city and make memories that will last a lifetime. If they go on to win, then that is just a bonus.
Captain of the team, Remove Former Alfred Wright, said, “Staying overnight in dorms together and the five-hour journey will give us all lots of time to bond. We have planned some very intense training before we go to help us get through to the final – we are all very excited, especially as this is the first time in the school’s history that any team has got this far.”
Their match against Dame Allan’s School will take place on 4 February and we wish the boys the best of luck.