ISFA National Football Finals

On Tuesday, our U11 football team proudly represented the school at the Independent Schools National Football Finals, held at none other than St George’s Park – the home of England football and a setting truly worthy of the occasion. With the top 24 independent school teams in the country competing, it was always going to be a day to remember and it certainly delivered.

With the sun shining and the pitches in immaculate condition – like carpets underfoot – the stage was set for a festival of football. The atmosphere was electric, thanks in no small part to the incredible support from parents, many of whom stayed overnight nearby and were rewarded not only with a fantastic day of football but also with the unforgettable moment of meeting Thomas Tuchel, although he has NOTHING on Mr Mac!

We couldn’t have asked for a better start, opening the tournament with a superb win against Summer Fields Prep, setting the tone early with confidence and flair. Our second game saw us face Highgate, who would go on to reach the final. The boys rose to the challenge, digging deep for a hard-fought draw that showed both resilience and teamwork.

As the tournament progressed, the standard remained exceptionally high. We needed to push for a couple more wins to reach the latter stages, but despite battling performances, we were narrowly edged out in our fixtures against Rokeby, The Blue Coat, and The Perse Prep. These were tight, competitive games that could have gone either way, but our boys kept their heads high and continued to represent the school with pride.

Reaching the National Finals is a remarkable achievement in itself – a reward for months of dedication, training, and hard work. This team will always be remembered as Hampshire Champions, a title that reflects their ability, determination, and spirit throughout the season.

A huge thank you must go to Mr Mac, whose passion, commitment, and guidance have been the heartbeat of the team all year. His belief in the boys and his tireless efforts behind the scenes have been truly inspiring.

To the squad – you’ve done your school proud. You played with heart, skill, and togetherness on the biggest stage, and you’ll take away memories that will last a lifetime.

Well done, boys!