2 minute read
Football
We all approached the Lent term with renewed enthusiasm about getting back to a full programme of training and competitive opportunities. Needless to say, there was plenty of competition on show across all the year groups.
As always, it all starts on the training pitch, and our relationship with Tottenham Hotspur continued to be a central part of our students footballing experience. The emphasis in sessions is on individual skill development. They want us all to be comfortable in possession which is absolutely the right foundation to build from. All of our coaches then encourage us to play positively, seeking time on the ball and looking to get in possession and play forward rather than fearing mistakes. ‘Want the ball, and when you have it, look after it’ is the consistent message. There is no doubt that we have a great deal of promise in younger year groups. Stand out results for younger years playing friendlies were comfortable wins over Wilson’s, Cedars and Bickley Park for the U13. Full year groups once again went to Wilson’s and Colfe’s, giving every child the opportunity to represent the College at U12. U14s and 15s were back and exposed to a high level of competition in the SKIL League, picking up results against King’s Canterbury, Worth and Christ’s Hospital. Finally, the Senior group. After making the decision to step up to SKIL League level, it has taken time for the 1st XV to adapt and adjust, with more established schools generally having that little bit more strength in depth. This year was the first in which we have really been competitive at that level. A year where we were so close, yet so far! We started the season with a draw away at Christ’s Hospital, going 1–0 up but letting it slip late in the game. Then came Brighton College, again 2–1 up at half-time but a late goal conceded and we were two draws from two. The third game of the league season saw us travel to Sevenoaks, who were unbeaten and favourites for the title at that stage. With everything tight at the top, a win here would have seen us jump to second in the table with real momentum. A slow start saw us go 1–0 down, but a brilliant equalizer early in the second half had us dominating possession and territory looking for the winner. Unfortunately, it never came and the game ended 1–1. It really is starting to come down to the finest of margins. We would like to wish the Year 13 players the very best with their future endeavours, and look forward to another leap forward for boys and girls football in 2022–23.
