Exciting term ahead for Shrewsbury School Football

It’s been great to see competitive Inter-School fixtures back on our pitches during a busy and successful Michaelmas term.

In total we played 135 games against opposing schools in a range of friendly, county, and national competitions across all age groups and levels. It was wonderful to renew old rivalries as well as challenge ourselves against new opposition from around the country.

The House football competitions have continued to provide a wonderful opportunity for so many boys to represent their house competitively on a weekly basis. Last term saw Porthill beat Radbrook in a close encounter on penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time, with a third and fourth place match also played out by School House and Oldham's, with Oldham's finishing victorious 1-0. In the U15 House Final Porthill beat Radbrook 9-4 in a high scoring final.

There have been a variety of highlights throughout the last term. The 1^st XI has made a wonderful start to the National Independent Hudl League campaign, winning 3 and drawing 1 of their opening 4 league games. Notable victories were achieved v Bradfield (3-1), Repton Away (2-1) and a record breaking 6-1 win against Charterhouse in the 99^th game of our historical fixture. The point taken from the draw v Millfield away (0-0) sees the 1^st XI sitting second in this prestigious league. With 4 games left this term, it’s fantastic to see competing at this level. Even more pleasing is this success has been based on a 1^st XI squad of 17 out of the 18 players that are homegrown, with only one Sixth Form entrant in the team, a testament to our development programme and the progress the students make during their time at Shrewsbury.

Another notable success story has been the progress of the U15’s into the Quarter finals of the prestigious ISFA U15 National Knock Out Competition. These boys have beaten The Priory Edgbaston, Stockport Grammar and Bolton (A) on route to the quarter finals where they will play Cheadle Hulme at Shrewsbury this afternoon. It’s been a terrific cup run from this side this year and we hope for a positive outcome this afternoon.

On the back of these team performances and successes, we have also had several individual achievements to celebrate. Isaac E (Rb, III), Harrison V (Rb, III) and 1^st XI Caption Harry C (PH, UVI) have all been selected to represent the ISFA National Representative sides, having made it throughout a rigorous selection process. Issac and Harrison have played in games over Christmas v The Pro Soccer Academy and Bromley U14’s. Harry gained his international cap during the Christmas St Georges Camp in the game v the Welsh Colleges, a game in which he scored the equalizer in a 2-2 draw. He also played in the 3-3 draw v the English Colleges and has been selected to play in the international v the Scottish Schools & Colleges on Sunday 16^th January in Glasgow.

There is still lots to look forward to this term as our age groups sides are all still involved in the SSCFA County Cups as well as 2^nd XI being involved in the ESFA National Cup. 

Football at all levels is continuing to thrive at Shrewsbury and long may this continue.

Stephen Wilderspin

Master i/c Football