Chronicle Summer 2023

66 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Football By Head of Football, Jonathan Hooper The Spring Term of 2023 marked a defining moment in St Edward’s football history, with all year groups participating for the first time. Through the expansion of the programme there were plenty of new opportunities for pupils to practise, learn and compete in the beautiful game. Boys’ Football The senior boys got a head start on the season, arriving back for an intense preseason schedule, which saw them playing internal fixtures, learning theory in the classroom and discovering the core components of the Football Club’s philosophy. Interlaced with social activities and recovery, the senior boys were able to progress quickly to set them up for a tough opening fixture against Wellington. The rest of the Club had to wait for their first fixture with the weather bringing tough challenges to the grounds. The 1st XI found it difficult to find consistency, but when we caught glimpses of their true potential, it was some of the most exciting football to watch. A particular highlight

The 2nd XI with their cup, having won the South Central Football League

came on Upper 1 in a home fixture against Shiplake, where the team produced a 5-0 win in a game where everything clicked. The 2nd XI and the U16As both found themselves in title challenges after strong starts to their season. The 2nd XI brought a measured approach to each match, whilst the U16As deployed energy and tenacity in their version of ‘heavy metal’ football. The likes of Tom McPhail and Freddie Boanas proved to be talisman figures for the 2nd XI, finding form at key moments, grabbing each

game by the scruff of the neck and dragging their team across the line. With everything to play for in their final game of the season, the team stepped up to the challenge and ensured that they remained at the top of the table to win the league, going the entire season without defeat. Unfortunately, the U16As had a tough final game, a top-of-the-table clash with Marlborough and, without their top scorer Will Mowat, it was not to be, and they lost 1-0. Whilst the result was not what the team had hoped for, they had an outstanding season and their experience will set them up for further success as they move to the senior league next season. Both the remaining senior teams and the junior teams were able to represent the School on numerous occasions, with the ‘clash of the titans’, Radley 5s v Teddies 5s proving so good it became a double header. The U14As showed that the future of football is bright with talented players coming through the ranks. The season culminated in both junior and senior boys’ House Football, which was, as always, a great event. The junior division final was contested between Tilly’s and Cowell’s with Tilly’s coming out the eventual victor. The senior final featured Kendall and Sing’s, with Kendall showing enough consistency throughout the tournament to become this year’s senior champions.

Freddie Walton and Ben Stringer