Our under 11s Football Team returned from Eastleigh FC as the Under 11s National South of England Champions! After winning two previous tournaments, we represented Oxford City and came out on top against Leyton Orient, Dulwich Halmet, Torquay, Bromley, Dagenham and Redbridge. The boys had a three and a half hour coach journey from Devon to contend with and, after losing their opening two games, they improved rapidly and played the brilliant football that they are capable of. Wins against Leyton Orient and Torquay (both 3-1) plus a draw with Dulwich meant that we progressed to the semi-finals. The semi-finals were tense, with Phil and Jim coming back from 2-0 down to force the game to penalties. All of our penalties were successfully converted and Evan was the hero with a brilliant penalty save. The final saw us take on Bromley. Bromley were undefeated and were a very impressive side. Our boys played superbly, worked hard and were rewarded when Louis intercepted a loose pass from Bromley and composed himself before calmly finishing. The remainder of the game was a nervous game, with our boys defending perfectly. The final whistle was a huge relief and the boys had done it! After three tournament wins they now get the opportunity to play at Wembley Stadium!
The boys were a credit to the school, with a number of neutral spectators commenting on our sportsmanship and style of play.
Well done to Akul, Euan, Evan, Henry, James, Louis, Otto and Tom.
You can hear an interview with the boys on BBC Radio Oxford here, here and here.
You can read an article about the team in the Oxford Mail here and here.
You can read an article about their visit to Oxford United’s training ground for some pre-final training here.