Bishop's Stortford College U11s at ISFA National Finals

Published on isbi School News dated Monday 11th of May 2015

On Tuesday 5th May, the Bishop's Stortford College U11 Football Team made their first ever appearance at the prestigious ISFA National Finals held at St George's Park, home to England's 24 national teams.

The weather conditions were not ideal, however the pitches were outstanding and it was a superb facility for the Prep School boys to experience.

There were 18 schools competing, arranged into three groups of six. In the College's opening game against Bolton School they flew out of the blocks and recorded a 2-1 win with goals from Callum Phelps and Joshua O' Connor.

In the following game against Hallfield School from Edgbaston they drew 1-1. Sadly, they then suffered a series of frustrating 1-0 reverses against Lochinver House School, Westbrook Hay School and Hoe Bridge.

Player Marcin Matys commented: 'We really enjoyed the opportunity of playing at St George's Park. We were unlucky in some of the matches and hopefully we can win it next year.' Any disappointment about not progressing to the quarter finals was tempered by the boys' amazing experience, plus the fact that it was goalkeeper Max Smith's birthday!

The team, captained by Freddy Cooke, included Sam Bashford, Harry Clenshaw, Jamie Hepburn, Marcin Matys, Joshua O'Connor, Callum Phelps, Max Smith, William Thacker and Ethan Williams.