This March, the Bolton School Boys’ Division First XI Football Team played in the national Under 18 ISFA (Independent Schools Football Association) Trophy Final.
It was an exciting tournament for the First XI: earlier rounds brought wins against The Grammar School at Leeds, The Grange and Merchant Taylor’s. In the semi-final, the Bolton boys beat Reading Blue Coat after a tense 0-0 draw, earning them their place in the Trophy Final.
Making it to this prestigious national Trophy Final is an impressive achievement for a relatively young side with only three Year 13 players on the team.
The First XI travelled down to Slough on 19 March, accompanied by supporters, to play St John Leatherhead. Unfortunately for Bolton School, the opposition was very strong on the day, resulting in disappointment: the final score was 5-1 to St John Leatherhead.
Despite the outcome, the School is very proud of the boys’ achievement in making it to the Trophy Final. Head of Boys’ Division Mr Nic Ford said:
“I’m extremely proud of the boys for reaching the ISFA Trophy final, a magnificent achievement from a young squad. The cup run had it all, even a tense penalty shoot-out in the semi-finals, and the boys did themselves and the school proud in the final. Hopefully, we’ll be back next year!”
The First Xl signed off their season the following Saturday (21 March) with an 8-3 win against Sandbach. Other notable wins this season were against the likes of Manchester Grammar School, Stockport Grammar School and Rossall.
As the football season drew to a close, Bolton School once again hosted two Town Cup Finals at the end of March. The Bolton School Year 10 and Year 8 teams made it to their year group finals, where it was a tale of two penalty shoot outs: the Year 10s won the cup, beating Thornleigh after a 1-1 draw and a match in which goalkeeper Harry’s two saves were instrumental, while the Year 8s unfortunately missed out in sudden death to Canon Slade despite a last-minute wonder goal from George to equalise 2-2 in normal time.
The School awaits the results of the Year 11 team, who play in their Town Cup semi-final in the penultimate week of term. Over the Easter holidays, the Under 13 and Under 14 squads head off on a tour of Spain.
The U18 Team:
Photos from the Final:
