Despite the defeat the girls’ remained upbeat and celebrated their impressive achievement as the first girls’ football team at Bradfield to reach a final of any competition. This match was the last opportunity for Grace (K), Imogen (I), Sofia (K) and Sophia (K) to wear the Bradfield shirt and these girls deserve recognition for so much effort and commitment during their time here. In particular, Sofia as Captain has demonstrated great leadership throughout her Upper Sixth year, always encouraging those around her.
The U15 girls have also had a wonderful season winning 11 of their 15 fixtures. They made the perfect start to their Cup campaigns with big wins in the ISFA Cup, a 7-0 victory over The Abbey School, and ESFA Cup, an 11-5 win over Trinity School, Newbury. The Junior girls also scored some big victories in their league fixtures, scoring six against St Margaret’s School and Headington, eight against St Alban’s High School and a huge 9-1 win over Queenswood School. Most recently, the U15s received a ‘bye’ against Stephen Perse school in the ISFA Shield competition and so hopes are high that the junior girls can mirror the impressive standards set out by the 1st XI. Team Captain Ava (K) remains the U15s top goal scorer, being a regular feature on the teams’ score sheet and often bagging three or more goals per game. We look forward to seeing her alongside Jess (M), Scarlett (K) and Emma (K) as they progress up to the 1stXI this year.
Away from the spotlight of fixtures, the girls have also been thrilled to be involved in a number of other events this term. Peyton, Freya (I), Ruby and Flora travelled to St Andrew’s, Berkshire for two days to run football sessions. The girls had the chance to show off their impressive football skills while chatting to the prep school girls about footballing opportunities at Bradfield and their recent successes. The girls continued as role models during our new Primary School girls’ football tournament which saw ten school teams competing. Adaora (K), Scarlett (I), Peyton, Pippa, Poppy (M), and Ruby all helped to referee and did a superb job of helping the younger girls, encouraging them in their pursuits and helping guide them at every opportunity.
Another highlight of the term was hosting professional footballer Lucia Kendall for a Q+A session with both our teams. Lucia, who plays for Southampton FC, shared her journey playing both football and cricket throughout her childhood and how she became a regular feature in the Lioness Under 21 squad. It was encouraging for the girls to hear first-hand the opportunities that now exist within the women’s game and how barriers are being further broken down.
