Football Season Review 2023

Mr Cramp, Director of Sport

26th November 2023

Solefield’s Football Season this academic year was certainly one to remember. Each and every team battled bravely, improved as the season went on and won matches along the way too. For this, I would like to thank all the boys for their efforts, all the staff for their commitment to the sport and Hammerhead Football for their innovative approach to the season, through the implementation of our new Solefield Football Framework and Video Analysis sessions. 

Senior Football

The 1st XI had a strong season. Under the stewardship of Mr Raymond, battling draws against strong Yardley Court and Sevenoaks Prep sides and a stellar victory against Radnor House hint at real promise for this young first team moving forwards. Standouts of the year being Raefe D’s excellent strike from 25 yards out, Henry N’s goalkeeping heroics in the Futsal tournament and another was quite brilliant team performance against New Beacon at their 7-a-side tournament. This will be a performance remembered for many years to come, as the team left the field to a standing ovation from the many spectators there for the quarter final. 

The 2nd XI also showed many signs of promise with a few strong performances and wins through the season. Mr Jankowski’s proudest moment of the season coming in a sensational 4-3 win against Sevenoaks Prep in the driving rain, in which the boys showed tremendous character and a fair few slide tackles too. 

Colts Football

Our Colts A’s started the year with 4 tournaments in the first two weeks of the season. Mr Parker implemented a new system with the boys this season, which certainly came into effect as the season came on, aided by Video Analysis sessions. Silver Medals at the Sevenoaks Futsal Tournament and the St. Michael’s U10 5a-side Tournament, as well as 2 wins out of the last 3 games highlight the successful nature of the season. The team’s best performance was in a high-quality game against St. Michael’s, one that Mr Parker describes as, ‘the best game of colts football he has witnessed.’ 

The Colts B’s had a tough season, competing admirably and working extremely hard in training with Mr Nagy. This effort paid off in their final match of the season with a fantastic performance against Hilden Grange. Max B’s sensational volley playing a key role in the victory. 

The Colts C’s finished the season as the Solefield team with most wins. With Mr Bowden as a driving force, the team went from strength to strength, winning 5 games. Excellent performances against Bickley Park and St. Michael’s being the highlights of their season. 

Our Colts D’s season with Mr Henry was certainly eventful, with high scoring games seen week by week. Victories against Marlborough House and St. Michael’s show how far the team came this year, with Tommy C’s goal near the end of the season being a highlight for Mr H. 

The Colts E’s epitomised the pride that all of our boys have shown in wearing the Solefield badge this season. All their endeavour in matches and practice came to fruition in a dramatic 1-0 win against Hilden Grange with Barny R-H being the hero on the day.  

Junior Football

The U9 A’s also had a great showing at the Sevenoaks School Futsal tournament with a second-place finish. Their level of football certainly improved as the season wore on. They competed strongly as their 4 draws would attest to. The individual highlight of the season for Mr Parker was Zach B’s sensational strike from inside his own half at the Yardley Court Tournament. 

U9B’s showed a lot of heart in a tough season with Mr Henry. Highlights include an excellent performance against Sutton Valence Prep. 

The U9 C’s saved their best performances for their last two games with superb wins over St. Michael’s and Hilden Grange with Richard K scoring 2 fine goals in the final victory of the season. 

The U8’s first full season of football was also filled with excellent battling displays and beautiful goals too. Leo K-B’s goal in the opening game of the season set the tone for the boys and a 9-2 victory over Yardley Court with goals from Bertie M, Benedict B and Francis S highlight the potential in the year group. 

Finally, this season the school hosted our first ever U7 Community tournament for our Year 2 boys. The boys competed excellently in this, finishing 2nd in the tournament. Mr Parker and Mr Raymond have been thrilled with the boys’ progress in training too. 

So, with that, an excellent football season comes to a close. Thanks again to the boys, Staff and of course the parents for their support throughout the season and for encouraging your children to develop their skills.