Football

The reputation of Sherborne as a football playing school is growing fast and in 2012 there will be around two hundred boys playing competitively, with at least three teams at each of the four age groups. The fixture list is also becoming increasingly competitive as we aim to raise the standards from one year to the next.

We now have block fixtures against many schools including Radley College, The Oratory, Millfield and Clifton College. Last year the 1st XI lost only one fixture and many other teams ended the season with impressive records. We have also joined the Bath and Wilts U19 Schools Football League which should add an extra dimension of competition to many 1st XI games.

In December 2011 we undertook a pre-season tour to Spain with 36 boys (an U18 squad and an U16 squad) and we enjoyed some excellent training at Valencia CF's academy facilities. There are also other opportunities for football to be played at school outside of the Lent term and many other activities in place to help prepare for the main season.

We are pleased to have joined forces with Yeovil Town FC and hope that as well as improving the coaching in practices and the performances on the pitch, this relationship will expose more boys to academy football. Although very successful on our own circuit the next stage in our development clearly needs to be on a larger scale and participation in national competitions is our objective, as well as of course ensuring that all those who represent the school at football are enjoying themselves and achieving success!

Andrew Nurton
Master in Charge of Football