U11 ISFA Football Competition Match Report
Venue: Aldenham School Date: Friday, 3rd October 2026
The Edge Grove U11 football squad arrived early at Aldenham School for the ISFA Competition on what proved to be a wet and drizzly morning. The team completed an extensive warm-up focused on fundamental principles: shifting the ball quickly and accurately, and developing a patient, attacking build-up to prepare us for the competitive pool stage.
The Pool Stage
Our pool included three formidable opponents: Aldwickbury, York House, and Beechwood Park.
Match One vs. Aldwickbury
The first match proved challenging from the start, as we conceded two rather fortuitous early goals that immediately put the team under immense pressure. Despite a commendable response from the children, we found ourselves too far behind to overturn the deficit, and ultimately lost the opening game. The effort and character shown, however, were excellent.
Match Two vs. York House
In our second fixture, York House proved to be exceptionally quick and strong. Their ability on the ball and the speed with which they moved it through and around our defence allowed them to make excellent inroads. We left attackers open too many times in the box and inevitably conceded several goals. However, the scoreline would have been far worse without Teddy, who pulled off several incredible, match-saving stops.
Match Three vs. Beechwood Park
The final game was against a well-drilled Beechwood Park side. They used the full expanse of the pitch, and their quick feet, combined with higher levels of overall fitness, allowed them to expose our defence and score several vital goals.
Summary and Player Highlights
Overall, it was a tough day on the pitch for Edge Grove. We were ultimately outplayed on the morning, but the entire team put in their absolute best effort throughout the competition, demonstrating resilience in difficult conditions.
Several individuals shone brightly:
- Tommy was fast and strong in defence throughout the fixtures. His powerful boot created opportunities for our midfield.
- Edith was incredible, using her ability to shut down the opposition and consistently clear the ball from danger. Her speed and fitness also contributed to her ability to make crucial tackles.
- Cooper ran himself ragged in defence, making many last-gasp tackles to protect our goal.
- Teddy was immense in goal, with his shot-stopping and never-say-die attitude coming to the fore to keep us in the games.
- Harry N ran well, helping to connect with the attack, especially with Tyler in the final game. He also tackled hard and worked well in transition.
- Harry S was strong on the ball and worked hard throughout to create opportunities in attack and was strong in defence.
- Tyler played strongly up front and made the opposing defence work hard with his committed movement and strength on the ball.
- Jack brought high energy to the side and made some good attacking runs.
- Raphael was quick around the pitch and used his powerful left boot to cause problems for the opposition.
All in all, the children learned a great deal from facing such strong opposition and will be better players for the experience.
Senior Basketball – Edge Grove vs Lockers Park (Away)
Final Score: Edge Grove 31–16 Lockers Park
The Edge Grove Senior Basketball team travelled to Lockers Park for what proved to be a thrilling and high energy encounter.
From the very first whistle, the boys responded brilliantly to the message of giving 100% from the off. The starting five for the opening quarter were Aiden K, Leandro M, Aydin J, Bolu M and Blake H, who set the tone with an outstanding display of intensity and teamwork. Aiden K led the charge offensively, scoring 6 points, while the team’s defensive structure was superb, preventing Lockers Park from registering a single point in the first quarter. Leandro, Bolu and Blake worked excellently in tandem, applying consistent pressure and disrupting the opposition’s rhythm.
In the second quarter, Joseph F, Zachary N, Alexander GR, Eashan B and Aiden K took to the court and continued the momentum. Eashan and Alex both contributed 4 points each, while Aiden took on a more defensive role, combining well with Joseph to keep Lockers Park’s scoring opportunities limited.
Quarter three saw the return of the starting five, and the energy levels remained high. Blake chipped in with 2 points and was exceptional defensively, while Aiden K added another 4 points to his tally. The highlight of the quarter came from Leandro, who not only scored 8 points but also hit an outstanding three-pointer that lifted the team and spectators alike.
In the final quarter, Eashan, Leandro and Alex each added 2 points each, ensuring Edge Grove maintained control and continued to extend their lead. The team’s determination and teamwork throughout were key to their well-deserved 31–16 victory.
This was an excellent all-round performance, both offensively and defensively, with every player contributing to the team’s success. If the boys can maintain this level of intensity and focus in training and future matches, there is no doubt more strong performances and results will follow.
The Seniors faced a tough challenge against Merchant Taylors Prep School in a fast-paced fixture that tested Edge Grove’s resilience to the limit. Despite ultimately falling 0-1, the team demonstrated remarkable grit, particularly an outstanding defensive effort in the first half and a significant uplift in attacking cohesion after the break.
Senior Team Football V Merchant Taylors Prep
Edge Grove 0 – 1 Merchant Taylors Prep
The opening period was dominated by the opposition’s possession, forcing Edge Grove to withstand wave after wave of intense attacks. The defensive line and midfield showed real resilience to hold their shape against constant pressure.
In goal, Max was nothing short of immense, pulling off multiple athletic and match-saving stops that kept the team in the contest. His excellent distribution was key to alleviating pressure. Aiden was immense across the pitch, demonstrating incredible speed to track back and cover teammates who had lost their marks. Joseph also started strongly, making several telling tackles and interceptions in midfield.
On the wing, Zach was full of energy and made some promising, rapid runs, though he was unfortunate not to carve out any clear scoring opportunities. Bolu was strong on the ball, showcasing great individual runs to push the team forward. In defence, Blake was excellent, using his strength and speed to great effect to shut down attacks. Leandro demonstrated nice turns and played the ball through well to set up promising moments, and the second half will hopefully see him add more physicality in the tackle and aerial contests. Issac ran hard all game and came closest to scoring, rounding the keeper only to narrowly miss the finish.
The only breakthrough came just before the whistle, a cheeky chip over the keeper that put Merchant Taylors 0-1 up at the half.
The second half saw a marked improvement from Edge Grove. The team began to connect and link up with their passing, looking far more like a cohesive football unit. This shift allowed Edge Grove to slowly build and retain more possession, turning the match into a more even contest.
Aydin was involved in plenty of action and ran hard throughout the half. Harry C made his presence felt immediately in attack, chasing down fullbacks and pressuring them into poor passes. Eashan was strong with the ball at his feet, showcasing good control and touches. Alex used his pace effectively but was occasionally unlucky to lose control at crucial moments.
Driving the team forward was Noah, who played an unrelenting high line. He contested well for goal kicks and produced several valuable flick-ons that directed the attack towards the opposition’s goal.
While the final score remained 0-1, the result was a fair reflection of a much-improved second-half performance by Edge Grove. The team should take great confidence from their immense defensive discipline in the first half and the significant progress shown in their passing and teamwork in the second.
The collective effort and resilience displayed, especially by Max in goal and Aiden in defence, were outstanding. This match was an excellent learning opportunity and sets a strong foundation for future fixtures.
Edge Grove Colts A Team BPSFA U11 @ Manor Lodge
Edge Grove’s Colts A team took part in the fiercely contested BPSFA U11 tournament on Wednesday at Manor Lodge, showcasing determination, resilience, and moments of real quality across a demanding schedule of six matches.
Game 1: Edge Grove 0-2 Radlett Prep
The Colts A’s opened their campaign against the eventual champions, Radlett Prep. Despite a spirited effort, Edge Grove were undone by two well-worked moves from Radlett, both resulting in back-post finishes following incisive play down the wings. Teddy was immense between the sticks, making several crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable and giving his side a chance throughout.
Game 2: Edge Grove 1-1 HABS
Bouncing back from the early defeat, Edge Grove faced a talented HABS side. Tommy and Tyler were outstanding in midfield, working tirelessly to disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. After falling behind, Edge Grove showed great character and were rewarded when Harry S. unleashed a powerful long-range effort to level the game. A hard-earned and well-deserved point.
Game 3: Edge Grove 3-0 St Helens
The team hit their stride in their third game, producing a dominant performance against St Helens. Tommy led the charge with a superb brace, and Jack showed his predatory instincts by pouncing on a rebound to add a third. Harry N, moved to a more advanced role, caused real problems for the defence and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself. A commanding and confident win.
Game 4: Edge Grove 2-0 Aldenham
Edge Grove’s momentum continued with another impressive display. Raphy was a constant threat on the left wing, repeatedly delivering quality into the box, while Rafael was rock-solid at the back. Goals from Cooper and Tommy – both the result of excellent team build-up and alert finishing – ensured a comfortable victory and further lifted the team’s confidence.
Game 5: Edge Grove 0-1 Manor Lodge
In their final group game, the Colts A’s were edged out by hosts Manor Lodge in a tight contest. Despite creating the better chances late in the game, a swift counterattack in the dying minutes saw Manor Lodge steal a winner. A cruel blow, but one that showed the fine margins of tournament football.
3rd/4th Place Playoff: Edge Grove 0-0 Manor Lodge
In a twist of fate, Edge Grove faced Manor Lodge once again to decide third place. The rematch was a cagey, tactical affair, with both sides showing signs of fatigue but refusing to back down. The match ended in a goalless draw – a fair result in a game where neither side could find the breakthrough.
The tournament proved to be a superb afternoon of football for the Edge Grove Colts A team. From resolute defending and excellent goalkeeping to flashes of attacking brilliance and improved teamwork, there was plenty to celebrate. The boys showed real growth, character, and commitment throughout the day – a proud performance all round.
Edge Grove Colts B Team vs Kingshott (Home)
Despite a tough 8–0 defeat to a strong Kingshott A side, the Colts B team showed great resilience and teamwork throughout. Louis attacked space brilliantly down the wing, Ved made some superb defensive tackles, and Oscar impressed in goal with several brave saves. A challenging match, but plenty of positives to build on for the next fixture.
Edge Grove Colts C Team vs Kingshott (Home)
The Colts C team played at home today against Kingshott Colts B in what was an enjoyable and hard fought fixture. Despite the result not going in Edge Grove’s favour, the team’s attitude and spirit remained high from start to finish.Wolf was deservedly named Player of the Match by Kingshott, a reflection of his relentless intensity and effort throughout the game. Wolf set the standard with consistent work rate and determination, continuing to battle for every ball until the final whistle.There were some excellent passages of play from Edge Grove, particularly in the second half where the team showed clear signs of progression and better movement off the ball. However, Kingshott proved to be a very strong and well organised side, taking their chances well and maintaining control for much of the game.The team can take plenty of positives from the performance, especially their perseverance and teamwork. Moving forward, we will focus on making simpler passes and working the ball into space during attacking phases to create more opportunities in front of goal. Overall, this was a valuable learning experience and a strong team effort that reflects the continued development of the group. Keep working hard in training and look to build on this performance in the next fixture.
Edge Grove Colts D 1 vs 7 Kingshott C
The boys had a tough game against Kingshott’s C team but should feel very proud of their effort and determination. We went down early in the match to a rather “soft” goal but continued to fight hard, showing great teamwork and resilience throughout.
Aarin, Josh O, and Sami were outstanding in defence, working tirelessly to protect Kevin in goal, who made several excellent saves. In midfield, Itai, Rayan, and Hamza were fantastic — breaking up opposition attacks with strong tackles and linking play well with the forwards.
Up front, Joshua R worked well in attack, making several clever passes, one of which set up Hridhann for a well-taken goal. Although the final scoreline didn’t truly reflect the game — as we created a number of good chances we could have converted — the boys can hold their heads high. Their attitude, teamwork, and determination were excellent throughout.
Edge Grove Colts E Team 0 vs 3 Kingshott D
A good effort from the Colts E team this week against a strong Kingshott side. From the first whistle, the Colts E showed real determination and teamwork, working hard to push through Kingshott’s solid defence.
Pranay and Kush were outstanding in goal, pulling off a series of brilliant saves. At the back, Wyatt and Aman worked hard to clear the ball away from danger, while Ben showed great skill and composure, dribbling the ball confidently out of the defensive zone. Torin, Nico, and Chenlang were excellent on the wings, using the wide areas to stretch play and create space for attacking opportunities. The team created several good chances and took some strong shots on goal, but despite their efforts, they were unlucky not to find the back of the net.
Overall, it was a great team performance with fantastic energy, resilience, and teamwork shown by every player. Well done to all the Colts E team!
Edge Grove Colts F Team 1-2 vs Kingshott
The Edge Grove Colts F team delivered an impressive performance, showcasing fantastic spirit and determination, despite ultimately falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Kingshott. The match was a lively affair, with Edge Grove maintaining a high tempo throughout.
Adam was a persistent threat upfront, making several powerful, direct runs that kept the Kingshott defence on their toes. His hard work paid off as he was the one to find the back of the net, scoring Edge Grove’s only goal. The team’s success was built on effort and teamwork across the pitch. Kevin was exceptional in the first half, demonstrating safe hands and providing some huge clearance kicks as goalkeeper. After swapping with Kevin, Rayan immediately became a dangerous force in attack. He was only denied two different spectacular goal opportunities by some brilliant saves from the Kingshott keeper. The midfield engine of Arhaan and Avi was tireless, keeping the tempo of the game high. They worked box-to-box, tracking back effectively and driving the team forward. The defensive partnership of Alex and Reuben proved disciplined and was crucial in thwarting numerous Kingshott attacks, particularly in the second half. Toran also performed admirably in goal during the second half, not only providing safe keeping but also creating excellent opportunities with his powerful goal kicks.
While the result didn’t go their way, the entire team deserves massive credit for their attitude and effort. The sportsmanship and positive demeanour of the boys were specially commented upon by the opposition coach and parents alike. The Colts F team were a real pleasure to take and were a credit to themselves, the school, and their parents.
Colts A Hockey vs Orley Farm
Edge Grove 4-3 Orley Farm
It was a slow but productive start to the match. We took the first two goals, but with our defence not positioned correctly, Orley Farm managed to equalise with two goals of their own. Fortunately, in the following quarters, excellent teamwork from Lily and Asayoma helped us secure another two goals. Overall, it was an evenly matched game with plenty of positives to build on and areas to improve.
Colts B Hockey vs Orley Farm
Edge Grove 0-3 Orley Farm
The Colts B team made an excellent start to the game, holding Orley Farm to a 0-0 scoreline at half time. Sienna impressed with her strong runs down the wing, creating several chances in the Dee, while Freya was outstanding in defence, keeping the opposition at bay. Despite multiple opportunities, the team couldn’t quite find the back of the net.
In the second half, fatigue began to show, and Orley Farm took advantage with some well-taken goals. Despite the final 4-0 loss, the team showed great determination and teamwork throughout the match.
Colts B Hockey vs Orley Farm
Edge Grove 0-4 Orley Farm
The Colts C team showed great determination in their match against Orley Farm, ultimately falling to a 4-0 defeat. Despite the final scoreline, the team delivered a strong first-half performance and went into the break with the score level at 0-0.
They worked hard throughout the opening half, creating several chances but were unlucky not to find the back of the net.
Tamsin had an outstanding game, working her socks off and covering every inch of the pitch. Adam gave a solid effort in defence, making some crucial interventions, while Leila impressed with her pace and control down the wing.
Although the second half proved challenging, there were many positives to take from the performance, especially the team’s energy and commitment in the first half.
U9 Football vs Westbrook Hay
Edge Grove A 0-2 Westbrook Hay
Edge Grove B 2-7 Westbrook Hay
Edge Grove C 5-11 Westbrook Hay
It was a cooler afternoon for our first football match of the season, and both the B and C teams arrived ready for battle. With uplifting spirits and great determination, we couldn’t quite match Westbrook Hay for goals; however, by half-time we had matched them for tackles and showed excellent discipline in keeping our positions, which led to goals for both of our teams.
Fantastic goalkeeping from Toyosi and Motunrayo, with Savannah and Minuyan providing strong attacking play throughout. Well played to everyone, a brilliant start to the season!
U/8 Hockey vs Orley Farm
Mrs Warnes’ team:
Edge Grove 5-1 Orley Farm
The match got off to a fast start with the opposition scoring an early goal, putting Edge Grove under pressure. The team showed great determination and spirit to fight back. Alisha’s speed and agility earned her two quick goals, putting Edge Grove ahead. From that point on, the team’s confidence grew. Our defence stayed strong in the third quarter, with Isabella making brilliant runs back to protect the goal. A solid team effort and a fantastic 5–1 win for Edge Grove!
Miss Evans’ Team
Edge Grove 3-2 Orley Farm
The U8s put in an outstanding performance against a strong Orley Farm U9 side, showing just how much they are improving each week. The girls worked extremely hard from the first whistle and were rewarded early on when Orla scored a brilliant opening goal.
There was some fantastic team play throughout the match, particularly a standout moment involving Darcy in defence, who passed beautifully to Lara. Lara then delivered a perfectly timed ball into the D, allowing Orla to finish confidently. This passage of play was a great example of how staying in space makes the game so much easier and more effective.
The girls continued to attack well and created multiple scoring opportunities, with Orla going on to score a hat-trick. Despite their efforts, they just couldn’t quite convert more chances.
In the final quarter, the team mixed things up by rotating positions – attacking players moved into defence and defenders pushed forward. Even with the changes, Edge Grove continued to work their socks off, but Orley Farm managed to sneak in two late goals, finishing the match 3-2.
A brilliant team effort with lots to be proud of – well done, girls!
Miss Lundrigan’s Team
Edge Grove 0-4 Orley Farm
In an exhilarating encounter on the pitch yesterday, our Year 3 hockey team demonstrated remarkable skill and teamwork despite facing a tough loss. Right from the start, the players showcased their determination, moving the ball up the pitch with precision and agility. Their commitment to clearing the ball off the side line was commendable, allowing us to maintain possession and continually press forward.
The girls playing were so positive throughout the match, fueling their enthusiasm as they focused on defending and intercepting side line passes. The movement on the pitch was vibrant, with teammates supporting one another effectively and creating opportunities to score.
While the final score may not have reflected the effort put in, the spirit and collaboration shown were nothing short of inspiring. We are incredibly proud of how well they worked as a team. With renewed enthusiasm, we will strive to improve next week – onwards and upwards!
Miss Corins’ Team
Edge Grove 4-2 Orley Farm
The U8s had an excellent match this week against Orley Farm’s U9s team, showing real determination and team spirit throughout. Despite a slow start in the first quarter, the team quickly found their rhythm and played with confidence and energy for the remainder of the game.
Tomasz impressed with his superb ball control, while Aria and Luna stood out for their excellent passing and teamwork. The whole team supported and encouraged each other on the pitch, demonstrating fantastic sportsmanship.
The final score was a well-deserved 4–2 win for Edge Grove – a brilliant result! Well done to the whole team, you should be very proud of your performance.
Year 3 A & B Team (5 a side) Football – Triangular Fixture at Beechwood Park School
The Year 3 footballers travelled to Beechwood Park School for a triangular fixture against Beechwood Park and Westbrook Hay. Edge Grove entered both A and B teams, giving all players the chance to gain valuable match experience and showcase the skills they’ve been developing in Games lessons.
The opening round saw Edge Grove A face the hosts, Beechwood Park A, in a tightly contested match. With determination and teamwork throughout, Edge Grove edged ahead with a well-taken goal to secure a 1–0 victory. Meanwhile, the B team produced an excellent defensive display against Westbrook Hay A, holding firm to finish with a 0–0 draw.
In the second round, the two Edge Grove sides met in an exciting all-school fixture. Both teams showed fantastic spirit and sportsmanship, with the A team narrowly winning 1–0 after some great passages of play from both sides.
The final round saw the B team face a strong Beechwood Park A side, who eventually ran out 3–0 winners, despite brave defending and tireless effort from Edge Grove. The A team rounded off their afternoon in style, producing a confident and composed performance to defeat Westbrook Hay 1–0, completing a clean sweep of victories.
Across all matches, our players displayed tremendous energy, enthusiasm, and teamwork. Every pupil contributed to a fantastic afternoon of football, representing Edge Grove with pride and great sportsmanship.
A brilliant effort from all involved. Well done Edge Grove.
U8 C & D Football v Westbrook Hay & Beechwood Park
Our U8 C & D teams had a magnificent afternoon of high-tempo football at the Beechwood Park 5-a-side Football Festival, playing against strong sides from Westbrook Hay and the hosts, Beechwood Park. The boys played with tremendous spirit and enthusiasm, making the event a truly fun-filled spectacle.
The festival was a great showcase of individual talent and teamwork, with several boys delivering outstanding performances:
Finlay was brilliant throughout, dazzling spectators with his excellent dribbling skills and fantastic vision for a pass, dictating play from the midfield.
Noah provided a solid, uncompromising presence, proving to be a tough player to beat, performing admirably both in defence and in goal.
Asher utilised his pace and skill to great effect, constantly challenging the opposition across all his matches.
Zakaria D was a constant threat, demonstrating superb control over the game’s tempo and flow.
Ayden was electric on the ball, showcasing excellent command on the dribble and connecting the midfield with perfectly weighted, insightful passes.
Aryan S played smart, intelligent football and was always involved in the action, linking up play effectively.
Devan played with great intensity and passion, making a number of crucial, well-timed tackles to break up attacks.
Ruairi was a constant source of passion and energy, brilliantly lifting the spirits and performance of his teammates.
Ishan demonstrated his strength on the ball and was heavily involved in all aspects of the game.
A special mention must go to Aryan, who delivered an exceptional goalkeeping masterclass. His performance was outstanding, showcasing cat-like reflexes to keep shots out of the net. Aryan also showed great awareness, running out of his box on numerous occasions to confidently clear the danger before the attackers could even strike.
Zak T was calm and composed under pressure, acting as an excellent role model and leader on the pitch. His guidance and presence were a real blessing to the team, helping to keep spirits and focus high.
Conclusion: It was an excellent afternoon of football, and all the boys should be proud of their effort, skill, and sportsmanship.
They represented the school wonderfully!
U8 E1 7 E2 v Westbrook Hay & Beechwood Park
The U8 E1 and E2 teams had a wonderful afternoon of football at the Beechwood Park Festival, playing great matches against Beechwood Park and Westbrook Hay. The boys truly ran their socks off and showed fantastic enthusiasm and skill. Liam S was a standout with his pace and dribbling skills coming to the fore throughout the games. Rajveer worked hard in defence and was tough to beat, forming a solid barrier for the team. Luca played well and is gaining in confidence with every game. Oscar used his pace and tenacity to great effect, constantly pressing the opposition. Rishi used his intelligence and creativity well to evade the defence and make some great passes to set up his teammates. Laith was strong in defence and also made some good passes forward. Milo played well and was determined in the tackle, winning possession back effectively. Theo used his strength and tenacity to thwart the opposition’s attacks. Riyan was strong on the ball, dribbled well, and made some crucial passes that led to opportunities. Finally, Fritz used his positioning well and showed great determination throughout the festival. It was truly a wonderful afternoon of football that highlighted the promising talent and effort of all the young players.
Year 4 A Team (5 a side) Football – Triangular Fixture at Westbrook Hay Park School
Edge Grove travelled away to Westbrook Hay for a triangular fixture against – Edge Grove, Westbrook Hay and Beechwood Park.
The U9 A Team was split into two 5-a-side teams for the afternoon.
Team 1: Tobi, Ray, Noah, Danny, and James
Team 2: Zachary, Veer, Arjun, Musa, and Matthew
To start, the two Edge Grove teams played a training match against each other, which provided a great warm-up for the competitive games ahead. Team 1 came out on top with a 4–0 victory, thanks to goals from Danny (2), Noah, and James. Team 1 then faced Westbrook Hay, producing some excellent attacking football and securing a 3–1 win. Danny was again on the scoresheet with two goals, and Noah added another.Their fine form continued into the final match against Beechwood Park, where the team went unbeaten with an impressive 4–0 victory. Danny (2), Ray, and Noah all found the back of the net.Team 2 also competed hard in both of their fixtures, showing great resilience and teamwork throughout. They lost 0–3 to Beechwood Park and 0–3 to Westbrook Hay but demonstrated plenty of progress and determination.There was some brilliant football played across both teams. Special mentions go to Tobi in Team 1 for his excellent goalkeeping, putting his body on the line to help secure a nearly clean sheet and to Musa in Team 2 for his fantastic defensive work, consistently winning the ball back for his team.Keep up the hard work in training, boys. I look forward to watching you perform as a 7-a-side team in the upcoming fixtures!
