Year 7 AND 8 FOOTBALL

Our most challenging game was away, against St Peter’s School in the cup, where we unfortunately lost 5-4 in extra time, St Peter’s eventually made it to the final. We learned a lot in this game and it is, in my opinion, the most important game we have played. Team spirit was vital as we had to battle through a tough game. We learned to be composed on the pitch, which is one of our team’s biggest strengths.

This year has been a successful season for Year 8 Football, and I feel privileged to be able to represent the team as captain; whether it is Saturday morning friendlies, or taking the minibus to away games, the team has never been better.

This year has been very successful for the AGSB Year 7 football team. We have won the majority of all our games and only lost one in the whole campaign so far. We have grown a lot as a team and made many memories throughout the year, ranging from freezing away days and muddy pitches, to delicious post-match scran.

Despite a few pre-match nerves and playing as a team for the first time, our debut game resulted in a solid 6-1 home win against The Rossall School. This important win set the tone, to become the first of a run of six games where we were unbeaten and only conceded six goals. As a team we were working hard on playing around the back and building up attacks from defence.

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Every Thursday after school, we have training, which is amazing, because we develop our skills through drills and training matches. Playing for the school team is not only a privilege but great fun. When we play away, the bus rides there and back are always enjoyable and never boring. Aside from that, it is great to explore other schools, from near and far all, with a taste of adventure. Since our defeat to St Peter’s, we remain unbeaten in seven games, mainly all in the Trafford Cup. At the time of writing this, we have succeeded to reach the Trafford Cup Final against an undecided opponent. Our biggest win this year by goal difference was against Oldham Hulme Grammar School where we won 13-3. It has been a fantastic year, making new friends and winning games.

The year started off with a cancelled game against King’s Chester, and our campaign began with St. Bede’s. I remember Mr Cammack telling me that we “had to win the game.” We beat them 11-1, even with the game being cut short due to them forfeiting and the only goal we conceded being an own goal, it gave us the confidence that we needed. Following 2 consecutive wins, we would play our first Greater Manchester Cup game against Standish. 3-1 up and looking confident, Standish would equalise. This would be short lived, as C Heyward would fire home with an exquisite header. Winning 5-3, we would advance.

We wished to continue our win streak going into the toughest game of the season but fell short to the feet of Kai Rooney’s MGS. Now comes the period of many cancelled games: Abbey Gate, Oldham, and AKS to name a few. However, we would play the next round of the cup against West Hill in boggy conditions. After a tight first half ending 0-0, West Hill would break the deadlock in the second as a clearance would unfortunately end up in the net; thanks to 4 goals from a determined side, we won 5-1.

Coming into 2023, our greatest challenge was the first round of the Trafford Cup was next. Our first test would be playing Sale Grammar School. We conceded first from a penalty, but we equalised early and scored another. Second half goals ensured a repeat wouldn’t happen. Two weeks later, we would play Wright Robinson, taking a 1-0 lead before the half; unfortunately, we could not last, the many academy players took their chances and we lost 5-2.

Overall, I am proud to have captained the team and despite not being able to lift a trophy, we saw some great games of football, including expert defending, by A Odumade and P Pindy. Having transitioned into 11-a-side and made some new additions to the team, it took some getting used to, but we performed well as a team throughout the season. A big thanks to Mr Scott & Mr Cammack for their continued help over the season!

D Chen