Football

Joe Pepper, Director of Football

The 2019-20 football season was undoubtedly historic both on and off the pitch. As the season abruptly ended due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, many pupils were disappointed that they were unable to end their impressive campaigns, however there was still much to celebrate in these unusual times. The 1st XI, playing a highly attractive brand of passing football, recorded notable victories including a hat-trick of 5-1 wins against Dulwich College, Epsom College and Haileybury. Ryan Trevitt was scintillating in midfield and Jack Goodman led with guts and gusto throughout, meaning that as schools closed the side still had a chance to win their league. Similarly, the 2nd XI were in contention of winning their respective league and cup as the season closed, thanks to the goals of Harry Lawes and Olly Loy. In addition, the 3rd XI, after a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Harrow, and the Under 16As, following an impressive 4-1 win against Haileybury, both had the opportunity to win their leagues as the season closed.

In the 117 games that we were able to play, with many missed due to one of the wettest winters on record, St John’s scored an impressive 296 goals with plenty of exciting matches including: the Under 16B 4-4 thriller against Epsom College; the Under 14A’s 4-3 victory over Berkhamsted; the U13A’s 4-5 loss to Glyn and the Under 15B’s 9-4 win away at Haileybury. This victory was even more memorable for the amazing six goals from Charlie Eisinger, which we believe to be a school record for most goals in a fixture.

Despite the way it ended, the season was a highly memorable one with three particularly historic moments for the School. First, the Under 15A side who, like many, were about to win their league, made history when they reached the ISFA National Quarter Finals. This is the furthest any St John’s side has gone in a national cup. They narrowly lost out to Bede’s but were outstanding ambassadors for the School and Football Club. Secondly, this year saw two pupils gain Academy Scholars’ Contracts, joining Old Johnian Joe Haigh (Chelsea FC) who ‘returned’ to school this year to deliver a virtual talk to pupils. We are delighted that Henry Jeffcott will be joining Arsenal FC and Josh Clarke will be heading to AFC Bournemouth. They are both outstanding footballers with bright futures. Finally, we launched our girls’ football programme this year, which resulted in 30 Lower School girls taking to the pitch to represent St John’s. We look forward to seeing how this develops over the coming seasons and are sure it will be a great success.

“The 2019-20 football season was undoubtedly historic both on and off the pitch.”