Football is a popular and thriving sport at Gresham’s and is offered as an option to pupils in Years 11 to 13 in both Michaelmas and Lent terms. We are blessed with three full-sized pitches that enable us to play regularly and operate several teams at an under-18 level. We are also starting a boys’ under-15 team that will participate in cup competitions only, and train in the evenings, to introduce younger pupils to the sport. This is also in the pipeline for the girls.
The first team is particularly competitive and has had successful seasons in recent years, including strong performances for the boys in our local independent school league and progression to the later stages of various national cup competitions. The girls have enjoyed equal success in the Norfolk County Cup, celebrating a number of notable achievements. They also compete regularly in fixtures against local schools, as well as independent schools from further afield.
Over the two terms, the Boys’ First Team will play over 20 matches, including games in our Eastern Region Independent School Football League, as well as national and local cup competitions. The girls have up to 10 scheduled school fixtures this term, reflecting a busy and competitive programme. We are proud to maintain strong relationships with a number of fellow schools and regularly compete against sides from Langley School, Norwich School, The Perse School, The Leys School, Culford School, Woodbridge School, St Joseph’s College, Felsted School, Oundle School, Wymondham College, King’s Ely and St Felix School.
Due to its popularity, we are also able to run a second team for the boys. Participation among the girls has grown significantly, and enthusiasm continues to build in what is fast becoming a rapidly expanding sport within the school. With this growth, there are plans to field a second girls’ team in the future. We are also pleased to offer a more social option through our evening football club for both boys and girls, where pupils can simply play for enjoyment in a relaxed environment, without the pressure of competitive fixtures.
Training takes place three times a week, and we concentrate on developing a variety of aspects of the game, with a keen focus on possession-based play in line with the philosophy of the English FA. We take pride in improving every pupil and helping them to find their place within the side they represent. The emphasis is very much on enjoyment of the game and allowing players to develop confidence in themselves and others around them. This is clearly reflected in the growing number of pupils of all abilities who are choosing to take part.
We are always looking for new opportunities to support our budding footballers, and we are delighted to have established an exciting new link with Holt Ladies Football Club. Several girls now train weekly with Holt and can play matches for both Holt and Gresham’s School.
