Sports Roundup - Lingfield Autumn Sports Report

As we wrap up the football term, the boys have showcased outstanding success, participating in over 50 matches before half-term boasting an impressive win ratio approaching 60%. Edging to the end of the term the win ratios have continued to be high, having played close to 80 fixtures. 

A remarkable highlight is the dominance of our younger groups, with Years 7, 8, 9, and 10 remaining unbeaten in various rounds of the English Schools FA Cup. Notably, our combined Year 7/8 team has navigated through multiple rounds of two U13 Independent Schools Cup competitions, presenting a strong possibility for a national cup competition victory this year.

These achievements extend beyond cup competitions, with resounding victories against larger schools such as Sutton Grammar, as well as comprehensive wins against schools with a strong sporting pedigree, including Claremont, Ardingly and Royal Russell.

Individually, we congratulate George in Year 9, who has been invited to trial for the Chelsea U14 academy, demonstrating the calibre of talent within our ranks.

Post half-term, the boys have maintained an exceptional run, winning, or drawing around 75% of their matches. Years 7/8 & 9 have progressed to the latter stages of the ESFA Cup, while Years 7 & 8 secured comfortable wins in recent blocks against Sevenoaks and Ardingly.

Success extends to cup tournaments beyond ESFA, with the U13s and U15s reaching the quarter-final of the ISFA Shield and Trophy, setting their sights on progressing to the last four in each competition come January.

Looking ahead, there's a lot of football to anticipate next term, fuelled by the ambition to clinch one or more national competitions. Additionally, we take immense pride in the exceptional number of students in our school teams concurrently making strides in academies, including 12 players at prestigious clubs like Chelsea, AFC, Wimbledon, Charlton, Crystal Palace, and Brighton. This success speaks volumes about the talent and dedication within our football programme. 

The girls' 1st XI faced challenges with injuries, yet they developed considerably as a team. The U15A team, led by Biba and Fleur, remained undefeated, earning them spots in the school's 1st XI. The u12s improved with three consecutive wins. Indoor hockey saw the u18 boys perform admirably at the Surrey tournament.

We're proud of the growing number of pupils playing hockey across the school, and the standard is consistently progressing. Younger children, especially, display a notable aptitude for the sport.

Looking ahead, we focus on enhancing the quality of training and expanding opportunities for success and development in future fixtures and tournaments. Despite the 1st XI's challenging season, it's a transition year, and we anticipate a stronger team next year with promising players from year 10. The u15A team has been a standout success, remaining unbeaten and excelling in the England Hockey plate competition and the ISA cup.

With close to 50 fixtures played this term in Hockey, it's plain to see both participation rate and volume has been high, alongside having solid win ratios across the board, when you combine all the teams. 

Lower down the school, notable performances include Ruby in u14s, Saina and Annabel in u13s, and Ella, Daisy, and Mathilda in U12s. The u12s certainly show great potential for the future.

In the South Indoor Competitions, both boys and girls U18A teams performed well, showcasing their skills against competitive schools, and despite very close games against Reeds and St Georges in the preliminary rounds, it is clear to see that next term has the potential to be very successful from the boys' hockey standpoint.