After 12 highly competitive fixtures; including 4 fiery affairs in the SOCS SKIL League, and a two-game cup run into the ISFA Bowl, Christ’ Hospital’s 1st XI Football Team eventually rounded off their season on 21 March in a friendly fixture against Lancing College.

The 1st XI’s season started way back when, in (sunny!) September, with an opening round home cup tie against Portsmouth Grammar School going the distance – and seeing CH eventually prevail victorious after a tense penalty shootout.

This win meant that CH therefore progressed into the 2nd round of the ISFA Bowl, and were this time faced up against a slightly different opponent – in terms of location…

So, on 13 November 2025, the squad travelled to play their 2nd round fixture against Ryde School with Upper Chine; a school that resides in the heart of the Isle of Wight!

After an interesting ferry ride, a lethargic start to the game, less than ideal conditions to deal with, and most importantly the absence of key players in the likes of skipper Will and our very own Bruno Fernandes in Ethan, the CH team went crashing out of the cup after an agonising extra-time winner went the way of the team from the Isle of Wight.

However, these performances in the cup proved positive signs for the season ahead – which properly started in early January, with pre-season.

It was a much enjoyable pre-season, which included a trip to watch non-league football in all its glory first-hand – an FA Trophy game between Leatherhead and Horsham FC; a padel tournament; and getting the boots dirty in the annual CH vs Old Blues (previous students of Christ’s Hospital) game. It’s safe to say the boys were more than ready for their first league fixture!

However, due to the typical English weather of the start of the year, that all-awaited league game did not come until 26 February – a fixture against Brighton College at home. In what was a game that was physical, cagey, and very typical of a local derby such as this; it took either team until the second half to break the deadlock. It was Brighton who struck first, and swiftly followed with another unanswered goal not long after. CH had their chances, and by no means did they look the lesser team - however rued opportunities to attack and create that definitive spark meant Brighton College eventually ended the match victors. 

The story of somehow finding themselves on the back foot, despite matching or even bettering the opposing team’s performance on the pitch was one that stuck with CH throughout the season; and meant that as games came at them thick and fast, the winning feeling was not one felt many a time. 

But, in amongst these games - as with any CH sport’s team, especially one with this calibre of talent stacked within it - there were of course still moments of magic. 

The team’s game of the season came against a strong King’s Canterbury side, a 5-3 win in which striker Kamsy scored a brace in the last 2 minutes to break the King’s Canterbury hearts. This game was worthy of 15 goals, let alone 8… 

The undisputed goal of the season came from David in the final game of the season, who seemingly became bored of the game being 0-0, and decided to take the ball past 4 players in the centre of the park before sliding a wicked shot past the keeper into the bottom left-hand corner.

The team ended the season with a record of:

3 wins

3 draws

6 losses

26 goals for

31 goals against

At the award’s ceremony; Luke came away with Player of the Season, David received Most Improved and Will received the Captains’ award.

An article on the CH 1st XI could not be conducted without mentioning the team’s incredible coaches, Mr Grindrod and Mr Beauchamp. Despite a mixed season in terms of results, both coaches never failed to inspire and uplift the team; and their tactical prowess proved decisive in many a game. The team simply could not do it without them.

A special mention must also go to the Grecian (Year 13) students within the team, who have now played their last ever game of football for CH. For their sustained efforts in CH football over the years, to: Will, Luke, Kamsy, Ryo, Noah, Ethan - thank you. 

And for the CH 1st XI Class of 2027, just what may lie in wait for you?