Football is thriving as a sport here at Gresham’s and is offered as an option to students 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 U18 level.
The first team is particularly competitive and has had successful seasons in recent years, finishing second in our independent school league in 2023 and 2024 and reaching the round of 64 of the National ESFA cup last season. Over the two terms, the 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. We enjoy positive relationships with many other schools and play regular fixtures against sides from Langley, Norwich School, The Perse, The Leys, Culford, Woodbridge, St Joseph’s, Felsted, Oundle, Wymondham College and St Felix School. Due to its growing popularity, we have also been able to run a second team for the last two seasons and we now have a Girls U18 football side also, playing fixtures against several different independent schools in what is becoming a rapidly growing sport.
Training takes place three times a week and we focus on developing a variety of aspects of the game, with a keen focus on possession-based play in line with the current philosophy of the English FA. We take pride in improving every student 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, something that is evident from the growing number of students of all abilities that take part.