National Stage Beckons for Samuel Whitbread Football Teams"

"Samuel Whitbread Academy is celebrating one of the most successful seasons in its footballing history, with both its U18 Boys and U18 Girls teams reaching the decisive stages of major National Competitions. In a year that has showcased talent, resilience and ambition across the programme, the Academy is proudly flying the flag for Bedfordshire school football on the national stage.

Boys’ U18S Continuing a Legacy of Excellence

The U18 Boys 1st XI continue to set the benchmark in school football, reaching the semi-finals of the ESFA National Cup for the fourth time in five years, a remarkable demonstration of sustained excellence at national level. 

Their latest statement performance came in a commanding 5–0 quarter-final victory over Carre’s Grammar School. Controlled, clinical and composed, the display reflected the depth of quality and experience within the squad as they advanced confidently into the final four.

A demanding semi-final away to Sandbach School now awaits, with a place in the national final at stake. The fixture presents another opportunity for the group to demonstrate their consistency and competitive edge on one of the biggest stages in school sport.

The boys’ ambitions extend beyond a single competition. They have also progressed to the quarter-finals of the AoC National Trophy and will host Plymouth College in a high-profile home tie. With silverware within reach on two fronts, the squad remains firmly focused on delivering a season to remember.

Built on discipline, work ethic and a strong footballing identity, the U18 Boys continue to represent the Academy with pride, carrying forward a legacy that has become synonymous with success on the national stage.

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Girls’ U18S Making Their Mark on the National Stage

The U18 Girls are enjoying a season that is rapidly becoming one of the most significant in the programme’s history, as they power their way into the latter stages of the ESFA National Cup.

Their journey to the quarter-finals was sealed dramatically with a thrilling 5–4 victory over The American School in London, a match defined by attacking intent, composure under pressure and unwavering determination. In a high-scoring national fixture, the squad demonstrated both technical quality and mental resilience, responding to every challenge with confidence.

Attention now turns to a quarter-final tie against Repton School, widely recognised for its sporting pedigree. The fixture represents another major test, but also a significant opportunity for the squad to continue showcasing the standard of football being developed at the Academy.

This breakthrough season coincides with the launch of Samuel Whitbread Academy’s Girls’ Football Programme in September 2025, an initiative designed to provide a clear pathway for students wishing to combine high-level competitive football with Sixth Form study. The impact has been immediate, with the current U18 cohort setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting era for girls’ football at the school.

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Strong Foundations: U16 Teams Impress Nationally

The future of football at Samuel Whitbread is equally promising, with both U16 squads enjoying impressive national runs this season.

• U16 Boys reached the Last 16 of the ESFA National Cup, narrowly exiting on penalties after a hard-fought 2–2 draw against Coopers’ Company and Coborn School.
• U16 Girls progressed to the National Last 16, concluding a successful campaign with a competitive 3–1 fixture against South Charnwood School.

Both groups have demonstrated the technical ability, determination and character required to sustain the Academy’s strong tradition of footballing success as they progress into the U18 ranks.

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A Programme Built on Culture and Ambition

Director of Football, Jason Goldman, praised the collective achievement:

“To have both our boys’ and girls’ teams competing in the final stages of multiple national competitions is a testament to the hard work, resilience and culture of excellence within our football programme. Teams over the recent years have built a legacy of success that our current students are proud to continue. We look forward to seeing how football at Samuel Whitbread Academy continues to grow in the years ahead."

With key fixtures approaching and momentum firmly behind them, Samuel Whitbread Academy’s football teams continue to represent the school — and Bedfordshire — with distinction on the national stage.