Junior Boys Showcase a Goal-Den Performance at Prep4Sport Tournament

Over the past two weeks, our junior footballers in years 5 and 6 have demonstrated excellent skill, determination and teamwork, reaping great successes at the Prep4Sport tournament. 

The Year 5 A Team showed immense character and resilience at the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. Despite losing their first match to Finton House, the team bounced back to win every subsequent game, setting up a rematch with Finton in the final.

The final felt like an Arsenal vs. Chelsea showdown, with Finton fielding two tremendous Chelsea academy players, and UCS with two equally strong Arsenal Academy players, supported teammates in the QPR and Brentford development squads. The team played brilliantly, with a more defensive setup and clever pressing play, which neutralized Finton’s attacking threat and allowed us to capitalise on key moments. 

The MVP award could have gone to any of the players, given the outstanding performances across the team. However, Raphie L. deservedly took home the honour, thanks to his relentless box-to-box play and an incredible tally of 14 goals throughout the tournament. Magnus P. was a hero in goal, pulling off stunning saves and saving the team from defeat in the final with some critical interventions. It was poetic that the boys had the chance to face Finton again in the final, coming out on top with a 2-1 victory.

But this wasn’t the only great victory for our juniors, Our talented U11 footballers had an overnight stay at St George’s Park (Home of England Football) with Day 1 consisting of group matches where we got off to a superb start beating Kew Green 7-0 with Alex P. scoring 5 goals. Game two was against Hulme Grammar from Oldham, where we ran out convincing winners 9-0. The third match was against Thomas’ Kensington where a win would guarantee winning the group with a game to spare. In the final game of the group, UCS U11s beat Chepstow House 4-0.

With the group games finished, there was an evening of Social Futsal (where we were once again unbeaten), time in the games room and Hydrotherapy led by FA coaches. With UCS being the team to beat, HABS raised their game, going to halftime 0-0. In the second half, UCS were able to find an extra gear, with Josh R. scoring two goals for the win. The semi-final, against Danes Hill, was an even closer encounter with Magnus Y. scoring the only goal, to ensure UCS reached the final.

The final was against the only other unbeaten team in the tournament (Arnold House). This is where MVP Bertie E. provided a moment of brilliance, collecting a clearance near the halfway line, he controlled the ball well and struck a half-volley into the Arnold House goal that would have won any goal of the month competition. 

Overall, it was an amazing team effort, we are incredibly proud of all the boys who participated across both year groups. They demonstrated teamwork, determination, and UCS spirit throughout the tournament. It’s not just about winning but how they fought back and improved after the early defeat, making their victories even more special.