This year for the first time we have had all of our boys football teams qualify from the West Leicester Football leagues that have taken place at New College since the start of the year. All of the 91 students involved across the 5 year groups have represented English Martyrs' to the highest of standards, demonstrating fantastic teamwork and commitment throughout all of the fixtures.
Alongside this local success our boys' football teams have also made good progress in the English Schools Football Association National competition.
Well done to all those who have been a part of this successful start to the year and good luck in upcoming matches.
Mr Nicholson, Mr O'Donnell, Miss Liburd and Mr Lee.
Year 7 - Miss Liburd's team have only played two matches so far due to a lack of participation from other schools. These two matches have resulted in both victories against New College away. The first score was 2-0 and then we won 3-0. Despite only playing a couple of matches, the boys involved have demonstrated great teamwork, fluid attacking football, and solid defensive displays combined with amazing leadership from captain Beri. Other students that played very well are Enzo, Shecaniah, Kelly and Finley.
As a result of our victories, the team are crowned champions of West Leicester and will now face a fellow champion from elsewhere in the city.
Year 8 - Mr Nicholson's team unfortunately were knocked out of the National School Football Cup following a 1-0 defeat to St Paul's. Despite this loss in their first game, the team then bounced back superbly to win their following two league fixtures against New College (6-3) and Samworth (1-0). Brilliant team leadership was demonstrated by their captain William, however the impressive performances that helped us win the matches came from Connor, Neil, Raijuan and Aaron. Similarly to the year 7's they are also crowned West Leicester Champions and will go on to play in the next round.
Year 9 - Mr O'Donnell's team qualified from the Leicester league with included games against New College and Samworth. Overall they finished top of their group following 3-2 victories against both other schools. Excellent performances from all of the team, however Sean, Kian and Louis put in some excellent individual performances. Unfortunately, the team were drawn against a strong team from Aylesford School from Warwickshire in the first round of the National cup and were beaten 3-0 at home. Nevertheless, the team will continue in the local competition.
Year 10 - The year 10 team started the season very strongly with a convincing 4-1 victory in the National Cup against Rawlins Academy. They also won every game in their local league competition which included New College and Samworth Academy. The team were then knocked out of the National cup with a 4-1 defeat away at Countesthorpe College. Great performances were displayed on a regular basis by Evan, Seth, and Ari.
Year 11 - The year 11 team also got through their first round National Cup fixture, with a 6-5 win against Kibworth School. They are due to play Beauchamp in the next round which will take place next Monday.
They qualified from their Leicester league as well so will continue to progress in this competition. So far, impressive performances have come from Dean, Karol, Robert and Stefan.
Thanks to all the staff who help to run the football teams at English Martyrs.