Kimbolton’s U13 Girls Football team have made history by qualifying for the Independent Schools FA (ISFA) National Finals – an outstanding achievement in the school’s first year of girls’ football fixtures.

The team secured their place in the national finals after finishing second place at the regional qualifying rounds held in Warwick. Facing tough competition in the 7v7 format, the girls opened with a well-earned draw against Repton School, current ESFA National Finalists. This was followed by a strong win over Stephen Perse and a draw against St Helen and St Katharine’s.

A narrow loss to eventual winners King’s High left the team needing to win both of their remaining matches to stay in the game. Rising to the challenge, the girls delivered back-to-back victories over Edgbaston and Loughborough High, clinching a second-place finish – and booking their ticket to the national finals.

The team will now travel to the iconic St George’s Park – home of the England football teams – on Thursday, 19 June to represent Kimbolton on the national stage.

“This is a remarkable achievement and testament to the determination and team spirit of our girls,” said Mr Creag Lawrence, Director of Sport at Kimbolton School. “To reach the national finals in our very first year of competitive girls’ football is something we’re incredibly proud of. The future of girls’ football at Kimbolton is looking very bright indeed.”

The team’s success caps off an exciting debut season for girls’ football at Kimbolton. In addition to the U13s’ run in the ESFA U13 Small Schools Cup – reaching the third round – the U18s also played their first friendly against St Peter’s, Huntingdon.

Girls’ football has quickly become one of the most popular after-school activities at Kimbolton, with over 25 pupils regularly attending Thursday club sessions. Looking ahead to next academic year, the school will expand its fixture list with teams at U13, U15 and U18 level competing in regional and national competitions.

We wish our U13 team the very best as they head to St George’s Park in June!