After a league title and cup final appearance the previous season and a trip to St George’s Park to train like internationals, expectations were sky-high for Carisbrooke College’s U16 boys football team and they certainly delivered with a campaign full of passion, perseverance, and unforgettable moments. 

The season kicked off with a gritty Hampshire Cup tie on Wednesday 18 September, as the boys travelled to Brookfield Community School. Still riding the momentum of last year’s success, Carisbrooke hoped to test themselves at a higher level. The first half was a defensive battle. Goalkeeper Gabe made a series of stunning saves while the back line threw themselves in front of shots to keep it scoreless. An injury to centre-back Benji, who courageously blocked one shot too many, shook the team. But up front, Owen pressed tirelessly and was rewarded when he blocked a keeper’s clearance and watched it bounce into the net. Brookfield equalised with a flowing move, but just when it looked like the momentum was shifting, Oli’s fierce tackling reignited the squad. The second half was a showcase of resilience. 

Despite conceding a second, Carisbrooke rallied again. With time winding down and the scores tied, a penalty in the dying minutes was calmly converted by Theo, sealing a dramatic 3-2 win.

Their next test came in the English Schools campaign, and it was nothing short of dominant. Despite a delayed ferry crossing, Carisbrooke dismantled Mayville 12-1 in a dazzling display of attacking football. Oakleigh opened the scoring before Euan, Owen, Flynn, Riley, and Theo all found the net with Theo even bagging a hat-trick, despite playing much of the game at right back. The team showed not just flair, but unity, as players adapted across positions and embodied the spirit of “WestbyBall”  crisp passing, total commitment, and togetherness. Euan and Theo earned Man of the Match honours.

The English Schools Cup journey continued with a hard-fought battle against Leaf Studio School in Poole. After falling 2-0 behind in the first half and then conceding a third, Carisbrooke refused to crumble. Euan sparked the comeback with a thunderbolt from inside his own half and the boys rallied late, but a controversial fourth goal ended their English Schools run. Despite the 4-1 loss, their second-half display was one of courage and cohesion.

Bouncing back less than two weeks later, Carisbrooke faced a physically strong Priestlands side in the Hampshire Cup. With new-look defensive combinations, including Gabe, Jack, Tyler, and Riley, the team battled brilliantly. Theo struck first with a sharp finish before Owen earned a penalty that Theo converted to make it 2-1. But Priestlands equalised late, sending the game to penalties. What followed was pure theatre. With Jim pulling off two sensational saves, and penalties converted by Euan, Jack, Oli, and Gabe, Carisbrooke edged a dramatic shootout 5-4 sparking wild celebrations and confirming their place in the next round.

Momentum carried into another win for the boys over Brighton Hill thanks to a 2-1 victory.  Two more goals from the wonder boy Theo upfront gave the team a place in th quarter-final despite them having to perform without their usual coaching team. However, Mr Fleming and Mr Phillips stepped in and gave the boys the much needed experience and calming approach to ensure they believed in themselves.  Euan once again dominated the midfield ensuring Carisbrooke stayed on the front foot and with Jack and Gabe looking unbreakable at the back the job was done.

In the quarter-final, Carisbrooke were put up against a tough team from just over the water in Mayfield, but on this occasion they were awarded with their first home game of the season.  Again, the boys put together a solid performance with Jim in goal taking everything with ease and, when needing to, pull off great save after save. In what was a close first half, Riley managed to put the boys ahead and when a thunderous long-ranger from Euan in the second half that took off from 30 yards out found the top corner, Carisbrooke had sealed their place in the semi-finals.  

A semi-final showdown against John Hanson School ended in heartbreak, with a scrappy first-half goal proving the difference in a tight 1-0 defeat.  But results only tell half the story. This Carisbrooke side was defined by leadership from Theo, saves from Gabe and Jim, solid defensive performances from Gabe, Jack, Tyler, selfless running from Owen and Oakleigh, energy from Clyde and Ackeem and midfield magic from Euan. Whether it was Flynn adapting to any position needed, Benji cheering from the sidelines after injury, Lucas, Soloman and Bobby filling in for injured players when needed or the squad sharing dodgy post-match singing sessions on the ferry, this was a team in every sense of the word.

They may not have lifted silverware this time, but Carisbrooke’s U16s leave behind a legacy of passion, pride, and performances that will be remembered long after the final whistle.  With hat-tricks from defenders, last-gasp winners, and penalty shootout heroics, this team had it all. A campaign to remember. Well done, lads.

Click here to see profiles for all of the players and coaches.