Joy for Bradfield College as they retain Boodles ISFA Cup in Milton Keynes
Bradfield College 1st XI football team have retained the Boodles ISFA Cup.
They secured a thrilling 2-0 win against Shrewsbury School at Stadium MK on Monday 17 March.
Bradfield have now won three of the last four Boodles finals, securing their position as the UK’s top independent school for football.
Their journey to this year’s final started in the third round with a 3-1 victory over Denstone College, followed by a nail-biting win after penalties away at Eton.
In the quarter-finals there were more penalties, this time to overcome Millfield, before a convincing 4-0 win away to Hampton in the semis.
Bradfield were on the backfoot initially with Shrewsbury the stronger team, but some staunch defending meant that any attacks on the Bradfield goal were thwarted.
Halfway through the first-half a long ball from just outside the Bradfield area caused chaos in the Shrewsbury defence, and Micah John capitalised on the indecision to poke past the Shrewsbury keeper and take the lead.
As time passed Bradfield got more of a foothold in the game and doubled their lead midway through the second-half when left winger Sam Robinson let fly with a left footed thunderbolt from outside the area.
Bradfield are only the third school to achieve back-to-back ISFA wins in the 32 years that the competition has been running.
David Chatwin, Director of Football Performance, was delighted with the team’s performance:
“What a tremendous experience and outcome for the boys to achieve,” he said.
“We had to weather a storm early on, but the back five stood firm and our goalkeeper George Sapsford was outstanding.
“After a few tactical tweaks and a few stark reminders at half-time, our second half performance was excellent, displaying much more control and many chances were created.
“The journey to the final could not have been more difficult, so I think we earnt our luck and the defensive shut out was especially pleasing.”
Chatwin joined Bradfield in September 2023 from Charlton Athletic Football Club and his impact on the team’s performance has been evident, with other recent successes including winning the Hudl Independent Schools League in 2024 and reaching The English Schools FA (ESFA) semi-finals in both 2024 and 2025, the only independent school to get to that stage.
The squad of 18 boys aged 15-18 relished the opportunity to play in such a large stadium to a crowd of 2300 pupils, parents, staff and alumni from both schools.
