Boys' Football Programme
Ardingly College has a fantastic reputation for football, built on competitive success, outstanding facilities, and a proven track record of nurturing talented players. With 16 teams competing in weekly block fixtures against other schools, football is one of our major and most popular sports.
Elite-Level Competition
The Ardingly College 1st XI competes in the prestigious HUDL Independent School League and participates in some of the most renowned national school football competitions, including the ISFA Boodles Cup, ISFA 6s, and the London Cup. These high-level tournaments provide players with valuable experience against the best school teams in the country.
For gifted footballers or those with the ambition to progress, we offer a Performance Pathway, which includes focused coaching and individual development plans to maximise potential and achieve the highest level of performance.
A History of Success
Ardingly College has a proud history of footballing achievements. The 1st XI has claimed victory in the ISFA Boodles Cup three times (1998, 2015, and 2016), highlighting the sustained quality of the team. More recently, in 2023, the 1st XI lifted the London Cup, maintaining their status as one of the top independent school teams in the country.
Success extends beyond the senior team. The U15s secured the ISFA Cup in 2014, showcasing the depth of talent within the college. Additionally, teams across multiple age groups (U12, U13, U14, U15, and the 1st XI) have won the Sussex County Cup on multiple occasions, reinforcing Ardingly’s dominance at the county level.
International Exposure & Development
Ardingly College footballers benefit from extensive opportunities beyond domestic competition. The teams embark on international tours and pre-season training camps, with recent trips including Barcelona and Eindhoven. These experiences expose players to different playing styles, elite coaching, team building, and cultural enrichment, enhancing their development both on and off the pitch.
Producing Professional Talent
Over the years, Ardingly College has nurtured several talented footballers who have gone on to forge successful careers in the sport. Notable alumni include:
- Shimi Mhueka – Chelsea
- Adam Virgo – Brighton & Hove Albion
- Josh Taylor – Dorking Wanderers
At Ardingly, we work closely with players, their parents, and academies to ensure students reach their full playing and academic potential. Our top athletes receive personalised strength and conditioning programmes to enhance performance and keep them injury-free.
Girls' Football Programme
Our Girls' Football Programme offers opportunities for all players, regardless of experience, to participate in football, while also providing tailored pathways for those looking to develop their game further.
In the Michaelmas Term, our girls can choose football as their primary sport, training and competing alongside the boys' football teams. During the Lent and Trinity Terms, the programme includes two training sessions per week and regular Saturday fixtures, ensuring consistent development and competition.
The girls' teams enter cup competitions, providing a wide range of competitive opportunities at every level. We enter prestigious tournaments such as the ISFA Cup, County Cup, and ESFA Cup, ensuring our teams are exposed to the best school football opportunities.
Girls also have a Performance Pathway programme , which includes focused coaching and individual development plans to maximise potential and achieve the highest level of performance.
Programme Structure
Our programme is structured across multiple age groups, allowing for progression at every stage:
- Senior Teams: 1XI, 2XI
- Junior Teams: U15/14A, U15/14B, U13 ABC
- Prep Teams: U11 ABC
Competitions Entered
- U18: ISFA Cup, ISFA Trophy, ESFA Cup, County Cup, ISFA Southeast League
- U16: County Cup, ESFA Cup
- U15: ISFA Cup, ISFA Trophy, ESFA Small Schools Cup, ISFA South League
- U14: County Cup
- U13: ISFA Regional Cup, ISFA National 7-a-side, ESFA Small Schools Cup
- U11: ISFA National 7-a-side Tournament, ESFA Primary School Tournament
Recent Success
- U18: ISFA Cup Quarter-Finalists for the last 3 years and ISFA Trophy Semi-Finalists (2023/24, 2022/23)
- ISFA Trophy Finalists in 2023/24 and 2022/23
- County Cup Champions (2021, 2022)
- Over the past 3 years, five players have represented ISFA in Summer Camps, national squads, and county representative teams.
Outstanding Facilities
Football at Ardingly College is supported by exceptional facilities. The college boasts seven full-sized grass pitches and two dedicated training pitches, all set within the stunning nine-acre playing fields. The main pitch, known as "The Upper," overlooks the school and provides a picturesque yet competitive setting for matches. These facilities are maintained to the highest standards by the college’s expert grounds team, ensuring excellent playing conditions throughout the season.
elit exercitation
Non culpa in deserunt excepteur ut veniam.
elit exercitation
Non culpa in deserunt excepteur ut veniam.
aute anim
Sit magna amet dolore.
enim magna
Consequat ipsum pariatur adipisicing in consectetur exercitation ex. Cupidatat exercitation nostrud ullamco laboris eiusmod culpa dolore.
in labore
Ut dolore dolore nulla. Culpa non irure fugiat pariatur veniam et. Sint proident pariatur dolor eiusmod exercitation amet duis.
excepteur dolor
Non sunt culpa labore dolor consequat aliqua.
duis veniam
Do nulla culpa dolore cillum deserunt elit commodo.