Sports Round Up Season 2023/24

Our college sports teams had an excellent year.

Football

Men’s 1st Team

Our 1st Team finished the 23/24 season as runners up in the Surrey Sixth Form League, unfortunately missing out on a 3rd league title in a row. The boys had a fantastic run in the ECFA Knockout Cup, getting to the 5th round and knocking out Peter Symonds College along the way. Unfortunately, Godalming were beaten narrowly 4-3 by the finalists of the competition, Itchen College. At the AoC South East Regional Tournament this year, Godalming 1st team did fantastically well and finished as runners-up in the whole tournament, losing 1-0 in the final - almost having the opportunity to represent the South East Region at Nationals. Top Goal Scorer - Ben Varley, Players Player - Luke Jarvie, Managers Player - Harry Parker.

Men’s 2nd Team – Kevin Broad
'Hard to beat' sums us up well this year. Not many teams got the better of us but we were not often able to capitalise on our defensive strengths and win many games. Notable individual performances included ‘keeper Max Walker versus Portsmouth College in the 1st round of the AoC Cup.  Having already scored from a wind-assisted goal kick in normal time, Max went on to be the penalty-save hero in the shootout which saw us progress in the competition before being eliminated by Collyers. A mention too for a mainstay of the side this season, Alex Cummins. Alex heroically played on for 70 minutes with an injury versus Esher and helped us secure one of many draws.  

Men’s 3rd Team – Alan Reed
An excellent season for the 3rd team with a committed group of players who developed a clear playing philosophy throughout the year which produced some outstanding results. The team was well captained by Joe Williams with good leadership support from other upper 6th students such as Max Levitton. Highlights included a narrow 1-0 home victory versus Reigate and a 2-1 win away from home against titles rivals Gordon’s. The team went into the last match of the season at home against Esher knowing that 3 points would secure the league title while Esher only needed a draw to become champions. Despite going 1-0 ahead in the first minute through top scorer Charlie Jones, Esher were able to find the quality needed to win the match with Godalming eventually finishing in 3rd place in the league. Player of the season was forward Freddie White.

Men’s 4th Team – Jez Ingram
Although not a great season results wise, the team 4 squad were very keen and reliable and a good group of players to work with. Some of team 4 had an opportunity to play for team 2 & 3 which helped with their development throughout the season. Players to mention are: Joe Foreman who played in every game for two seasons at left back. Filip Samaras great character to have in the squad, played in multiple positions. Alex Oliva always first on the team sheet and was selected to play for team 2 & 3 multiple times. 

Women’s Football – Sophie Hollis
This season the Godalming College women’s team have been great! Players of all abilities came together to represent the College proudly. The dedication, teamwork, and positive attitude of every player was fantastic.
Working with this group has been a pleasure. Their commitment to training was great and their hard work showed in training and games. The team spirit was strong, both on and off the pitch, which played a big part in our success.
We had some great results, both at home and away. The girls dominated possession and scored some lovely goals. Special shout-out to Kate and Lily for their amazing saves and leadership in between the sticks. Never an easy job!
It has been an honour to coach such a lovely group and hopefully, there will be more success in the future!

Men’s & Women’s Rugby – Jonny Burden

We have successfully become a partner school of the Harlequins Community Foundation, working in partnership to deliver a high quality rugby provision for boys and girls players. The men’s team won the AoC South East Regional League, just pipping Worthing College to the title on points difference. The first time a Godalming side has won the league in 6 years. The men’s team also competed in the ECRFU National Cup Competition. Worthing got their own back in the quarter-final kicking a penalty with the last play of the game to win it 10-7. The men’s team also competed in two 7s tournaments. The AoC South East Regional 7s, getting to the semi-finals of the main competition. The boys also competed in the Edwin Doran Surrey Schools Senior 7s against some of the best schools in the country. A good marker to see where we want to get to. The women’s team has been rejuvenated, playing in their first AoC tournament for 5 years, playing against some established women’s teams and performing really well as a group throughout the day.

Hockey – Vicky Shelbourn

The Godalming College Hockey team had a great season, with excellent achievements across multiple competitions. In the Surrey 6th Form League, they demonstrated consistent skill and determination, culminating in a well-earned position as runners-up. Their tenacity was equally evident in the AoC Mixed League, where they again finished as runners-up, showcasing their versatility and strength across different team compositions. We are also very proud of our mixed second team in their first ever season of competitive fixtures which is a real step in the right direction for future progression. The team's prowess extended to the national stage, where both the men's and women's squads made impressive runs to the semi-finals of the National Cup. This achievement highlights the depth of talent within the college, with both genders excelling in high-stakes matches against strong opponents. In the English Colleges squads, Godalming were again successful with Fin Hoddle, Richie Turpin, Ben Field, Lucy Cochrane, Freya Walsh, Darcy Ingham, Eleanor Francis and Violet Eames all selected to represent. Overall, Godalming College Hockey's season was a testament to their hard work and passion for the sport, setting a high bar for future campaigns and establishing them as a formidable force in college hockey circles.

Netball – Debbie Baker

A highly successful season for Godalming netball with both teams winning their respective divisions of the Surrey Sixth Form League. Neither of the teams lost a league game all season with the 1st team finishing 6 points clear of closest rivals Collyers, while the 2nd team finished 7 points clear at the top. The 1st team also had some excellent results in the AoC and SiS cups. Due to the success this season, the netball provision will be expanding to start a 3rd & 4th team while the 1st & 2nd teams will be playing in a higher standard of competition.

Basketball – Phil Waghorn/Jordan Hunt/Saiquan Jaimison

A good season for the basketball team finishing with a league record of 8 wins and 5 losses which saw them finishing second to Woking College who recorded a 100% record. The team did well to maintain a consistent level of performance despite working with 3 different coaches during the season. Highlights included a triple overtime victory against SJB and a 1 point win over Esher.