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Football at Aldenham
Football has a proud and distinguished tradition at Aldenham. The School has a unique place in the history of the sport, having played an important role in the development of the early rules of the game. Today, that tradition continues through an ambitious football programme that combines elite performance with opportunities for pupils of all abilities to represent the School.
Football is the major boys’ sport throughout the Christmas and Lent Terms, with pupils from Years 7–13 competing in a comprehensive programme of school fixtures. Aldenham competes in the ISFA and ESFA national competitions, the Elgin League and Hertfordshire County Cups, alongside a strong programme of regular fixtures against other schools.
We field A and B teams at every age group, together with four senior teams across Years 11–13. Each team has a dedicated member of staff responsible for coaching and managing the side, with pupils benefiting from a highly experienced coaching team that includes former professional players. Fixtures are generally played on Tuesdays and Saturdays for Years 9–13, and Wednesdays and Saturdays for Years 7–8.
Our extensive campus provides outstanding space for football development, with nine full-sized football pitches, three 9-a-side pitches and three 5-a-side training areas. Our facilities are set to be enhanced further with the development of a brand-new all-weather artificial pitch, scheduled to be ready for September 2027. This significant investment will provide an outstanding year-round training and playing environment and further strengthen the provision available to footballers at every level.
Competition is equally strong within the School, with a thriving House Football programme giving pupils further opportunities to play, compete and represent their House.
For our U14 and U15 footballers, the programme extends beyond Aldenham through our biennial football tour to Madrid. Players have the opportunity to train at professional club training grounds, compete against local opposition and experience a live La Liga fixture, providing a memorable insight into football within one of the world’s leading footballing nations.
From pupils representing their School for the first time to aspiring elite players, Aldenham Football provides a pathway that challenges, develops and inspires every footballer.
“Aldenham School provides a wonderful environment for its pupils. The staff are friendly, organised and take time to get to know each pupil and their individuality. Every effort is made to make learning enjoyable and rewarding. Communication between the school and home is excellent and help is always at hand and nothing seems too much trouble.”
PARENTS OF YR 9 BOY, YR 7 GIRL
Success in Football
Aldenham has established an outstanding reputation for football, with success at national, county and regional level and a proven pathway for talented players to progress into international and professional football.
The 1st XI competes in some of the leading school football competitions in the country, including the ISFA National Cup, ESFA National Cup, Hertfordshire County Cup and ISFA Southern Schools’ Elgin League.
National Success
Aldenham has enjoyed remarkable success in the ISFA National Cups. Our U15s have been crowned National ISFA Champions four times, winning the competition in 2018, 2019, 2024 and 2025. Victories against Cheadle Hulme, Royal Russell, Whitgift and Hampton respectively have established a record amount of wins at this age group.
Our U13s became ISFA National Champions in 2023, defeating Dulwich College 3–2 in the final, while our U18s added the Boodles ISFA National Cup, beating Bradfield 3–2. This achievement made Aldenham only the second school to win the major ISFA National Cups at U13, U15 and U18 level.
Success extends into the state and independent school competitions too. Aldenham has won three ESFA National Cups, including the U15 ESFA Elite Schools National Cup in 2023, the U12 ESFA Elite Cup in 2025, and the U16 ESFA National Cup in 2026.
Alongside our national achievements, Aldenham has enjoyed sustained success closer to home, winning 13 Hertfordshire County Cups across different age groups since 2015, as well as six Elgin League titles.
International & Professional Pathways
Our football programme has a strong record of developing players capable of progressing beyond school football. Over recent seasons, 10 Aldenham pupils have achieved junior international recognition.
Former pupil Myles Lewis-Skelly captained England U18s in 2024, having represented his country across several youth age groups. In March 2025, he was selected for the senior England squad, making his international debut and scoring against Albania.
Other international representatives include Pedro Neves-Virginia, who represented Portugal U16s; Max Bustamante, who represented Chile U17s; and Lewi Richards, who represented England at U15 and U16 level. In 2023, Scarlett Kagalwala became Aldenham’s first female football international, representing England U16s.
Today, more than 15 former Aldenham pupils are playing professional football, with players competing throughout the English professional leagues and across Europe.
Alongside our national achievements, Aldenham has enjoyed sustained success closer to home, winning 13 Hertfordshire County Cups across different age groups since 2015, as well as six Elgin League titles.
ISFA Representation and Life Beyond Aldenham
Aldenham players also have the opportunity to represent the ISFA National teams from U14 upwards. More than 15 Aldenham players have gained ISFA representative honours across the different age groups, providing another important step in their development.
The connection with Aldenham Football continues long after pupils leave the School. Senior pupils can become involved with the Old Aldenhamian football team, with former pupils returning to represent the School and maintain friendships and connections developed through football.
Whether a pupil’s ambition is to represent Aldenham, compete for national honours, gain representative selection or pursue a career in the professional game, our programme provides the coaching, competition and opportunities to help every footballer fulfil their potential.
If you love football, you will love Aldenham.
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