Year 10 football league winners

Our Year 10 football team played their final league game of the season last week vs Oasis Coulsdon, in what was to be the most important game of their season towards winning the Croydon Schools Football League.

Orchard Park did not make light work of the situation, having ended the first half with the scores tied at 1-1, with a clean strike from Mahmoud. With a lapse of concentration, Oasis Coulsdon equalised and grew in confidence as the half continued. With a rallying cry from Mr Headley reminding them of their high standards, Orchard Park demonstrated why they remain unbeaten in the league for the past three years.

During the second half, the boys shifted gear and demonstrated their superiority by scoring three goals from Zachariah and two from Joseph respectively, without reply. The league deadline was Wednesday 1st May and with the team was five points clear. Mathematically, they could not be caught regardless of other fixtures.

The Year 10 team has done extremely well to not only win the league but to win it in such style, whilst remaining undefeated. This is testament to their talent, effort and teamwork. I am sure this record will not be broken for some time! 

We are incredibly proud of every single member of the squad for their tremendous efforts, commitment and attitude throughout the season.

Year 8 football league winners

This season saw our Year 8 team win their first Croydon Schools Football League title.

It was not without its twists and turns, having a hard fought battle with Thomas More School for the top spot.

Orchard Park started the season strong, with a convincing win over their title rivals, but narrowly faced a 1-0 defeat to local rivals Shirley High. Despite the setback, the team continued to excel as the season presented numerous challenging opponents.

The title was to be decided on the league deadline day as Orchard Park won their final league game vs Oasis Coulson the week before. However, we were left in the proverbial waiting room, awaiting the outcome of Thomas More's game vs Harris Merton which was scheduled on the final day of the season.

The title decider was then down to Thomas More to win their extra game in hand, which would have resulted in Orchard Park narrowly missing out. Many were left pondering 'what if?' in regard to the Shirley Game. As the results from all teams started to filter through, it was a tense final week as the league table was constantly being updated with past results.

The league deadline had passed, and the odds were in our favour as Harris Merton was successful in beating Thomas More in their respective fixture, resulting in Orchard Park being crowned Year 8 League Winners. 

We would like to give a huge shout out to our club captains, Tommy and Ibrahim, for their leadership and quality both on and off the pitch.

Ms L Hansford, Head of PE