U16s at Hale End : Arsenal Academy Invitational Tournament

By Tom Scrimshaw

Whilst it would be an understatement to call the Hampton U16A team’s season anything short of brilliant, The Arsenal Academy Invitational Tournament provided the perfect opportunity for the team to begin to draw to a close their last season together before heading into the senior teams next season.

On a mild but gusty spring morning, Hampton’s U16As set off across London to Hale End, the venue for the highly anticipated tournament. With the format of the tournament taking the shape of a round-robin configuration, and all matches being 20 minutes long, the team were wary of the colossal effort they were about to partake in, but knew all the same that they most certainly had it in them to play their usual attractive brand of football in all five of their matches.

First up was Bradfield School, a side that Hampton had previously beaten 3-0 earlier in the season, however a lack of sharpness in the opening moments of the fixture ultimately left Hampton with a mountain to climb in very little time. Despite staying resilient and grabbing a goal back courtesy of an expertly placed free – kick from Alex Pollock, Bradfield claimed a 3-1 victory to open the tournament. 

Hampton’s next challenge came in the form of a stubborn Bedes side who, despite facing an onslaught of chances from the team in black and gold, were able to keep a clean sheet and come away with a creditable point in a 0-0 draw. 

Up next for Hampton was top of the group, Buckswood School, who despite looking threatening in their previous games, were largely unable to break down a determined Hampton defence, scoring with arguably their only clear-cut chance to tie the game at 1-1 late on. 

Heading into the penultimate game of the day, Hampton knew that they had it in them to find a win, and after a coherent team display against Dulwich College, ending in a 2-0 victory, the final was very much in sight.

The only team that stood in the way of Hampton now was Millfield School, a team they had already met in a 4-3 victory earlier in the season. However, aware of the very different challenge that faced them this time, Hampton went into the game knowing that the 3 points up for grabs were vital to sustain their challenge for the title. After a frustrating 1-0 loss that paid little in the way of attacking dividends, Hampton could no longer finish in the top two of the group, therefore drawing their tournament to a close.

Despite the disappointment of it not being Hampton’s day, the team were able to reflect on what had been an enjoyable experience for all, playing at a professional training ground against competitive opponents in a fun-filled day.