Why do we play football?
Football is the most popular sport in the UK. It has global appeal due to its accessibility, irrespective of gender, sexuality, ethnicity, age or ability.
At Bryanston, we believe that football can cater for all. For those who wish to play for fun, football provides competition with opposition which is sure to enhance a love of the game. For those who wish to play to compete, football delivers on all fronts with a competitive training and competition programme. Some will play for social connection, to feel part of a team and promote a sense of belonging.
In 2024, Bryanston’s footballers, both girls and boys had an exceptional football season and were crowned winners of the U18 UK South West Independent Schools League in their debut season.
'Football is fun; the concept of the game is easily understood from my perspective, it’s a game I have a natural aptitude for it. It is good for my mental health and developed my social interactions. I have become more confident as I have had supportive people around me who encourage and acknowledge my success.'
Who can play football?
The programme is open to boys and girls across all ages.
Autumn term (Sep–Dec)
- Senior boys only (Years 11-13)
- Entry into Independent Schools FA (ISFA), English Schools FA (ESFA) and Dorset County Cup competitions
- Friendly fixtures every week
- Football extra curricular activities and lunchtime clubs (Year 9 & 10 pupils)
- Individual/small group extra sessions for sports scholars
- Host local prep school football festivals
- October Half Term Football Camp
Spring term (Jan–March)
- Senior & junior boys and girls teams
- Senior & junior boys entered into South West Independent Schools (SWIS) leagues
- Senior girls entered into South West Girls Independent Schools (SWGIS) leagues
- Competitive block fixtures
- 3-4 football engagements per week
- House tournaments
- Possibility of domestic & international tours
- Easter Performance Football Camp
Summer Term (April–July)
- Football & futsal extra curricular activities
- Entry into futsal tournaments & fixtures
- Individual/small group extra sessions for football scholars
- Entry into Summer League Competition for senior boys
- Summer Performance Football Camp
'Bryanston has further strengthened my love and desire for football and because of this, I always wake up feeling blessed and grateful that I have been given the chance to attend such a beautiful school that provides so much opportunity to develop and learn. Not only in football, academically or physically but mentally.'
Heart, body, craft and mind
Our sports scholars and performance athletes benefit from our High Performance Sports Programme. They have access to cutting-edge technology, featuring 3D motion cameras, integrated force platforms, and an indoor track.
Our experts provide personalised guidance to enhance performance, strength and conditioning and facilitate efficient recovery.
'Being a scholar at Bryanston has improved not only my technical ability but also my physicality through the Performance Sports Programme (PSP) which works specifically on strength conditioning off the pitch.'
Facilities
- Up to six excellently maintained grass football pitches (also used by Southampton FC Academy to host domestic and international tournaments)
- Top of the range 11v11 box goals, intermediate 9v9 goals and mini-target practice goals
- Adidas match kit for 1st XI teams
- State of the art Sports Centre equipped with the following:
- 2 x sports halls for indoor football / futsal
- HPSP gym including an indoor 40m sprint track, high tech speed gates, force plates and more to measure all things performance and improve athletic development
- Access to HPSP staff expertise in the fields of Sport Science and Strength & Conditioning for tailored individual programmes
- Classrooms for training and match video analysis using our Veo cameras
- Recreational gym (all pupil access)
- Indoor heated 25m swimming pool
- Physiotherapy/rehabilitation programme access
- Spin cycling room
'As a football scholar, I have access to extra training sessions and matches which drastically improves my game, and PSP (Performance Sports Programme) which helps improve my physical and athletic attributes. As a scholar, it also gives me added pressure and responsibility to make sure I’m always performing outstandingly and working hard which I definitely do.'