Year 7 Football

The Year 7 football teams have made an excellent start to the season, with a series of competitive and high-quality fixtures that have seen fantastic participation across the year group.
The opening match of the season was the traditional Douglas derby against Ballakermeen High School, with four teams in action and nearly 70 boys representing the two schools. It was a brilliant occasion and a great showcase of Year 7 football.
The A team fixture was a closely contested game between two evenly matched sides. Ballakermeen proved more clinical in front of goal, taking their chances despite sustained pressure from St. Ninian’s. After falling behind, St. Ninian’s continued to apply pressure and dominate possession, with excellent wide play from Liam W and Jacopo T creating numerous opportunities. Toby S converted to make it 3–2 with 10 minutes to go, setting up a tense final period. St. Ninian’s remained on the front foot, but credit must go to the Ballakermeen goalkeeper, who produced a series of outstanding saves to secure a narrow victory.
The B team also played an excellent match, with little to separate the sides in an entertaining 2–2 draw. The C team showed tremendous resilience, coming back from 2–0 down before scoring a dramatic last-gasp winner to claim a 3–2 victory to loud celebrations. The fourth team were equally impressive, scoring freely and demonstrating the strength and depth of football across the year group.
The following week, the teams faced King William’s College, who fielded one team. St Ninian’s therefore selected a large squad and rotated players every quarter to ensure maximum participation. After a tight opening period against a compact and well-organised KWC side, St. Ninian’s began to play with real flair and creativity, scoring a number of excellent team and individual goals.
Attention now turns to a challenging run of three away fixtures against Ramsey Grammar School, Queen Elizabeth II High School and Castle Rushen High School. Four teams will be in action each week, providing opportunities for many boys to represent the school. The focus will be on maintaining the same positive attitude, effort, and pride shown so far as they continue their football journey for St. Ninian’s.