2019/20

In March 2020, under the guidance of Jack Stephenson (OK11) the 1^st XI were on course to challenge for their first Arthurian Premier League title when, with just three games to play, the season was brought to an abrupt end due to the lockdown – with just one point separating them from the Old Carthusians at the top of the table, who they were due to play in the very next fixture. Despite its anti-climactic end, the season was a record-breaking one for the team on several fronts, including going an entire calendar year in 2019 undefeated in a competitive match.

2020/21

The 2020-21 season was dominated by changing government guidelines related to the pandemic, making it impossible to play out the league season, which was brought to a premature end after only nine games played. The highlight of the season, however, was the progress of both 1^st and 2^nd XIs in their respective cup competitions. The 1^st XI reached the semi-final of the Arthur Dunn Cup after a dramatic late turnaround in the quarter-final against the Old Tonbridgians, but unfortunately suffered a bitter defeat against Old Salopians, cutting short their quest to reach the prestigious final after many years of hurt.

The 2^nd XI, under the leadership of Cameron Wilkinson (OK14), went a step further, however, making it to the final of the JLC competition against all of the bookies’ odds, dominating opposition from the division above in Old Harrovians II and Old Chigwellians II. On the day the boys put in a courageous performance but narrowly lost out to a strong Old Ardinians outfit.

The Vets XI also had a strong run in the Derrick Moore Vets Cup to the semi finals that was ended by Old Brentwoods, but there was plenty to be proud of as they comfortably dispatched the previous year’s holders, Old Foresters, and knocked out another fancied team in Old Etonians.

2021/22

The 2021-22 season began in impressive fashion, with the 1^st XI unbeaten after three games in the Premier League and scoring 13 goals. The 2^nd XI has had a mixed start on the pitch but has continued its long tradition of recruiting fresh talent and boasts a youthful and enthusiastic core squad who are improving and growing together with every season. The Tilles Trophy (named after former Club Captain Mike Tilles OK02), staged in a stadium annually in preseason and contested between the 2^nd XI and Vets XI, was closely fought for much of the game with the 2^nd XI eventually running out 4-1 winners.

Despite a  season largely disrupted Covid and an unthinkable amount of injuries, the 1^st XI find themselves in the quarter-final of the Arthur Dunn Cup with Old Etonians welcoming them on 12th February, the 2^nd XI contest their final game of the season on the same day knowing a victory over Old Alleynians III puts them in a good position to be promoted, and the Vets XI contest their Derrick Moore Vets Cup semi-final, also against Old Etonians, hoping to go further than they did last season.

All three teams will also be in action in their annual matches against the school 1^st XI, 2^nd XI and 3^rd XI at Kingsway on Saturday 19th March.

Club setup

The club currently plays its weekly Saturday home fixtures at Imber Court in Thames Ditton, with training on Monday evenings at Battersea Park. Our club is made up entirely of KCSOBs, ranging from OK97-OK21, with the majority of our 1^st XI and 2^nd XI playing squad ranging from OK11-OK18. We always welcome new recruits so please do get in touch through the OKC website, any current players you know, or our social media if you want to get involved!

Club Committee: Ramon Selvakumaran (OK07), Greg Stoddart (OK07), Jack Stephenson (OK11), Cameron Wilkinson (OK14), Joe Stephenson (OK14), Ali Marshall (OK14), Calum MacQuater (OK12), Henry Hodgson (OK15), Pete Bullivant (OK13)

Vets Committee: Mike Tilles (OK02), Max Camplin (OK99), James Badgett (OK99)

On January 2nd the annual match against the school took place at Kingsway, giving everyone a valuable opportunity to run off any festive over-indulgence! For the first time in the club’s history, our 2nd XI took to the pitch alongside the 1st team, which made for a great day with nearly 60 current and former pupils involved. The club is hugely appreciative of the support shown by the School and in particular the Director of Football Mark Culverhouse, who helped move the fixture from its Monday afternoon slot in April and has continued to show an incredible amount of support to the club as a whole.

The 1st XI ran out comfortable5-1 winners, while the 2nd XI’s 6-1 win did not accurately reflect what was a tight contest at times. Days like this are vital if the club is to continue its growth and we hope that many of the school’s talented young footballers will find their way into our ranks once their studies are completed.

As part of their preparation for the new season, where the Old Boys Football team will find themselves back competing in the top division of Arthurian League football, the 1st XI team will head to the south coast this weekend for a friendly with Montpelier Villa FC, followed by some ‘team bonding’ in sunny Brighton.

There has been an excellent turnout for the initial sessions on Clapham Common, with plenty of new players coming down to experience OB Football for the first time. Some rigorous fitness sessions, as well as technical drills and games, have left the OB’s in a confident mood, with the start of the season still a few weeks away.

A 1-1 draw away at Bradfield College Old Boys on Saturday signalled the start of the pre-season games, with matches in Brighton on Saturday, against Old Tiffinians on Monday night and Old Malvernians the following Saturday left to whip the team into shape. The 2nd XI begin their pre-season on Saturday with a game against Old Paulines also.

It promises to be a fantastic season with plenty of new faces and, perhaps most importantly, new stash. Kings will renew rivalries with the likes of Harrow, Eton, Charterhouse, Tonbridge and Brentwood as they bid to cement their position in the top flight and to compete for honours in both the cup and the league. It’s never too late to get involved so if you would like to see what OB’s football is all about then please do get in touch, or visit the brand new website at www.kcsoldboysfc.com.