It’s been a busy, brilliant and action-packed week at Carisbrooke College, with our students flying the flag across football, basketball and badminton competitions both on and off the Island. From mainland adventures to first-ever fixtures, our athletes showed determination, teamwork and real Carisbrooke spirit throughout.

13 Girls Football – Taking on the Mainland Challenge

The week kicked off in memorable fashion as our U13 girls football team crossed the Solent to face Wildern School (Southampton) in the second round of the prestigious ESFA Schools’ Cup.

Despite battling early starts, heavy rain, traffic delays and a late return home, the squad’s energy and positivity never dropped. For many, this was their first experience of competitive football beyond the Isle of Wight and what an experience it was!

Facing a strong Wildern side made up largely of Year 8 players, Carisbrooke’s team (proudly “top-heavy” with talented Year 7s!) showed real grit, courage and quality. Although the match ended in a 4–0 defeat, the performance told a far bigger story. The girls held their own against older, more physical opposition and competed superbly throughout.

While the cup journey ends here, the value of the experience cannot be overstated. This group has shown resilience, potential and a hunger to improve, a fantastic sign for the future. We now wish them the best as they continue their Island competition unbeaten and set their sights on coming back stronger next year.

 U14 Boys Basketball – A Tough Test and Big Progress

Monday also saw our U14 boys basketball team open their season against The Bay, last year’s tournament winners, a tough challenge by any measure.

With a mixed squad of six Year 9s and four Year 7s, Carisbrooke started strongly, matching The Bay point-for-point in the first quarter with a 9–9 tie, thanks to Dylan’s scoring burst. More importantly, the team’s defensive structure stood out, with William organising brilliantly in defence and Ethan battling hard for rebounds.

As the game progressed, The Bay’s experience began to show, but Carisbrooke never dropped their heads. The final quarter challenge? Win the quarter. And win it they did 14–6! Dylan added more points, with Ted, Ethan, Logan and Warrick all getting on the score sheet.

Final score: The Bay 37 – Carisbrooke 27
Top scorers: Dylan (13), Warrick (6), Logan (4), Ethan (2), Ted (2)

A huge well done to our Year 7s, Jenson, Joshua, Sullivan and Jack, who stepped up brilliantly, and to Warrick and Cooper (Year 10) for contributing late on. A performance full of promise and progress.

 Year 7 Boys Badminton – First Win, Big Smiles

On Tuesday evening, our Year 7 boys badminton team faced Medina A, Medina B, Christ The King College (CTK) and Cowes, all featuring older Year 9 players. For many, this was their first ever competitive badminton experience, and they rose to the challenge superbly.

Joshua led the way in singles, showing determination against top-ranked opponents. Jenson picked up a crucial singles win against Medina B, and when Owen and Thomas won their doubles match, Carisbrooke celebrated their first team victory of the night!

Even better, in the final match, Joshua and Owen secured another pairs win, meaning every member of the team left with a win, a brilliant achievement. While they didn’t progress to the finals, the experience gained will be invaluable.

 Year 9 Girls Badminton – Belonging on the Big Stage

At the same time, our Year 9 girls badminton team took on CTK and Cowes under difficult circumstances, losing a player to illness on the day and being forced to concede a game in each match.

Despite the odds, the girls were outstanding. Amelia delivered a flawless performance, winning both of her singles matches, while Beau and Evie worked brilliantly as the opening doubles pair. Winning two games in each match meant the team finished third overall, but more importantly, proved they fully belonged at this level.

 U16 Boys Badminton – Finals Bound!

Wednesday saw our U16 boys take to the badminton courts, with Charlie leading the charge in spectacular fashion, winning all three of his singles matches against strong opposition.

Although the boys narrowly lost their opening match to CTK (2–3), they bounced back with excellent wins over Medina A and B, setting up a dramatic showdown with Cowes. Unfortunately, the event was cut short with the match poised at 1–1 but the outcome still saw Carisbrooke qualify for the finals alongside two other schools.

A fantastic team effort and well deserved.

 Year 7 Boys Basketball – A Winning Debut!

The week ended in style on Thursday as our Year 7 boys basketball team pulled on the Cougar's jersey for the very first time.

Against a strong CTK side, the game started tightly, ending 4–4 after the first quarter with some excellent passing and movement. Jack and Seb opened the scoring, before Joshua and Jenson extended the lead in the second quarter.

The turning point came in the third quarter, where defensive intensity from Reuben and Albie sparked a run of steals and fast breaks. Jenson joined the pressure, while Joshua and Jake intercepted relentlessly, helping Carisbrooke stretch their lead.

CTK fought back late, but strong team defence from Sullivan, Jack and Thomas, combined with calm game management, saw Carisbrooke close out a fantastic 14–9 victory.

An outstanding team performance and a debut to be proud of!

Final score: Carisbrooke 18 - 9 CTK

Top scorers: Jenson (6), Jack (6), Joshua (4), Seb (2). 

 Well done to all our students who represented Carisbrooke College with pride, determination and teamwork. What a week – with lots still to come this half term!