The year 8 boys football team once again embarked on our annual tour to Jersey in the Channel Islands from Thursday 26^th - Saturday 28^th September. The boys played two fixtures against Victoria College on the Thursday drawing 2-2, and De La Salle on the Friday drawing 3-3.

It was an amazing experience for the boys to travel to another part of the UK.

"On Thursday 26^th September 2024 the Year 8 football team set off on a once in a life time opportunity to Jersey. Our day started off by heading to Great Baddow High School for four thirty in the morning. Although we looked as if our had little sleep, I assure you we were ready to attack this trip throughout with the excitement building. We were all incredibly tired but seeing all our teammates made us feel wide awake. When we got to school, we were warmly greeted by Mr Russell and Mr Brittle. Within minutes of entering the school gates, and after saying our last goodbyes to our parents, we off on our three-day adventure to Jersey.

We arrived at Gatwick North terminal just as the heavens opened. After a few hours of security and shopping we were ready to board the plane. The journey was short and within a blink of an eye, we were thousands of feet into the air and miles away from home, however just a few minutes away from our destination. We stepped foot on jersey soil with all the powerful, refreshing wind in our faces. Our first stop was a large windy beach surrounded by crystal clear water called Ouen’s Bay. Although the beach was amazing, it was just a bit too windy so we headed to a less windy spot at St Brelade’s Bay, although as equally beautiful. Here we played football for hours before having a well-deserved lunch. After a delicious and filling pre game meal we headed to a sports centre which had an immaculately preserved football pitch. We played a physical yet fun game of football burning off our annoying, restless energy. This set us up for our first tour football match with Mr Russell’s old school, Victoria College. 

The game kicked off with ultimate intensity. Luckily, we were switched on from the start as a strong, quick and flexible winger was on OJ’s side but as ever he completely dominated the player and with an amazing challenge making him levitate for a quick moment. Disaster struck when their powerful striker calmly collected the ball and slotted it into the back of the net making it 1:0 to our opponents. Although we were frustrated, we expertly collected our emotions and went again putting us on a deadly counter attack.  Within seconds the other team recovered and were holding us back but Harry T shot an absolute bullet, making the score 1:1.

After some brilliant tik-tak from the back between us all we were on another counter attack where it was Teddy A verses their keeper.  Although it was a brilliant shot it was an even better save from their goalkeeper keeping them in the game. Seconds before half-time an unfortunate goal was scored by Victoria College making the score 2:1 to them. After an inspiring and powerful team talk led by Mr Russell, we went back out into the second half confident as ever. As the time was ticking down for a 2:1 victory to them Arthur M architected an amazing goal almost from the half way line, chipping the keeper to level the score 2:2. At that point we were screaming with joy as Arthur had saved us. We were all delighted we came away with that result. Because of Harry T's amazing goal and work rate he was rightly named man of the match.

After an adrenaline packed day, we were absolutely starving, but excited as we knew we were going to McDonalds for dinner. With our first day over, we were incredibly tired and happy and couldn’t wait to see what Friday had in store for us.

On day 2, we met at for breakfast where we hoovered up a full English with some toast and other sides. We were all well fuelled for our day. We had some time to kill on the Friday morning, so we wondered through the high street and bought some souvenirs. After shopping we met up and headed to get lunch from an Italian food stall. This consisted of pasta and pizza and was the perfect food prep for our next match Vs De La Salle at FB Fields in the afternoon. It was delicious. A few hours later we were on our way to our second game. 

The second game against De La Salle started with us cornering them in so they had nowhere to escape. Within a few minutes we were already in with a dangerous chance. The ball looked like it was going in but just missed the goal causing bickering amongst their team. After a few minutes I scored from outside the box making the score 1:0 Great Baddow. A few moments after their kick off we put amazing press on our opponents.  The ball landed directly in OJ’s (8A1) path allowing him to do a fantastic through ball to Teddy who was just denied an almost certain goal by the sheer pace of their defenders. After that amazing chance the other team took possession of the ball but luckily super OJ (8E1) swooped in dispossessing the other team of the ball and perfectly timed a pin point ball to Teddy who was wide open on the wing. This made it a definite 2:0 to Great Baddow. Towards the second half of the game the other team capitalised with two more goals directly after each other. With only a few minutes left of the game Oliver (8A1) scored a lovely goal produced by a perfect corner from Harry. We were all tired at this point but this goal made us feel more alive. With a few more attacks from us the other team capitalised on an amazing cross to their strong striker before calmly slotting it in the back of the net. We were all devastated we didn’t get the win but still happy with the outcome and how we played. Man of the match was without a doubt OJ (8E1).

After the game we headed to the waterpark, which had a lazy river that we were trying to walk up against which was very hard with tired legs. After a jam-packed two days the trip was nearly over with a trip to Bella Italia as our last event. The meal was gorgeous.  After our meal, up came the thing we were most excited for, 'The Awards'.

OJ (8E1) took 'Home Player of the Tournament' and Freddy took home 'Best Tourist', for his incredibly funny humour and for making everyone laugh at least one hundred times a day.

Sadly, Saturday had come around quickly. After a large breakfast, we were ready to set off back to Great Baddow High School but before we could leave we needed to do a room check. Surprisingly all the rooms were spotless (I think we did a good job). The journey home was quick and smooth and within what felt like seconds, we were back in England.  During the bus journey back to school we were tuned into watch Cole Palmer as he scored four goals in the space of 40 minutes (that was very impressive). This tour was amazing, and I’m sure we all missed our parents a lot but would definitely do this trip again if we could. It was such an amazing trip."

Student Report: Josh H (8E3)