Malvern College boasts a proud football tradition, with the Old Malvernian Football Club (OMFC) achieving historic success as far back as 1901 when they won the FA Amateur Cup. As a founding member of the Arthurian League in 1961, the OMFC has always been a significant force in independent school football. This summer, Will Hoyle (7.89-94), Chair of the Arthurian League and an OMFC stalwart with over 200 matches to his name, added to this legacy by representing England in the UEFA Regions Tournament held in Finland – a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Will said: “Last year, we had the opportunity to enter the League Representative team into the FA Inter-League Cup. After defeating the Amateur Football Combination at Dorking FC, Thames Valley Premier League at Corinthian Casuals, and Herts Premier League, we faced the West Yorkshire Association at Lincoln City’s ground. A thrilling 1-0 victory after extra time secured our place as England’s representative in the UEFA Regions Tournament.
“We were drawn in a group containing the hosts Finland, Latvia and Portugal, but knowing that no English team had ever progressed from their group. The majority of the squad was made up of Old Reptonians, Carthusians and Brentwoods, with other players from Eton, Harrow, Dulwich, Forest and Kimbolton. The last OM to be selected for the side was Odge Davey (5.06-11.
Upon arrival in Helsinki, the team was outfitted with full gear, including training kits, polo shirts, and tracksuits. Their first match against Portugal started promisingly with an early 2-0 lead, but the Portuguese fought back to 3-3. “A last-minute equalizer from one of the Reptonians secured a dramatic draw in our debut match representing England,” Will recalls.
The next challenge was Finland, the host nation. “The excitement around the match was incredible, with over 1,000 spectators and local TV interviews. Playing England on a Saturday afternoon was a big occasion. The game was intense, and Finland scored early in the second half. But in the sixth minute of added time, our Repton striker, Josh Riley, executed a stunning overhead kick to equalize, silencing the crowd and sparking wild celebrations among our squad.”
“In our match, we secured a comfortable win over Latvia, finishing second in the group behind Finland and remaining unbeaten in our first UEFA Regions campaign. It was an amazing experience,” Will reflects.
As Chair of the Arthurian League for nearly a decade, Will has overseen tremendous growth in the league, which has doubled in size over the past 20 years. “Public school football has never been more popular, and while it’s disappointing that Malvern currently has no team in the league for the first time since its inception, I am hopeful that a new wave of Malvernians will soon join and reinvigorate the OMFC.”
The Arthurian League is currently made up of alumni teams from 40 independent schools. The OMFC has won the Premier League five times and has the second-best record after the Old Carthusians, reaching 31 Arthur Dunn Cup finals and winning on 15 occasions. Steve Rowan (4.75-80) and Robin Andrew (6.61-66) are both Vice Presidents of the Arthurian League.
To find out more about joining the OMFC, please contact Joshua White (7.13-18): [email protected]
