Join the OW Men’s Football Club!

The OWFC has had a great 2024/25 season, and are currently looking ahead to the 2025/26 season. Max Burke (Bl 18, OWFC Rep) and Henry Gadd (R 18, OWFC Rep) are keen to recruit new, active players based in London, who are able to commit to playing a few games per season, as well as casual players who would like to connect with fellow OWs and support the club. We recently spoke with Max and Henry about the club:

How has the 2024/25 Season gone so far?

The OW football team has had a fun 2024/25 season, and we’re already looking forward to the next. With one game left we look set to finish just outside the promotion spots, but we’ve got our eyes firmly fixed on going one better next year. Various highlights include the 7-1 destruction of Stowe early in the season and the recent 5-3 win against unbeaten, top of the league, Winchester, as well as the deep tactical analysis that follows every game in the home ground bar.

If you’re keen to join our pursuit of promotion next year please email maxburke@mail.com – we’ll be having a summer social too so why not start there – drop me a message and we’ll let you know the details nearer the time.

Why did you get involved with the OWFC in the first place?

I got involved originally just to keep my football going, but quickly realised how much more fun it was getting the opportunity to be back playing alongside our familiar rival schools alongside my old schoolmates! When the long-serving captain stood down he asked me if I would be interested in taking over I was honoured, and jumped at the chance.

What does it mean to you?

The opportunity to play alongside my old schoolmates and represent the school again is much more rewarding than simply signing up for a random weekend team”

How long have you been involved?

It’s great that the OW football team is run in such a way that you can play whenever you want without needing to commit all your weekends to it, so I was able to play on and off through university. Then since moving to London I’ve started playing more regularly.

What has been your favourite memory with the OWFC?

Smashing Stowe 7-1 to kickstart 2025!

How can other OWs get involved?

We’re keen for anyone who wants to play to come down. Playing for the OW football team is the perfect level of everyone putting 100% in on the pitch but very relaxed off it. Essentially, you have 11 a side football available whenever you fancy it. You’re representing the school again, putting a bit of meaning into the games. Then once the final whistle goes you bundle into the clubhouse, grab a drink if you’re that way inclined, then sit outside watching some of the rugby that’s on, chat about the game, and reminisce with old schoolmates you wouldn’t see otherwise about that goal you nearly won against Bradfield five years ago. If you’re interested in joining us next year, please email maxburke@mail.com.

With thanks to Max Burke (Bl 18) and Henry Gadd (R 18) for this article.