Robert Gordon’s College is celebrating a successful year for football, with notable achievements at U18 and U15 level, alongside the first-ever primary girls’ football fixtures, highlighting the continued growth and strength of the sport across the school.

Boys’ Football
The U18 squad enjoyed an excellent campaign, winning the prestigious JM Low Trophy in May. Throughout the season, the team showed great commitment and consistency, producing a number of strong performances against high-quality opposition on their journey to the final.

Mr McNeil, Head of Football, shared: “History continues to be made at RGC with our football teams collecting more silverware this season. This season is the first occasion our Senior team have won silverware and is a fantastic example of how the football programme has grown since its inception just three years ago. Their achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication shown by the players and coaching staff over the last few years and represents a significant accomplishment for the group.”

Sam R, U18 Captain, said: “I am over the moon. It’s a brilliant feeling, honestly. We’ve just got to keep winning in the years to come with our younger players and I am looking forward to joining the coaching team as an ex-pupil.”

Success also came for the U15 team, who were crowned SISFA Cup champions in March. The squad impressed throughout the competition, combining teamwork, determination, and quality football to secure the title and bring home silverware for the school.

Ethan M, S3 Captain, commented: “We started strongly in the final, dominating possession and making our chances count. Winning the cup is fantastic for the team and makes us all excited for future matches.”

Junior School football progressed this year with an increase in participation and an increase in Saturday fixtures from last season. Junior School teams from P5-P7 played over 60 fixtures over the course of the season in non-competitive leagues with coaches noting the fantastic technical and tactical development of the players.

Brodie B, P6, shared: “What a great year it has been for the P6 RGC boys football. Our training sessions have focused on the ‘three Rs’ of regain, retain and receive made more enjoyable by drills such as rondo and 1v1s. Thanks to Donny [and the team] for a perfect pitch despite all the rain this year, where we could train and play our ‘pass and move’ style football.”

Muna U, P7, added: “P7 football has been a fantastic year. We have improved so much as a team and we’ve learnt so many valuable lessons along the way. We have had a great season, with so many highs and lows. As a team we have faced many challenges including having enough players to compete and always keeping a positive mindset despite facing all these challenges. As a team we are extremely excited for the upcoming season and ready to build on what we’ve achieved this year.”

Girls’ Football
Girls’ football continues to go from strength to strength, with this year marking an important milestone for the sport. The P4-7 girls became the first-ever primary school girls’ team to represent the College in a football fixture in June, creating a piece of RGC sporting history.  

Mr Watson, Coach, shared: “I am so proud of everybody in this amazing group. They have been fantastic role models for girls interested in football and have shown such enthusiasm and commitment by turning up week after week, always eager to play.

“One of the things I have enjoyed most has been seeing how well they encourage and support each other. It doesn't matter what age or stage someone is at - they celebrate each other's successes, encourage each other and create such a positive atmosphere. Their willingness to embrace every opportunity to play, especially in our regular in-house matches against the boys' teams, has been a real credit to them.

“I am so excited to see our Primary 7 girls take the next step into Senior Girls football, where I know they will continue to thrive. At the same time, I can't wait to welcome our new Primary 4 girls after the summer break and see the next generation begin their own football journey. The future of girls' football at the school is incredibly bright.”

Izzy M, P7, said: “This year at girls’ football we loved getting match practice against the boys in training and playing our first ever competitive fixture. We are so pleased to have brand new kits we can wear during training and matches thanks to Mr Watson.”

Senior Girls football continued this season with an increase in participation from last. The girls trained weekly and played competitive fixtures against Dollar, Gordonstoun and Strathallan.

Reflecting on the season, Head of Football, Mr McNeil, summarised: “The achievements of both the U18 and U15 squads this year have been outstanding. Winning the JM Low Trophy at U18 and winning the National SISFA Cup at U15 are significant accomplishments, reflecting the commitment, attitude and talent of our players.

“Watching the P5-7 girls make history as the first girls’ team to play a primary fixture for RGC was brilliant. I am very thankful to Mr Watson for starting the group on their journey before I joined RGC, and I was delighted with their performance and effort on the day.

“In my first year at the College, my focus was on establishing a strong foundation for football within the Senior School. This year, the priority has been to develop competitive Primary School teams within the leagues. Looking ahead, the focus will be on continuing to grow and strengthen girls’ football, ensuring the programme is fully established and sustainable across all levels, enabling young athletes to develop and thrive at every age group.

“These successes are the result of hard work from everyone involved and provide a strong foundation for the football pathway at RGC. We are proud of what all the players have achieved and look forward to building on this progress in the years ahead.”