Millfield Footballers Celebrate First ISFA International Caps

Three Millfield footballers received their first international caps for the Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) U14s. Their caps were awarded following their fixture against the Wales Schools’ Football Association U14s.

Year 9 Students Amelia Drane and Bailey Baron alongside Year 8 pupil Jessica Hilton, were all selected to represent ISFA, marking a significant milestone in their football journeys.

Jessica, a goalkeeper who began playing football at the age of eight with Wildcats in Bude, Cornwall, reflected on how far she has come since starting: “I never thought I’d become a goalkeeper at that point,” she said. “Getting my first cap was amazing, especially receiving it alongside girls who are incredibly talented and play for academy teams like Chelsea, who I support. I’ll never forget that feeling.”

Jessica played the first half against Welsh Schools, keeping a clean sheet as ISFA secured an impressive 7-1 victory. She currently plays for Somerset ETC and the Street FC boys’ team, continuing to develop her game while competing at a high level.

Amelia’s football journey began in Year 3 at her local grassroots club before progressing through a development programme at Watford FC. Since joining Millfield, she has continued to develop through the Somerset ETC programme while also playing for Huish Tigers boys’ team.

Speaking about receiving her first international cap, Amelia said: “Receiving my first international cap is something I am extremely proud of, it was a special day with all my family there to watch me play and receive my cap. Singing the national anthem was really special, and our team worked together so well. It was a great experience.”

Alongside their football commitments, both Jess and Amelia credit Millfield’s supportive environment for helping them balance football with their academics. “My teachers are really supportive and help me stay on top of my work,” says Jess, while Amelia adds, “Football has taught me to be organised and disciplined because I’m training and playing almost every day.” Both players have clear ambitions for the future they hope to represent the England women’s first team and compete in the Women’s Super League.

Bailey first played football at the age of four. After moving to Somerset, he joined Ilchester Eagles and by the end of his U10s season, was scouted by Exeter City’s academy. He has now completed his fourth season with the club. Bailey described receiving his first cap as an incredible feeling: “It made me look back on all the hours of training and hard work leading up to the match. It marked what is hopefully a great beginning of many more selections to come. Playing right wing back in the starting eleven was a very proud moment, and getting two assists in the win was a real accomplishment. The whole experience was unreal, singing the anthem and playing with amazing players were all highlights.”

Bailey hopes to play for Exeter City’s U18 side next year and secure a scholarship by U16 level. He added; “I want to consistently play with the ISFA squad and in long term play first team football at championship level or higher.”

He praises Millfield’s football programme; “In my opinion the football programme is the best because of the many incredible opportunities, whether its playing academies, going on tours to incredible countries, or playing in world class tournament like the October festival with many category 1 academies playing.”