Millfield footballers earn ISFA International Caps

Six Millfield students have received international caps after representing the England U18 Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) team. 

Upper Sixth Rocco Pardon, Sam Tisdale, Jay Nakamichi and Lower Sixth Ewan Seddon, Rudy Tetlow and Ahaan Gupta have been presented with their caps after representing the England team in recent fixtures. 

The players were chosen from across the country to represent ISFA, a selection that recognises the very best independent school footballers in England. The students received their caps following England ISFA U18's fourth fixture of the season, against Welsh Schools U18s. The team have played four internationals so far this season. Other fixtures included two internationals at St George’s Park (home of the Men’s England team) in late 2025, and a match with Scotland Schools U18s at Celtic FC's training ground.  

This selection reflects both individual excellence and the continued strength of Millfield’s industry-leading football programme. The students had gone through a rigorous, year-long trial process to be selected. Ewan, Rudy and Ahaan received their selection despite being in Lower Sixth, a year below the rest of their teammates, which is a rare and notable achievement. 

Earning an ISFA cap is a significant milestone in a young footballer’s development, with the programme providing players the opportunity to compete at international level while balancing academic commitments. Previous ISFA U18 England players include Frank Lampard (Chelsea and England), Fraser Forster (Celtic, Tottenham Hotspur and England) and Will Hughes (Crystal Palace). 

The fixture against the Wales team offered a valuable test against high quality opposition and further underlined the strength of football being played within the independent school system. 

Upper Sixth student Sam Tisdale, who has captained the ISFA U18 team, said “It was a pleasure to represent the country on behalf of Millfield. What an experience it was to play against Welsh schools, it was a very physical and high-level game. I loved playing for ISFA because you are surrounded by strong players and the level is very high; it pushes you to improve your game and be the best you can be”. 

Millfield’s success at ISFA level sits alongside its strong record across all school football, including the England Schools Football Association (ESFA), which encompasses both state and independent schools nationwide. Last season, Millfield were crowned ESFA Cup champions, an amazing achievement that demonstrated the school’s ability to compete and succeed against the strongest school teams in the whole country.