Chairman's Report 2009/10

I AM PLEASED to report that Primary Schools’ soccer in Barking and Dagenham is flourishing!

Congratulations to all individual schools who were successful in 2008-9 in competitions organised by B.D.S.F.A. and Essex County Schools’ F.A.  It is pleasing that schools are able to enter small sided and 11-a-side competitions. There have been difficulties in getting competitions completed and the new season will see a change in the format of some tournaments.

District soccer provides soccer at the highest level for boys and girls. The Barking & Dagenham boys’ District soccer team plays most Saturdays. The team achieved great success by reaching the final of the London Schools’ F.A. Crisp Shield. The same boys represented our borough superbly in the English Schools’ F.A. Festival of Soccer in Jersey during the Easter Holidays. Thank you to the many schools that continue to support this worthwhile venture.

The Association’s website has developed into a wonderful resource for news and information on all aspects of Primary schools’ soccer in the borough. The website is regularly updated with results, fixtures etc so it’s worth keeping an eye on! It really is important that schools use the website to become familiar with Codes of Conduct, F.A. regulations etc.

I would like to thank Chris Wilding and Graeme Farquhar for their sterling work this year. Their tireless and continued efforts are truly appreciated. Similarly I must thank Peter Duggins who has been such a help refereeing District and School matches.

Thank you to all teachers who give up so much time to provide soccer for children. I am really grateful to those who are determined to continue providing opportunities for pupils of all abilities.

We are fortunate to have once again received much assistance from May & Baker Sports and Social Club, The Barking & Dagenham Post Newspaper and the Barking & Dagenham Federation of Sport.

I have attended many matches this year and I am pleased to report that excellent sportsmanship and respect for referees were evident in the vast majority. I trust that adults and pupils will maintain the ethos and values that are regarded as so important in schools’ soccer.

Good luck for the season 2009-10 and thank you for your continued support.

Dave Moore

Chairman B.D.S.F.A.