Chairman's Report
I WELCOME EVERYONE to this season’s Schools’ football. Primary Schools’ soccer in Barking and Dagenham is flourishing!
I am delighted that so many pupils are given the chance to play football. Boys and girls can play in competitive matches and tournaments as well as friendlies. There are also many schools that run after school soccer clubs. Congratulations to all individual schools who were successful in 2007-8 in competitions organised by B.D.S.F.A., London Schools’ F.A. and Essex County Schools’ F.A. We had a record number of entries in the 11 aside competitions this year. There were 58 matches played!
Congratulations to players and teachers involved in District soccer which provides soccer at the highest level. Our Girls entered a District soccer tournament for the first time and won! The boys District soccer team that plays most Saturdays achieved great success by reaching the final of the London Schools’ Crisp Shield. The same boys represented our borough superbly in the English Schools’ F.A. Festival of Soccer in Jersey during the Easter Holidays.
B.D.S.F.A now has a wonderful website of its own. This is an excellent development. Now everyone can see schools’ fixtures and results as well as keeping up with the latest news and information concerning Primary Schools Soccer in the Borough. The website is regularly updated so it’s worth keeping an eye on!
I would like to thank Chris Wilding and Graeme Farquhar for their hard work this year. Their 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 and Baker Sports and Social Club, The Barking and Dagenham Post Newspaper and the Barking and Dagenham Federation of Sport.
I trust that teachers will maintain the high level of good behaviour and sportsmanship that is expected in Schools’ soccer. I suggest that it would be good practice for the Code of Conduct (see website) to be circulated to parents who intend watching matches.
Good luck for the season 2008-9 and thank you for your continued support.
Dave Moore
BDSFA Chairman
15/10/08
