THE ALLEYNIAN 708 | OUT OF THE ORDINARY
THE ALLEYNIAN 708 | OUT OF THE ORDINARY
and futsal allowed the boys to show off their skills. Matches against local French clubs gave the boys a chance to sample the local football culture along with a trip to watch Reims play Montpellier in Ligue 1. To finish the term, Dulwich hosted the United Through Sport charity, which aims to provide boys from the townships of Port Elizabeth in South Africa cultural and sporting opportunities. It was fantastic to host the group; the boys joined in with Year 8 training sessions and visited Crystal Palace to watch a Premier League game together, before both teams went head to head to finish the tour. In a thrilling game, the score ended 4–4, topping off a memorable time for both the United Through Sport and Dulwich boys. In the Lent term, the weather caused issues with the Saturday programme, but it was fantastic to see the U12s fielding seven teams despite the wet conditions. The standard of football played this year at Year 7 was a pleasure to watch and it is wonderful to see all teams trying to play the ball out with confidence. Although it was a tougher season for the Year 8s, they amassed an impressive scoring record, so with a bit of defensive work, the future looks promising.
SPORT
FOOTBALL TOM WHITEHEAD
T his year has been another whirlwind of activity on the football pitches of Dulwich College. Although at times, especially during the Lent term, the weather was not always kind, the boys have all shown tremendous perseverance and determination, together with a desire to learn and develop even in the most trying of circumstances. 276 fixtures were played for the College, across 64 teams drawn from all year groups, from Year 3 to Year 13; it was fantastic to see the 735 boys involved representing the College and enjoying their football. More boys than ever have achieved ISFA representative honours this year, showing the increasing strength of the programme. National honours went to Jamie Anderson at U16 and Theo Ladure at U14. Well done to both boys: this is a brilliant accolade. Seven Dulwich boys were also selected to represent the South East England ISFA side at the representative festival: well done to Henry Gooderham, Saul Cozier, Max Mukerji, Sam Ketteley, Matteo Cranchi, Tristan Saunders and Noah Ridgeon. It is great to see so many Dulwich boys playing at the highest level of Independent schoolboy football. In the Junior School, every boy represented the College in a competitive football fixture, and it is a fantastic sight on a sunny afternoon to see the outfield ablaze with hundreds of young Alleynians enjoying their sport. Another highlight was watching the impressive Year 6 A team, who remained unbeaten all season and won the ISFA U11 London regional tournament, qualifying them for the national finals. Unfortunately, due to the current crisis, this has been postponed, but it is a fantastic achievement by those boys to be part of one of the top school sides for their age. At the annual Dulwich College U10 Invitational Tournament the Year 5 A team also came away victorious after impressing throughout. More teams than ever attended the tournament, with 32 teams and over 300 pupils enjoying a fun-filled afternoon. In the Lower School, the ISFA Cup team started the year strongly. Victories against Hereward House, KCS Wimbledon, Royal Russell and Elstree saw the boys reach the quarter finals of the ISFA National Cup. Playing Hampton in the last eight proved a step too far, as on the day Hampton came out firing with DC unable to gain a foothold in the game. Despite this, to reach the final stages of the National Cup is a superb achievement. During October half-term, the U13 footballers travelled to Laon in northern France for this year’s tour. Focused training allowed the boys to improve their tactical understanding, while fun team sessions
In the Middle School, the ISFA Cup team started strongly, with us taking
M A T C H E S A G A I N S T L O C A L F R E N C H C L U B S G A V E T H E B O Y S A C H A N C E T O S A M P L E T H E L O C A L F O O T B A L L C U L T U R E
the scalp of Millfield in the first round. After a brilliant contest, Dulwich hung on in a tense finish to win 3–2. Aldenham awaited in the next round. On a tough windy afternoon, the hosts were clinical, and although Dulwich worked hard it was Aldenham’s day. Special mentions go to the U15B team, who went on a fantastic run of form, after losing their first game, to win their next five in the Lent term; and to the U15D team, who went unbeaten over the season, scoring 29 goals and only conceding three. In the Upper School, the Michaelmas term saw the senior squads beginning to take shape. After a pre-season game versus Lingfield, the 1st XI squad faced Brentwood away. In a close encounter, Dulwich rued missed opportunities, and a couple of lapses in concentration at the back cost them any further involvement in the competition. The senior squads then travelled to Barcelona for the annual pre-season football tour. After a successful tour, the boys came back ready and raring to go. The season started with the annual games versus the OAs. In a competitive block, the OAs came out winners, but it was great to start the season reconnecting with the recent leavers. Since then the 1st and 2nd XIs have both had good seasons. Young squads have meant that there have been lots of learning opportunities, which will hopefully make them stronger in the years to come. After putting together a strong cup run, the 2nd XI made it through to the Trinity Cup final. Unfortunately, this had to be postponed, but after getting so close for the past two seasons and reaching three semi-finals, it was great to see the 2nd XI getting the result their efforts deserved. Special mentions must go to the 5th XI who won six of their seven games, and the 6th XI who won four out of four. Although the weather made it difficult for the seniors, it was great to see a large group at training each week, working hard to develop. This will stand them in great stead for next year.
134
135
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker