FOOTBALL n Football has enjoyed another outstanding year at the College and this all starts in the Junior School who saw another stellar year of football. All pupils represented the College in various fixtures and tournaments across the Michaelmas term and it is always so pleasing to see the youngest learners playing with smiles on their faces and making so much progress as they learn the game. In Years 3 and 4, the emphasis of the sessions is placed on development rather than preparing for matches. Pupils work on improving their understanding of positioning during play while strengthening their core ball control skills. For Year 3 this culminated in their first fixtures for the College versus Eaton House before an A and B team headed to KCS for a tournament offering them valuable experiences playing multiple matches back-to-back. In year 4, the number of fixtures increases with matches against DPS, Cumnor House and Bickley Park with a host of fantastic performances and results. After a cancellation due to rain a Year 4 A and B teams headed to the rearranged Royal Russell tournament in March and had a fantastic morning. The two teams were in separate leagues, each comprising seven teams. The B team did fantastically well to come second in their league, while the A’s went one step further, winning theirs without conceding a goal! All boys played their part and the good-natured teamwork and sportsmanship on show was lovely to see. In Years 5 and 6, pupils begin applying their skills in match situations, focusing on teamwork and developing a forward-thinking, passing style of football. The Year 5s showed strong team performances in their fixtures against DPS, Cumnor House and Hill House. Dulwich hosted its annual U10 local school’s tournament which the A, B and C teams all participated in. All three teams played well across the afternoon finishing mid table with a mixture of results but a lot of positive learning. In Year 6, fixtures against DPS, Alleyn’s and Cumnor House challenged all teams, but all showed signs of putting their training into fruition. But the standout team of the year goes to the Year 6 A team. After attending the Royal Russell tournament, the team went unbeaten all morning to win the tournament. They then headed to the ISFA Regional tournament. After winning their group, the heavens opened and after a quarter final win against St Pauls and a semi final win against Dulwich Prep, both on penalties the squad booked their place at the national finals as they finished runners up behind Whitgift. The national finals held at St George’s Park saw the team pit themselves against the best from around the country. The team had a great day finishing with two wins, one draw and two losses. An incredible experience for the team, who even had the bonus of meeting England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Well done to everyone who played for the College this year, they should be very proud of their efforts.
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