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THE ALLEYNIAN 710
FOOTBALL
TOM WHITEHEAD
After an extended break, it was wonderful to see the Dulwich football pitches alive with activity again this year. 377 football fixtures took place, with 60 teams representing the black and blue, from Year 3 up to Year 13. A huge thanks must go to the operational staff, grounds department, catering team and teaching staff without whom none of this would be possible, as well as to parents and pupils for their support and involvement in the programme. Over the Michaelmas term, Junior School football shone through, with every pupil representing the College in fixtures versus Alleyn’s, Hornsby House and Cumnor House, amongst others. It was wonderful to get both the U10 local schools and U11 overload tournaments up and running again, welcoming so many pupils to the festivals of football. The U13, U15 and 1st XI all took part in the ISFA (Independent Schools Football Association) national cup, and it was great to see these teams pitting their wits against challenging opposition. The U13 team successfully made it through the first four rounds, beating The Hall, St Joseph’s Ipswich and Aldenham. The U15 team beat Box Hill and Lingfield before losing to a strong Aldenham side in the last 32. For the 1st XI the cup games came too soon; after beating Sevenoaks they lost out to a direct Berkhamsted team. A good performance in the ISFA national six-a- side tournament saw Dulwich reach the semi-final of the plate and showing positive signs going forward. To finish the term, the senior footballers headed to Chester for five days, working hard on developing their new style of play with a good mixture of training and matches as well as a visit to a football league match at Anfield. After the Christmas festivities, all teams took part in a three-day pre-season, working hard to develop vtheir tactical understanding and technical skills
ahead of the new term. The season officially kick- started with the annual fixtures versus the Old Alleynian’s football club. This year saw four games, with the OAs taking the victory; it was wonderful to welcome back so many old boys for this occasion. In the Lower School the U13A team continued their cup run in January, taking on Whitgift in the ISFA National Cup quarter-final. Whitgift had been very successful in the cup over the past decade, but in a thrilling contest the Dulwich team battled bravely, deserving their 2–1 win to book their place in the last four in the country. At the end of January, they faced Hampton in the semi-final. Dulwich started ferociously, scoring after 12 seconds, and did not look back, sealing their place in the final with a 2–0 victory. In the final, which was played at Burton Albion FC, the U13s took on Manchester Grammar. In a tight game, Dulwich’s athleticism and ability shone through as they dominated the play, scoring three unanswered goals to become national champions for the first time in the College’s history. To hear about this phenomenal achievement in more detail, please do read the separate match report. Well done to the team for a historic achievement by a very talented and hardworking group! Across the rest of the Lower School, there were many great fixtures taking place. Block fixtures against St Paul’s, Sutton Grammar, Brentwood, Dulwich Prep London and Wilsons gave each team opportunities to try to put what they worked on in practice into action with great effect. It was wonderful to see every team try to play the ‘Dulwich way’ with quick passing, attacking football and a well-organised defence. The strength in depth across both Year 7 and Year 8, with the D, E and F teams all having very positive seasons, was notable.
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