BDSFA ORGANISES tournaments for primary school children in Barking & Dagenham, enabling thousands of pupils to enjoy the experience of competitive football whilst representing their school with pride. You can find out more in our Inter-Schools section.
We also run U11s boys’ and girls’ district teams who play all across the country. We have been very successful and BDSFA has an enviable reputation for the high standards that it sets.
Many famous footballers have played for the borough – Sir Alf Ramsey, Terry Venables, Bobby Moore, Jimmy Greaves, Martin Peters, Trevor Brooking, Steve Potts, Tony Adams, Paul Konchesky, John Terry and Benik Afobe to name but a few.
An exciting crop of young talent from more recent years has broken into the first team of their respective clubs, including Max Watters (Barnsley), Sorba Thomas (Nantes), Kevin Berkoe (Salford City) and Beau Parker (Billericay Town).
Olivia Smith became the first girls’ district player to gain international recognition when she was selected for the English SFA U15s squad, England U17s and U19s.
Schools’ football is unique in atmosphere, offering an experience much different to other forms of junior football. Players not only represent the borough, but also their schools, their parents and themselves. Levels of behaviour, appearance, support and football have to reach very high standards and provide memories that can last for many years.