Football
Football at the Senior School is played by boys in both the Autumn and Spring terms. A girls football Programme runs all year round led by UEFA B, ISFA coach David Caryer supported by ex-professional player Dan Harding. Our comprehensive fixtures schedule ensures that pupils consistently play in high-level matches, allowing them to be challenged and to progress. Pupils have the opportunity to train three times a week and play matches every Saturday from September to April across all age groups having access to professional standard pitches and video analysis sessions. We are members of the prestigious HUDL League which includes the top nine footballing schools in the country and were league champions in 2020. We have a highly competitive fixture list including fixtures against professional academies and schools. Each year, we enjoy a pre-season tour to top European academies and also have strong links with Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club and Crystal Palace Football Club as well as American and British universities.
Bede’s recent Football alumni include Solly March, Ellison Wright, James Norwood and Isaac Drogba. 14
“I didn’t join Bede’s as the best footballer but I worked hard and received incredible support and was proud to be made captain of the 1st XI. The dedication of the coaches has helped me grow as a player and as a person and I will soon leave Bede’s for America on a football scholarship.” Jake, Upper Sixth Football Professional Dan Harding is an exprofessional player who played for a number of clubs including Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds, Southampton and Nottingham Forest. Dan played over 400 professional games including four England U21 caps. The ex-Bede’s pupil passed his UEFA B licence working in Southampton’s world-class academy and currently helps to run the football programme at Bede’s Senior School.
