Bedales Prep host IAPS Small School Football Championships
Footballers from six schools took to the pitches at Bedales Prep, Dunhurst on 18 January for the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) Boys’ Small School Football Championships.
Pupils from The Royal, The Manor Prep, Sandroyd, Notting Hill Prep, Warminster and Marlborough House competed in the tournament, which is organised annually by IAPS. Unfortunately, icy weather forced another school to withdraw from the U13 competition at the last minute, but eager Dunhurst pupils in Blocks 1 and 2 (Years 7 and 8) stepped in to form an extra team.
With pitches thawing enough to allow the tournament to go ahead, Dunhurst’s U11 and U13 footballers were looking forward to an afternoon of football. The tournament saw some fine performances from Dunhurst pupils, including a 2-1 win against The Manor and a very narrow, last-minute 1-0 defeat against Sandroyd, who would go on to win the tournament.
Just as taking part in weekly fixtures is beneficial for pupils, hosting the tournament was a valuable experience for Dunhurst, as pupils experienced being part of a team, developed resilience, challenged themselves and worked towards achieving their goals.
Will Bray, Head of PE and Sport at Dunhurst, said: “Despite the cold weather, we enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of football for the IAPS Small Schools Football Championships. Thank you to all the schools who joined us and well done to all the Dunhurst pupils who took part. Although Dunhurst came up against some very strong teams, they competed well and should be proud of their performance.”