The District Team

Chester-le-Street schools' football has a long tradition, with a junior district team dating back to 1950. Past players include Bryan Robson (current West Bromwich Albion manager), Andrew Todd (current Blackburn Rovers player), Tommy Johnson (Derby County, Aston Villa, Celtic), Michael Barron (Hartlepool), Craig Liddle (Darlington), Steven Howard (Derby County) and Grant Leadbitter (current Sunderland player).

In 2000, we celebrated our 50th anniversary with many ex-players and parents gathering together to celebrate.

In recent years, performances have been outstanding, particularly in the Sainsbury's sponsored ESFA national 7-a-side competition. We were national champions in 2000 and have reached the national finals three times since then. The 2005/06 team competed in the national finals at Keele University and after topping the group, they unluckily went out in the semi finals. The name, Chester-le-Street Boys, commands respect throughout the country for these achievements alone.

Last instructions at the Academy of Light before winning the national finals

The team consistently challenges for honours each season in very competitive football against district teams in Durham and Northumberland. Last season was particularly outstanding with us winning the Durham & Northumberland League, the Derwent & Medomsley Trophy as well as being North of England 7-a-Side champions - great achievement for a relatively small association which draws its squad from only 24 schools.

 Winning the Durham & Northumberland Cup 2006

The teams plays on Saturday mornings, with the season lasting from September until the end of May. The home pitch, at Ouston Junior School, is the envy of any team which plays on it. Immaculately kept by premises superintentent, Steve Shaw, the ideal dimensions of the pitch, allied to an excellent playing surface, offers teams a great opportunity to play flowing football.

Almost all games are 11-a-side but there is the opportunity to play in 7 and 5 a side competitions during the season. Historically, the strength of district football is that it gives the boys a chance of pitting their skills against boys from other parts of the country and this principle is maintained each season with matches against opposition from Yorkshire, particularly in the mini festival at Scarborough in October - surely a highlight of the season and one which is remembered with affection by all who have participated in it - not to mention parents!

Finally, playing for the association team gives a wonderful opportunity to play football in a well structured, disciplined environment where sportsmanship and respect are vitally important.