Bedfordview country club football club hosts record-breaking pre-season tournament
From U6 to U17 categories, young players took to the field to prepare for the upcoming league season in a professionally run environment focused on development.
Bedfordview Country Club Football Club hosted a record number of teams at its home grounds when the club hosted its annual pre-season football tournament.
Held between March 13 and March 15 the tournament saw teams ranging from U6 to U17 take to the field as they tested their skills and faced off against one another.
According to the BCC Football Club secretary, Luisa Dos Santos, this year’s tournament was a great success.
“The standard of football was excellent, with many young players showcasing their skills.”
She said fixtures ran on time throughout the weekend, and the overall atmosphere was positive and enjoyable.
According to Dos Santos, the tournament has been running for approximately 25 years.
She said it started as a small local initiative to bring clubs together for pre-season preparation and has grown steadily into a large, well-supported event.
Dos Santos said over the years, the tournament has expanded significantly in both size and quality.
“From a small local gathering, the tournament now attracts a large number of teams and clubs offering a well-structured and professionally run environment for youth football.”
“2026 was our biggest tournament yet, with 157 teams participating,” said Dos Santos.
Dos Santos said that as the event is a pre-season tournament, the primary focus is on development and preparation rather than results.
“While matches were competitive, the emphasis was not placed on overall winners but rather on participation and performance,” she explained.
“The Main objective is to give coaches an opportunity to assess their players ahead of the league season.”
“It allows them to identify strengths and areas for improvement and to determine the most suitable divisions for their teams, said Dos Santos.
Chairperson of BCC Tony Carvalho said the club is incredibly proud of how the tournament has grown over the years.
“Hosting 157 teams in one weekend is no small feat, and it’s fantastic to see so many young players enjoying the game.
The success of this tournament is a testament to the hard work of my two right hands, Luisa Dos Santos and Alan Rees, my committee, my coaches, as well as the support from the football community.”
Carvalho wished all the clubs and players all the best for the 2026 season.
