The Football Programme at BSB

The Football Programme at BSB, part of our incredibly successful Enrichment offering, is recognised as a shining example of excellence and inclusivity, designed not only to achieve sporting triumphs but also to promote physical well-being, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of togetherness among students. The evolution of BSB’s approach since football transitioned to a year-round sport in 2019 emphasises a holistic player development strategy. With nearly 600 students participating in various sessions and teams, the programme continues to grow substantially.

How successful are BSB’s football teams in European competitions?

BSB’s football teams, covering both boys’ and girls’ programmes, have experienced an extraordinary journey over the past four years, achieving unprecedented success and setting new benchmarks in European youth sports. Their impressive performances have secured numerous accolades and silverware, establishing themselves as a leading football programme amongst international schools in Europe.

• Middle School Boys: Back-to-back champions

  In 2025, the Middle School Boys made history by becoming the first team in their category to successfully defend their Mediterranean Cup title. They went unbeaten across ten matches, conceded no goals, and captured both the Top Goal Scorer and Player of the Tournament awards. This victory followed their 2024 triumph, when they won BSB’s first-ever Mediterranean Cup championship after a nerve‑racking penalty shoot-out against Geneva Lancy School. The team also claimed gold at the 2024 International Sporting Championships Conference (ISCC) in Cobham, following a bronze-medal performance in the inaugural Rome edition in 2023.

• Varsity Boys: Sustained European dominance

  The Varsity Boys continued their remarkable winning streak in 2025, securing both the ISAA Title in Brussels – their fourth consecutive win – and a third consecutive ISSC title. Their dominance has been consistent since the 2022 – 2023 season, with a growing collection of major trophies including the ISAA Division One crowns in The Hague and Barcelona, and ISSC and ISCC victories in Rome and Brussels. In just two years, the team amassed four major European titles, firmly establishing themselves as a powerhouse of international school football.

• Junior and Local League Success

  The younger boys’ teams have also flourished. In early 2025, the U15 and U17 squads once again captured their respective local league titles, repeating their unbeaten 2024 campaigns achieved through BSB’s successful partnership with Tempo Overijse. The U16 team celebrated victory at the 2024 Mediterranean Cup, winning the tournament at their first attempt, while the Junior Varsity Boys earned their first senior title at the Sport Council of International Schools (SCIS) Conference in 2023. These results underline the depth of talent emerging throughout BSB’s developmental structure.

• Girls’ Teams: Consistency and breakthroughs

  The Girls’ football programme continues to reach new heights. In 2025, the Varsity Girls secured the ISSC Conference title after having claimed BSB’s first-ever ISAA Division One crown in 2024. The U20 team made history with a league title win in April 2024, and the Middle School Girls achieved a best‑ever 3rd place finish at the 2025 Mediterranean Cup, improving on their Elite Bronze Final runner‑up result in 2024. The Varsity squad also collected bronze medals at both the ISSC Division One tournaments in Geneva and Rome, demonstrating the strength and consistency of BSB’s girls’ football pathway.

How does BSB ensure the development of both boys’ and girls’ football equally?

The decision to launch and expand the girls’ football programme at BSB was fundamentally driven by a commitment to provide equal opportunities for all students to engage in sports. The programme began as a modest initiative, spearheaded by passionate advocates like former Head of Design & Technology, Simon Jones. The pivotal shift occurred in 2019, when the decision was made to make football a year-round Tier 1 sport, which paved the way for significant growth and parity between the boys’ and girls’ teams. Today, up to 100 girls participate weekly.

The programme ensures inclusivity and opportunity through several strategic factors:

• Grassroots and Early Engagement: New initiatives, such as Primary ‘girls-only’ sessions, have been introduced to promote early engagement and inclusivity, ensuring football opportunities for all interested students.
• “Football for All” Philosophy: BSB embraces a “football for all” philosophy, which accommodates different participation levels, striving to maintain interest and nurture a love for the game, even amidst the broader trend of sports dropouts among teenage girls.
• Flexible Training: The programme focuses on flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the players, adjusting training schedules around academic pressures. This player/person-centric approach ensures that football remains a positive and manageable part of their lives.
• Integrated Opportunities: The inclusive and supportive culture extends to allowing girls the option to train with the boys’ teams if they choose, fostering a sense of challenge and confidence. This has broken down barriers, making mixed-gender training sessions a normal and welcomed part of the environment.
• Sustained Growth: Efforts are made to provide equal opportunities and resources to female players, including grassroots development programmes and accessible facilities, laying the groundwork for sustained growth.

What level of coaching professionalism can students expect?

The success of BSB’s football teams is underpinned by an extraordinary coaching programme that fosters comprehensive player development. The school has transitioned from relying solely on teachers to employing highly qualified, professional coaches.

• Professional Expertise: The expertise and experience brought by these professional coaches have elevated the quality of training, aligning it with the demands of competitive football. BSB’s coaching staff includes three A-licensed coaches, a qualification level that even outstrips some affiliated clubs.
• Partnerships and Resources: BSB enhances its programme through its innovative partnerships with Tempo Overijse. This collaboration with provides resources, expertise, and opportunities for player development and facilitates joint training sessions, competitive matches, league participation, and shared coaching initiatives.

BSB’s coaches are committed to continuous improvement, regularly meeting to discuss not just football tactics but also the holistic development of the players, fostering a people-oriented culture.

Beyond skills, how does the programme support a student’s wellbeing, character, and academic balance?

At BSB, the true measure of achievement transcends tangible trophies and accolades; it lies in the development of players as well-rounded, caring, and confident young men and women who carry themselves with respect both on and off the field.

The football programme operates a holistic player development strategy that shapes individuals, emphasising character development that goes hand-in-hand with athletic prowess.

Focus on Character and Life Skills:

• Core Values: Coaches prioritise instilling values such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and resilience. These principles are reflected in the athletes’ conduct during competitions, leading to teams that display commendable sportsmanship and exemplary behaviour acknowledged by opponents, spectators, and rival coaches.
• Confidence and Empowerment: The programmes empower individuals to believe in their abilities, both on and off the pitch. This confidence translates into everyday life, equipping students with the self-assurance needed to face challenges head-on.
• Team Spirit and Community: A distinguishing feature is the genuine camaraderie within the squad. The programme fosters a strong sense of unity, with boys’ and girls’ teams encouraged to cheer each other on and celebrate shared successes. This positive environment has been noted by parents as excellent for helping children settle and integrate into the school.
• Accountability and Resilience: Beyond the thrill of victory, athletes are taught to gracefully handle defeats, learning invaluable lessons in resilience and determination. The coaching fosters a winning mindset, not only in terms of goals but also in attitudes and conduct, building players who approach improvement with desire, modesty, and humility.

As one parent stated, participation in BSB football not only improves technical ability but also provides children with a range of life-skills, including the importance of discipline, cooperation, listening to instructions, and the tools to cope with defeat and success.

Finally, by providing comprehensive football education, including a solid track record of regular training and competitive match experience, the programme builds confidence and aspirations, offering a platform for girls and boys to pursue football beyond school, whether at university or through other avenues. The long-term goal is a robust programme that fosters valuable life skills and a positive school experience, supported by continuous emotional and psychological support for players.

The BSB football programme acts like a sophisticated ecosystem: where specialised coaching and top-tier competitive experience allow individual to grow in character, resilience, and life skills, ensuring they flourish not only when winning trophies but also when facing the challenges of everyday life.

Read more about the Enrichment Programme at BSB here.