A group of promising footballers from the Riverside School, recently went on an unforgettable trip to France to test their skills against local sides.

During the trip, the students were based at C.D.F.A.S Sports Center Eaubonne which has been used by professional athletes such as Didier Drogba and the Ivory Coast national squad when visiting France.

As well as taking on local sides in a football tournament, the young people got the opportunity to take in the world famous sights of Paris, as well as a guided tour of the Parc de Princes – Paris Saint Germain’s stadium.  

Aidan Bailey, the P.E teacher who organised the trip, said: “It was a brilliant week, all the students behaved impeccably well and the enjoyment they had was a pleasure to see. We can’t wait to do it again next year.”

Elaine Allegretti, Director of People and Resilience, said: “It’s fantastic that our talented Barking and Dagenham students have the opportunity to see the world, experience new cultures, and demonstrate their skills and team spirit”

Nine out of ten Barking and Dagenham schools are rated “Good” or “Outstanding” by Ofsted.