FootieÂ’s future stars

11:12am Wednesday 2nd January 2002

DARTFORD District Primary Schools' Association will be kicking off the new year with a match against arch rivals Bexley, in the Kent League.

The association, based at Waller Park, Dartford, represents the best players from 29 primary schools across the borough, who are picked at the beginning of the season.

Two of its pupils now play for big name clubs.

James Jordan, a pupil at Joydens Wood Junior School, Birchwood Drive, Dartford, has been signed up by Arsenal's junior squad.

And Jamie O'Hara, who went to Horton Kirby Primary School, Horton Road, Farningham, now plays for England's under 15 team and Arsenal's youth team.

District manager of the association Brian Williams, who has been coaching pupils for the last 10 years, said: "Lots of the talent scouts from big clubs come along, sometimes signing up a player.

"It's all about improving technique, and hopefully producing national players for the future."

The first match of the new year is being played at Waller Park, Dartford, on January 3, at 10.30am.