Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Orpington and Bromley District Sunday Football League (OBDSFL) stands as one of the longest-running amateur football competitions in southeast London, having been established in 1948 by Charlie Gibbons. For over seven decades, this grassroots league has provided a platform for local teams to compete across multiple divisions, including its Premier and Senior tiers.
The league has fostered notable success stories throughout its history, including Southboroug's remarkable achievement of winning seven consecutive league titles between the 1950s and 1960s. This competitive spirit continues today as teams throughout Bromley, Orpington, and surrounding areas battle each week on Sunday mornings.
What makes the OBDSFL special is its commitment to the traditional Sunday league football experience while maintaining organizational integrity through proper fixtures, results tracking, and league tables. The league represents the essence of amateur football in England—where passion for the game brings communities together regardless of weather conditions or professional aspirations.
History
The Orpington & Bromley District Sunday Football League (OBDSFL) was founded in 1922 by a group of local football enthusiasts. Starting with just four divisions, the league has since grown substantially to accommodate more teams and competitions.
Since 1964, the OBDSFL has operated under the auspices of the Football Association, along with other Sunday Leagues across England. This official recognition allows clubs within the league to participate in FA-sanctioned competitions.
The league has maintained its community roots while expanding its reach throughout the Orpington and Bromley areas. It continues to provide competitive football opportunities for adult, junior, and youth teams.
In October 2024, the league participated in the FA's Black History Month celebrations. On October 20, 2024, a special History Cup competition was held, with participating teams competing for the trophy.
Over its century-long existence, the OBDSFL has become an important part of the local sporting landscape. The league continues to evolve while preserving its original mission of promoting grassroots football in the community.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Orpington & Bromley District Sunday Football League (OBDSFL) primarily focuses on adult football competition, with "Open" being the main age group category for participants.
The league structure consists of multiple divisions arranged in a hierarchical format. At the top sits the Premier Division, representing the highest level of competition within the league.
Below the Premier Division, the league continues with Division One, Division Two, Division Three, Division Four, and Division Five. Some sources also indicate the existence of a Division Six Development tier, providing opportunities for developing teams.
Some references suggest the league previously had a slightly different structure that included a Senior Division above the Premier Division, though current information points to Premier being the top tier.
Teams can move between divisions through a promotion and relegation system, similar to other English football leagues. This creates a competitive environment where teams strive to advance to higher divisions.
The OBDSFL falls under the governance of the Football Association (FA) since 1964, allowing clubs to participate in various cup competitions. This affiliation provides structure and standardization across Sunday league football in England.
As part of Kent FA's network of 30 affiliated leagues, the OBDSFL contributes to the organized football ecosystem in the region, offering competitive opportunities for local teams.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Orpington & Bromley District Sunday Football League is managed by a dedicated committee that oversees all league operations and administration.
Phil Cheverton serves as the General Secretary and can be reached at 020 8249 3205 or via email at gensec@obdsfl. As General Secretary, he handles applications and documentation for teams interested in joining the league.
The committee structure includes several key positions responsible for different aspects of league management:
Key Contacts:
- General Secretary: Phil Cheverton
- Phone: 020 8249 3205
- Email: gensec@obdsfl
For teams seeking to join the league, application forms and relevant documentation can be obtained directly from the General Secretary. Prospective clubs should reach out via phone or email to start the application process.
The league administration coordinates various essential functions including fixture scheduling, match official assignments, and rule enforcement. They also manage the matchday advice form that teams must use when communicating with opponents and match officials.
Committee members work closely with clubs and referees to ensure smooth operation of league activities throughout the season. Their responsibilities include handling disciplinary matters, organizing competitions, and maintaining league standards.
Teams
The Orpington & Bromley District Sunday Football League (OBDSFL) consists of multiple divisions that structure the competitive environment for local football clubs. The league currently operates with 7 divisions, ranging from the Premier Division to Division 6.
Teams competing in the OBDSFL represent various areas within the Orpington and Bromley districts, creating a robust community football network. Each team participates in weekly fixtures, typically played on Sunday mornings as the league's name suggests.
The league structure allows for promotion and relegation between divisions, motivating teams to improve their performance season after season. This competitive format has been maintained since the league's founding in 1948 by Charlie Gibbons.
Teams track their statistics throughout each season, including match results, goal scorers, and overall league position. Player and team season totals are regularly updated and monitored.
The variety of teams participating in the OBDSFL reflects the strong grassroots football culture in southeast London. From established clubs with multiple teams to newer entries, the league accommodates various skill levels and competitive ambitions.
League fixtures and results provide the backbone of competition, with teams typically playing each opponent in their division twice during a season – once at home and once away.
Players
The Orpington & Bromley District Sunday Football League features numerous talented players across its various teams and divisions. Based on the search results, we can identify several players who participate in the league.
Team XLP includes players such as Wajud Adegbite, Raju Ahmed, Stefan Aiwone, Tyrelle Ansah, and Josh Ashley. These individuals contribute to their team's performance in league matches throughout the season.
MSL, another team in the league, features players like Tunde Adeloye, Emmanuel Agunsoye, Zacchius Ajose, and Michael Bademosi. Each player brings their unique skills and abilities to strengthen their squad.
The league maintains records of player statistics, including season totals for individual performances. This data helps track goal scorers, assists, and other important metrics throughout the football season.
Player movement between teams is common in the league, with transfers occurring during designated windows. This creates a dynamic competitive environment where team compositions evolve over time.
Many players in the Orpington & Bromley District Sunday Football League are local talents who represent their communities with pride. The league provides an important platform for footballers to showcase their abilities in organized competition.
