Dennis Bergkamp’s son scores first goal for non-league team on his first start

On Feb 22, 2023

Like father, like son.

It didn’t take long for Mitchel Bergkamp to show he’s a chip off the old block after scoring just 25 minutes into his first start in English football. The son of Arsenal legend Dennis is taking his first steps in the senior game in the rough-and-ready nature of the National League.

The 24-year-old recently signed for Bromley and opened the scoring in their clash with high-flying Woking on Tuesday night. A mistake from Woking’s goalkeeper midway through the first half allowed Bromley’s Charley Kendall the chance to square to Bergkamp, who applied a cool side-foot finish to put his side in front.

Sadly that was as good as it got for the Dutch attacking midfielder – who was playing in the less familiar role more suited to his father as a central striker. Woking soon overturned the deficit, equalising from a corner after 42 minutes before taking the lead on the stroke of half-time, two minutes into injury time. Despite going to 10-men after an hour, Woking held on for the win.

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Bergkamp Jr showed that he’s a chip off the old block – just like his old man
(Image: ExpressStar)

Bergkamp was substituted at the break, with his manager Andy Woodman admitting he felt the change was necessary to try and give his side a chance of earning a result. “I felt sorry for Mitch, I took him off at half-time as I was playing him in a position which wasn’t right for him,” Woodman said.

“I couldn’t get him in the game. I wanted him to go up top and he kept dropping into the middle of the park. We tried to create something for Mitch in there and he did alright but we were putting no pressure on their front men, so I had to change that a little bit.

Bromley players rush to celebrate with Bergkamp after his goal
(Image: Martin Greig Photography)

“But credit to Mitch, he understands his place in the team and he’s got his first goal for Bromley so we’re immensely chuffed.”

Bergkamp was on the books of Dutch second tier outfit Almere City until the summer of 2020. He later moved back to England to test himself at Watford’s academy, before ultimately joining Bromley as a free agent in January.

Having grown up in London while his dad was setting the Premier League alight, Bergkamp Jnr played for local youth side Hadley Rangers as a kid, and Arsenal did give him the opportunity to trial with them on the advice of Ian Wright, albeit eventually cutting it short.

Bergkamp left Arsenal in 2006
(Image: 2015 VI-Images)

Speaking previously about his dad, Mitchel told the Mirror : “I would often watch him at Highbury and go to the training ground. I remember talking to the players there, like Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira. I can still remember my dad scoring against West Brom and spotting me in the stand and pointing.

“He has been amazing for me, he is my No.1 fan and has always been there for me. When I was younger trying to make my way in the game, it was difficult being compared to him all the time. I have to be my own player.”

Despite the iconic status of his dad, Dennis feels his son has had a tougher task to prove himself in the game. “I would never say you have to play Mitchel because I’m Dennis Bergkamp,” he said. “In many ways, though, he has had to do more than the other players. It has made him stronger.”