Presentation nights are upon us

It's fast approaching that time of the season when, as a manager/coach, I have to think of those end of season awards.  There is much discussion around whether they are valuable or needed, but seeing the look on the face of the kids when they are received is priceless!  As a club, it's down to the manager/coach to decide what awards they are to give out

• Managers Player
• Coaches Player
• Players Player
• Supporters Player
• etc.

We opt for 3 of the above plus Most Improved Player , leaving out the Players Player.  At a young age, and from my own experiences, this ends up going to the one with the biggest circle of friends within the team.  I know it did for the team I played for!  I was surprised to find out from my son that he sees the most important being Most Improved Player.  I presumed it would be the Managers or Coaches Player, obviously not!

So how are the awards chosen?  It would be easy to pick out the child with the most ability, they usually get the most votes in the Supporters Player anyway.  For me, when choosing the Managers Player, I look for other qualities, commitment, manners, enthusiasm and not moaning about playing in an unfamiliar position!  Most Improved Player is always a tricky one.  Throughout the season, you can see every player improving.  I always try and look at how they played in the first few weeks of the season compared to the final few weeks.  Again, their conduct could also be viewed.

In addition to our own presentation evening, as league winners we have also been invited to the league presentation evening at Barnsley Metrodome.

League Presentation tickets

It will be a late night for our u10s on a school night but I'm sure something they will all enjoy.  What a way to end the season!

Last thing, good luck to Millhouses Juniors and Norton Lees Juniors who are playing in the SDJSFL U10s Trophy final on the 18th May.  These are 2 teams from our league who play in the right spirit and were a pleasure to play against.

End of season, start of new

Our season ended a couple of weeks ago with us needing a win to be promoted as champions.  I don't know who was more nervous, the kids, parents or coaches!  I know it's not all about winning but it would be nice to go out on a high.

1-0 down in the 1st half of match 1, we looked nervous.  At half-time, I asked the boys what they needed to do. Some excellent replies around keeping the ball and playing how we usually play.  The 2nd half was much better and at the end of the 1st match it was still 1-0.

2nd game we battled to a 1-0 lead in the 1st half (1-1 overall).  You could see the confidence and very little was said at half-time, "just keep doing what your doing".  A couple of goals sealed it in the 2nd half, 3-1 overall.  A great result played in great spirit by both teams.

It was great to receive emails and texts from other teams in our league proving that grassroots football is definitely a community and one to be proud of.

League Presentation Evening invitation

All we have now for this season is the league presentation and team presentation evenings to look forward to.

So now we start preparing for next season.  How do we get from 17 boys down to 14 for the forthcoming U11s 9v9 season?  How do we do it without upsetting someone?  Simple answer....you can't!  Many discussions have been had between myself and our other coach, and we pretty much agreed on our squad.  I knew it was going to be difficult telling the parents of those we were to lose but I didn't realise how difficult and I wasn't prepared for their reaction.  Only thing I can do is help them try to find other clubs.  I'm losing 3 boys who have given their all for the team and they've been a pleasure to coach.

Although next season doesn't start until September, it will be upon us before we know it!  We have no training for the next 2 months but I'm sure I'll be kept busy with tournaments and friendlies to arrange, presentation nights and managers meetings to attend, and of course enjoying some football free weekends with the family!