PRAISE FOR PRE-SEASON TOURNAMENT SUCCESS

It was great to get thanks and positive feedback from parents on Sunday. There was a lot to smile about from my perspective. Obviously the results pleased me, but seeing a real togetherness about the group between games, told me that we had achieved more than just favourable scores from the time spent rehearsing.

The players worked hard, not only on the day, but in the build up - not just to better understand and play their own role, but to better understand the role played by others too.

On Sunday, I witnessed goals and defensive shut-outs (both hard earned), but above those things, I noticed mutual respect for effort, and laughter amongst friends.

Stepping away from primary development and into a secondary one, it was fantastic to see the team take a look at the size of the challenge and decide to step up.

Firstly, thanks and praise to all the parents and players for turning up on a wet bank holiday to support and play.

Thanks and praise to the parents and players from the U11's that, only playing 9v9 for the very first time on Saturday, were courageous enough to go again on Sunday against older opposition: Thomas Moor; Brendan Monaghan; Kyle Cross.

Thanks and praise also have to be given to the volunteers who contributed massively to the success of the tournament over the weekend: Alfie Gilllies, Sheryl Sanders, Andy Hall, Duncan MacDonald, Kevin Lambe (who got back from holiday at midnight, barely had time to set his head on a pillow, before rocking up at 8am to help set up all sorts).

Kevin Lambe (whilst on holiday) also sourced and bought some wonderful trophies to recognise the improvement shown in Gladiator challenges last season (promised to the players on presentation night by way of appreciation). We hope to present these after the first home game of the season against Didcot Casuals.

#TournamentFootball