The new youth league football season is underway and my little boy is now an under 11. There’s a bigger pitch, a longer game (a whole hour!), the introduction of the dreaded off-side rule and a bigger team – up to nine players from seven. Last year was a rocky season and we perhaps didn’t go into this one with high hopes.
Last year the team rather ambitiously had two teams – one in league 1 and one in league 2. My son was in the league 1 team and my husband oversaw the management of both, as well as the day-to-day coaching. As the season wore on, we lost a few players from both teams. Somehow they managed to make it to the end of the season with just about enough players, but both teams finished at the bottom of their respective leagues.
This year, it’s back to one team – in some cases getting players who’ve never worked together to work as a team. The team is in league 2. Thank goodness.
The team suffered two thrashings in pre-season friendlies, which didn’t do much for the confidence of either the players or the parents (or the poor long-suffering coach).
But the first league game of the season looked good on paper. They should win it. But would they, after their confidence had taken a bashing and with the new mix of players? And two of the most influential players were missing.
My son has always tended to play in defence, but he’s fast and always wants to play up front. My husband experimented with having him and the other fastest player up front, which seemed to work very well – as well as making my son very happy.
The game started well. They were definitely the better team. But the minutes were ticking on and there was no goals. Close to half-time, my son’s friend, previously a league 2 player, got the goal.
In the second half they played even better. All of the players played brilliantly. My son was so strong and so fast. Nobody would have guessed he’s usually a defender.
There was another goal. Would it be enough? You can easily lose a 2-0 lead in kids’ football. Two more goals in quick succession and it was 4-0! There was no way they were going to lose. The first goal scorer ended up with a hat trick, which was a brilliant achievement for him. My poor son had a goal disallowed, thanks to the offside rule, which is still confusing 90% of the players. If they’d been beaten or had drawn, he would have been upset. But he couldn’t complain with a 4-0. The opposition didn’t even get a consolation goal!
The difference a win, a decisive victory, a clean sheet right at the start of the season makes to a team is incredible. They’d started the day feeling they were going to lose yet again, that it was going to be another tough season. But they’ve got their first three points! With that goal difference they should be top of the league, but, randomly everyone on three points is listed in alphabetical order, so they’re not. But they know they’ve got the moral victory. They’re top of the league in reality, even if not officially. Even if it’s only for one week!
September 8, 2014
Glad it went so well even if the goal was disallowed. It must be a nice feeling to be on top, even if it doesn’t show that way.
September 9, 2014
Thank you. It has given them a real buzz after last season. Would be great if it could continue!
September 8, 2014
My five year old is driving me mad to join a football team now, so I guess I might be joining you on the touchline very soon.
#MagicMoments
September 9, 2014
Good luck with it! It takes some adjusting to get used to, but as boys get bigger, there’s nowhere better to spend time with them!
September 8, 2014
Glad he enjoyed himself and got to play up front, too! A great start to the season 🙂
September 9, 2014
Thanks! It was a really positive start for them 🙂
September 8, 2014
You have a real talent for writing about sport.
September 9, 2014
Thank you, Kate! That’s such a lovely thing to say. I really appreciate it.
September 10, 2014
Woo hoo! That is a great start. Glad your boy enjoyed himself too x
September 12, 2014
Thanks very much, he had a great time 🙂 x
September 11, 2014
Great to see it was a good start to the season. It’s great when they have sports they enjoy x
September 12, 2014
Thanks very much. We love sports in this house!
September 11, 2014
Oh that’s definitely a #loudnproud moment! 🙂
September 12, 2014
It certainly is! Thanks very much 🙂
September 13, 2014
I am in awe of how much you support your children – sport and otherwise. I am sure you have a robot version of yourself to fit it all in. Glad the season has started well.
September 13, 2014
Thanks very much, what a lovely thing to say! All this supporting my kids means we don’t have time for playing or days out like lots of families, but I don’t think they miss out. I think the regular sport is worth more than that.
September 13, 2014
Great stuff! Another brilliant sports post! Well done to your sons team for getting the season off to such a good start, must be such a boost for them going forward. Good luck with the next game x #CountryKids
September 13, 2014
Thanks very much! Really hope they can keep it going now, would be great for them to have a good season. x
September 14, 2014
My son saw some kids play football in a leisure center and he just stayed there quietly watching. I think its love and I think soon enough I will be a football mom too. Cant wait! =) #countrykids
September 14, 2014
aww how exciting! .. i am sure he will take in his stride! 🙂 good luck to his team for the coming season xx
thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments (sorry im late getting round)
September 16, 2014
Great start to the season! Your household sounds very much like mine, Saturday is football day, T plays for u12’s and Hubbie is assistant manager. They’ve had a lot of adjusting to do, what with the majority of them moving to secondary school too.
I agree with other comments, you do write a good report.
Thanks for linking up with #SSAmazingAchievements
Jeannette @autismmumma x
September 16, 2014
Thanks very much, that’s a lovely thing to say! It’s nice to know other people understand the life of a football wife and mum! It can take over the weekends somewhat! x
October 1, 2014
So glad it went so well and they have started the season on a high. Lets hope it continues for the team this season. #SSAmazingAchievements
October 2, 2014
Thanks very much, Jane. This Saturday they drew against one of the best teams, so they’re currently second in the league, but still happy and still playing well!