08/06/2026
QPL U9โs โ Verwood Town Tournament Report.
Playing up a year in the U10s group was always going to be a tough task for our U9s, especially with a couple of players effectively competing two years above their age. We spoke beforehand about how we could use our passing, movement and teamwork to work around the physical advantage of our opponents, and how important it would be to stay strong, resilient and switched on.
We started a little sluggish in our first game, but as the tournament went on the girls grew in confidence and belief. With heroic goalkeeping, outstanding defending and fantastic forward play, we progressed to the semi finals, where we faced Bournemouth Electric โ the tournament favourites.
The semi final performance was outstanding. Poppy P put us 1โ0 up, and our work rate, commitment and sheer desire to nullify our opponents was top class. Unfortunately, we were undone in the final minutes as Bournemouth Electric equalised, taking the game to a penalty shootout.
A huge well done to Poppy, Alice and Harper for having the nerve to step up for the penalties. And a special mention to our new keeper Daisy, playing up two years, who produced some fantastic saves to send us through to the final.
The final was a close, competitive encounter. Both teams played some great football. We went 1โ0 down after an unfortunate cross deflected kindly to an opponent for a tap in. It was harsh, but the girls threw the kitchen sink at the opposition, creating chances and pushing right to the end. Sadly, it just wasnโt to be this time.
We received brilliant feedback from opposition parents and coaches, who couldnโt believe the level of football we played given the age gap โ a huge credit to the team.
A special mention to Ivy, who won Parentsโ Player, and to Alice, awarded Managerโs Player of the Tournament.
I honestly couldnโt be prouder of this team. They were unbelievable! ๐โฝ๏ธ
