18/12/2024
This report is something completely different……….
The final training session of the calendar year had approached, and it was decided that to mark the occasion, a match would be played with the lads and their grown-ups! The scene was set, the floodlights piercing the dark night sky and an atmosphere of excitement by the boys yet anxiety by the grownups! The pitch soon became a time machine, as the dads crossed the line on to the pitch and once again for however long, became a 6/7 yr. old once more, chasing their dreams as a footballer and trying to attain their footballing heroes whilst still holding the torch of the little ones hero status.
Once the match kicked off it was end to end to stuff with few chances either way. The dads played their part too, putting in crunching tackles. A master class of passing was seen, the grownups integrating well with the boys which enabled them to pass the ball around. Soon the deadlock was broken, a great attack down the left-hand side enabled a good quality square ball. The advancing veteran goalkeeper was quick off his line, however not as quick as Louie who deliciously lifted the ball over the outstretched keeper to score one of his best finishes that has been seen. The celebration was to match also!
From that moment it was end to end stuff and soon the non-bibs took a 3-1 led. 3-1 soon became 4-1 with the veteran keeper picking the ball out yet again after being embarrassed by the skills of a 7yr old. The bibs soon got another goal back, this time it was Beighton’s number 1 who scored his first ever goal in any format, this topped off a typical goalkeeper’s performance up front (never leaving the opposition goal line!).
As the final whistle approached, the non-bibs took the spoils 6-3. As tradition goes with any training session, it was time for a penalty shoot out for the boys with some great penalties from the boys. Then it was the turn for the dads, some great pens and some misses, but fun was had.
It was then time. Time for the grown ups to step back across the line and be transformed back into the here and now, almost stepping back from the past. The smiles on boys and dads’ faces could not be matched.
One final surprise for the boys, a gift for each one of them kindly donated by our away kit sponsor MAYFIELD ELECTRICAL. I am sure the boys have opened the gifts by now, however such a kind a generous touch.
And so, the final training session of the year was final wrapped up (pun intended) and thoughts were now concentrated on the festive period.
Final Thoughts…….
As Christmas is approaching its time to take a step back and take stock. Its time to relax and spend time with loved ones and friends and cherish each day. The boys have come on so much since we all got together in April. This is evident by the performances that they have put in since September. Its just not the boys that have worked hard, Paul our manager works tirelessly behind the scenes in order to make sure we have refs and fixtures in place. Ed and Matt are at Pauls side to assist with match days and discussions throughout the week. A massive thank you to them. Also, thanks to you, the family and friends that support these boys on a day to day and week to week basis. You are their foundation, their support through the tough times that they have and that they will encounter throughout their journey. Their journey is just that, a journey learning to play the game, learning to be a team mate, learning to deal with life’s pressure and emotions. Each one of the lads will develop at their own rate, no one else’s and they will get there. You should all be very proud of each and every one of the boys as they give their all in every training session and match that they undertake. But remember this, its game that brings us all together as the magpie family. We are there for each other as players, coaches and supporters alike. But just remember this……..this is football, its all it is, it’s just a game………
Big thank you to our following sponsors.
Pyramid Carpets– Winter Coat sponsor
Mayfield Electrical – Away kit sponsor
Merry Christmas to you all and a very happy new year
Jase