Just a (relatively) quick one this week you'll be relieved to hear :-). I was initially disappointed that Princes Villa couldn't fulfil their fixture, but after the work we did and the match we played internally on Saturday, it was something that I think was actually needed.
All eleven boys that were available played really well, I've identified some new positions for some of the boys which was one of the objectives for the Arrows v Arrows match so overall I am really pleased. We do need to work on some specific areas - we are still bunching up way too much, but I am hoping that I have a few drills for Friday that may help in trying to rectify this. It won't happen overnight, but it will come.
As mentioned the boys played really well - I could call out each and every one individually, but I promised that this would be a short one this week. A few well deserved mentions though are to the following:
Oliver Wrigley - scored a stunning strike on the volley - a real screamer - Oli is building in confidence game by game and is great to see.
Henry - played some good solid football on Saturday. Very much need to work on some aspects, but at one point he held Jack Broadhurst off with ease whilst protecting the ball, and believe me, Jack takes some stopping at times. It's that type of body strength and holding the ball up/opposition players off that is what I am looking for from Henry - some great passes too, and nearly a goal from a great effort in Q3 of the match!
Tom - Played well outfield but was really impressed with him when he went in goal, a position I understand he really likes. He made some fantastic saves, some very brave indeed and seemed at ease, both in terms of collecting the ball and its distribution back out to his team mates - well done Tom.
Goalkeepers overall - I've already mentioned Tom, but another key objective for me was to look at some of the boys that hadn't played in goal much, or in some cases not at all - I was really happy with what I saw. On Saturday, Harry, Sam, Tom, Oscar, Max and Jack Binns all had time in the nets - I've said this before, but I do believe we have a large number of boys in the squad that can handle the GK position very capably - it provides me with some great options as we go from match to match. I do think some of the boys worry that if we let in a few goals then that's solely on them, and that in turn puts them off - it really isn't - we attack and defend as a team and if a goal is scored, its got through every other boy on the field before it gets to the last line of defence. I know all too well of the pressures of being a goalkeeper (and more specifically a GK's dad!) through Jack and his participation with the Jets - its a vital role, but one, if really embraced can be a fantastic position to play in. Please help me to reinforce this message with your boys.
Anyway, I could go on (can't help myself), but I'm going to wrap it there - just to reiterate though I really appreciate all the help that everyone is providing. I know that the two worst things that I can say to a parent at the moment is, 'Its a 9:30 KO so there for 9 please' or 'We need help with putting the nets up please' - but so see the boys play like they are with enjoyment and a smile on their faces is hopefully a great output from what is really a great collective effort.
Thanks again, see you Friday at training (same time/place) and also on Saturday, if selected, against what should be a good match versus Blacon away. Details to follow.
Carl
AFC Waverton U8 Arrows
07896 515717
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