Joshua's 1st League Match

For over two years now I have been coaching and managing Joshua's football team and I would be a liar if I said it wasn't hard work. Just getting out of bed early on a wet and windy weekend to stand in a field coaching 25+ boys is a challenge in its own right. But today we reaped the rewards of all that hard work as our Under 7 Tigers had their very first league game in the South East Essex Mini Soccer League against Leighwood United Tigers at home. I think I was more nervous than the boys and barely slept a wink the night before through shear excitement of our first competitive game. It seems there is so much pressure on your shoulders as a coach to try and get the best out of the kids, adhere to FA guidelines and keep all the parents satisfied.

 

We arrived at Forest Glade early so that the parents could help get the pitch set-up whilst we warmed up the boys and did the meet and greet with the opposition. Coach Lee gave the boys a good luck charm as our Captain, Ryan, was handed a Captains arm band worn by John Terry when he captained England. The first half was very tense and very competitive. Despite our boys having multiple shots on goal, none of them hit the back of the net and then the one good chance Leighwood had, they finished it putting us 1-0 down. We knew Leighwood were a good team having previously been beaten by their Lions, but the Tigers were a different story and our boys stuck to the game plan and sure enough the goals started coming. At the end of a thrilling game we won 4-2 with goals from Alex, Ethan, Ryan and an own goal from Leighwood. Joshua played predominantly mid field and did well. He was making some good runs up front with Ethan playing the long ball forward towards him. The move didn't quite work out today but with a bit more practice I think these two could have a great link up on the field.

 

Ryan, Alfie and Joshua run back celebrating as Forest Glade get our first goal.

 

 

Ryan runs down the wing as Joshua makes a run into the box ready for the cross.

 

A bit of an unusual move where Josh lines up to tonk the ball but completely misses (I think his eyes were on relatives in the crowd and not the ball!).

Joshua takes on a defender to try and get a shot on goal.

 

Joshua about to launch a throw-in towards Ethan and Alex.

 

Our Tigers in their blue home kit: Alfie, Max, Ethan, Alex, Josh, Ryan and Lorne.

Today was such a positive start for the forthcoming season and the whole team did us really proud. I couldn't wait to get home a register our score onto the FA website. I know with the Under 7's the coaching should be all about child development and fun with no emphasis on the end result, but lets be honest, we all want to win and we play to win! SO tonight I can hopefully sleep easy and now look forward to seeing when, where and who our next fixture is against. Our journey has moved up into the next gear..........