Norwich Football Tournament for Brandon

Last Saturday Brandon's Academy Soccer Team had a fantastic opportunity to play a tournament at the Norwich Stadium at Carrow Rd. As Academy have circa 18 players currently they decided to split the team in to two teams to enter, so we had the greens and the blues (Brandon was part of the blues).

The tournament was pretty tough going against some strong EJ level teams but neither of the Academy teams really looked out of place and just didn't have as much luck as other teams in the short 12 min formats. The greens finished 3rd or 4th out of 8 and the blues finished in 5th place with 2 wins, 2 draws and a loss.

Brandon was pretty upset with the result which shows just how passionate he is about his football lately. To be honest I would be disappointed if he didn't show that sort of emotion knowing the team are capable of much more. Despite the results though, it was an absolutely fantastic day for the kids and parents and an experience to cherish forever.

All the lads got a tour around the stadium in between games and got some professional pictures taken which was a nice touch. There was no rivalry between the greens and blues and despite being in the same group, they both cheered and chanted at the other team when they were playing. So although split in to to teams, you could see they were one closely knit unit that all supported each other. Great bunch of lads and coaches.

The greens in the Norwich dugout.

Greens on in the official Norwich changing rooms.

Carrow Rd on a sunny Saturday.

Team picture of the blues and greens at Carrow Rd.

Plenty of parents travelled up to support the teams in the tournament.

Blues in the Norwich changing rooms.

The two coaches, Chris and Tony both did a fantastic job managing the teams and organising the event.

The whole team outside Carrow Rd.

The pitch looking amazing before kick-off.

Sods law the side we sat on was in the shade so I sat there freezing all day despite the sunshine.

The blues chilling in the Holiday Inn ahead of the tournament.

And some of the greens.

After a 2 hour drive up to Norwich I managed to convince Brandon to pose for a picture outside the stadium.

Not many people get the chance to play in a tournament at a stadium, so a great experience for B.

Action shot of Brandon on the ball.

Pre-tournament profile picture.

The blues are called out of the tunnel and line-up in the center of the pitch for a team photo.

The result may not have gone Brandon's way, but he came home with some nice souvenirs to remember his day.

Another medal for his collection.

Lumi Recovery Pod Ice Bath

Tina ordered me a Lumi Recovery Pod Ice Bath for my birthday which was on back order and only just arrived this week. These ice bath's have become some popular later and I have been desperate to jump on the bandwagon to help with physical and mental health. They are supposed to be pretty incredible in terms of reducing inflammation, heart rate, improved blood circulation, release of endorphins and so on.

Well we have only had it set-up for 4 or 5 days and I have to say it is pretty amazing, Me and Holly are the only one who use as the others are all "snowflakes". The recommended time to spend in the ice bath is 3 minutes and both me and Holly have been doing this twice a day (first thing in the morning) and then after the hot tub in the evening. It can be a bit of a struggle when you first get in the ice bath, but my god do you feel great when you get out. Really pleased with this addition to our gym/garden.

Just chilling and controlling that breathing on my first attempt in our new ice bath.

At the end of my 3 minutes I go for a full head dunk.

Holly's face says it all, it is cold.

But she is fearless and has used it more than me so far!

As we have an ice machine at home I have been keeping a bag of ice on stock in the freezer and then popping in 10 mins before using the pod.

Holly is addicted and has no issues going shoulder deep for the full 3 mins.

King Charles III Coronation

This blog isn't directly about Joshua, Brandon or Holly, but about King Charles III who was coronated on 6th May 2023. For most people this would be the first royal coronation they have seen in their lifetime, however given the age of King Charles it is highly likely Joshua, Brandon and Holly will get to see at least two coronations in their lifetime.

Unfortunately I didn't take many pictures during our coronation celebration weekend. On the Saturday when the King was actually coronated we stayed at home and watched the event live on the TV. In my opinion the whole event was absolutely spectacular and no other country in the world is steeped in such rich history and could put on such a ceremony. I think the kids were getting a little bored during the actual ceremony and just wanted them to get on with crowning the King.

On the Sunday after the coronation we had all the family around for an English tea party celebration which was really nice. Again I didn't get many photo's other than the one of Lisa who definitely got the award for best dressed for the event. Later that evening we sat and watched the Coronation Concert which was again very amazing. The stage, lighting and drones at Windsor Castle were just spectacular with some very good live performances culminating in 3 tracks from Take That.

This is certainly an event that will be very memorable for the kids and they should feel privileged to have been able to witness a coronation.

King Charles III is coronated.

Loved this picture which was doing the rounds on social media.

Lisa looking absolutely amazing at our Coronation tea party.

Lumi Recovery Pod

Better late than never. Today I received a very belated birthday present which Tina ordered for me bout 5 weeks ago. It is a Lumi Recovery Pod ice bath. Cold plunges have become all the rage recently and proven to be very good for reducing inflammation, improving circulation/blood flow, mental health and so much more. Since recovering from training is getting harder and harder with the older I get, I figured I have nothing to lose with using one of these daily.

Anyway we set it up tonight and filled it with cold water and a bag of ice. I went first with a target to try and last 30 seconds for my first time and then build on that until I can hold 3 mins daily. I surprised myself by last 1 min 30 and started to feel very comfortable in there. Holly was absolutely desperate to use it and followed straight after me and also managed to boss it to a very respectable 1 min 30 seconds. Joshua, Brandon and Tina are all snowflakes and won't go anywhere near it. I have to say I felt absolutely amazing once I got out of it today.

So a daily morning dip in the cold plunge will now become part of mine and Holly's daily routine.

Holly's first time in the cold plunge.

Initial shock factor of the freezing cold water.

But she mans up and goes all the way down to her shoulders for 1 min 30 seconds.

This could become a dangerous game as me and Holly compete for who can last longest.

But I went a step further and dunked my whole head under the water.

That's how to get cold.

Another Week - Another School Newsletter for Holly

Yes another week and Holly is once again starring on the school newsletter to celebrate her recent football achievements with the goal keeper penalty saves trophy and medal.

 

2023 Cup Final Winners - Academy Under 15's

After being delayed twice already due to water logged pictures, Brandon finally got to play in his U15's Cup Final match yesterday at Hullbridge Stadium. The team had put on a coach to take the boys to the match so it had that real "special occasion" feel about it. It was evident from arrival at "The Warren" that the boys were all so pumped up for this game, even more so as it looks like they may now have to settle for second in the league (against the team they were play in the Cup Final - Leigh Ramblers).

The match was absolutely incredible and and arguably one of the most entertaining matches I have ever watched and certainly one of the most memorable. Academy were playing some beautiful football creating far more chances than Leigh Ramblers, however at half time they went in 1-0 down having conceded a clumsy penalty. The manager made a few strategic changes early in the second half and soon the goals started coming and the final score ended up a comfortable 3-1 win to Academy.

There was a little heart in mouth moment in the second half as Brandon committed to a slide tackle in the box which was really touch and go as to whether it was a penalty or not. Fortunately the ref didn't give it, but to be honest I wouldn't have complained had he of given the penalty. During the game the noise from both sets of fans was incredible and even the chap on the PA system announced that we were the loudest and best crowd they had had for any of their Cup Finals.

What was amazing was the amount of passion that came from the team and coaches when Academy scored. It showed just how much it meant to them all, including the cup tied lads who were unfortunate to not be able to play but still sat in the dugout to support their team mates. The celebrations after the final whistle gave you goose pumps and it was certainly a proud Dad moment given that Brandon had played the whole game and had a very good game as right back.

The boys will have some amazing memories to cherish forever with this Cup win. There is an incredible video going around where they are all dancing on the benches in the changes room to "Freed From Desire" after the match. Weird song for a load of 14 years old to be celebrating too, but I am sure one they will now all be adding to their personal p;aylists.

Brandon's name in the match programme making the starting line-up.

He even had his own little write-up in the programme.

The squad all ready for their big Cup Final day.

Heart in mouth moment as Brandon does a very dodgy slide tackle in the second half.

Action shot of Brandon on the ball.

Running over to celebrate with his team mates after the second goal goes in.

Another action shot of Brandon.

The back four (including Brandon) were all absolutely solid.

Brandon's decision to change teams last season was starting to look like it had paid off.

Brandon having loads of time and space on the ball.

Fnal score was 3-1 and the lads get to lift the Cup aloft and start the celebrations.

In come the coaches for a bit of the action.

Chris and Tony have done an amazing job with the team and this meant as much to them as it did the lads.

1st Paddle Board of 2023

Shockingly it turned May today and we have only just got out for our first paddle boarding session of 2023 at the usual River Chelmer up to Papermill Lock and back. This was also the first time that we have used 3 adult SUP boards for all of us as we purchased the 3rd one late last season and never got to use it as the weather turned cold shortly after. The boys had both outgrown the smaller children's SUP's and me and Holly were too heavy for them to use together, so we reached a stage where we needed 3 large boards which is much better for everyone and stops the arguing! Of course we stopped off for the traditional strawberry cream scone at the café by the lock.

1st SUP session of 2023.

Top Penalty Saver

Holly has had an absolutely fantastic bank holiday weekend with her football. On Saturday they had their sponsored penalty shoot out where Holly beat the actual team goal keeper for saves and earned the trophy for the most penalties saved. It was all tied after about 4 rounds of penalties and so they added one final round which Holly absolutely smashed.

Then yesterday her team played Academy Soccer and won 4-2 away with Holly being voted as player of the day earning her a £15 Sports Direct voucher from the team sponsor / coaches.

Holly was rightfully super proud of herself for winning the medal and trophy at the sponsored shoot out.

All of the Wickford Town kids that attended the event.

Holly's team finishing the season with a 4-2 winning and Holly getting player of the match.