End of the Football Era

For over 10 years most of my weekends and some week nights have been completely blocked out in support of the kids football. Come rain, shine, snow, sun, I have supported them all the way as a coach, a manager and a parent. The coaching and management finished for me a few years ago now and I have to say I have enjoyed being just a parent on the side lines. Now it looks as though all this is coming to an end.

For various reasons Holly's team folded sometime ago and she hasn't shown too much interest in getting back in to another team. Brandon's interest in playing football has been waning as the year has progressed and I think in his mind he had already decided that this year would be his last. However the decision to finish earlier has been made for him as with the pressures of GSCE's and the managers new work commitments the team has also come to an abrupt end and folded with their last training session taking place at the Len Forge last night.

It is a bit of a shame as we have had some absolutely fantastic and memorable moments with Academy. From the Belgium summer tour last year, to the managers pool party/BBQ, not to mention the year of the double winning the Cup and the League. So despite there only being about 8 lads at training last night it was a bit emotional for all as we all had to come to the realisation that this was the end. The boys went out on a high though and had a really fun friendly match against an Academy team 2 years older than them, and they held their own.

But all good things come to an end, and for me - I have a bit more of my weekends back!!!!

A cold, frosty March evening at the Len Forge for Brandon's Academy Team's final training session and farewell.

A bit emotional as the Manager rounds them up at the end for a final team hug and some words of encouragement for whatever the future now holds for them.

Great memories and no regrets with Academy. Brandon improved no end and I can honestly say the Manager Coach is the best I have seen at this level and was a credit to the boys/team working tirelessly for nearly 7 years.