The SJMFL announced the creation of a new Under 8’s competition at the beginning on 2014 which was embraced by the Hampton Rovers Football Club. Within weeks of this announcement saw the creation of a new team and core panel of support volunteers. Under the guidance of Bernie Gill and Tim Hall, training commenced on Saturday mornings, four weeks before the season commenced. This was an onerous task given that the team of predominately 7 year old boys had just graduated from a year or two of Auskick and had never played a competitive game of football.
The team, however, was enthusiastic and eager to learn – only to have their spirits dampened when their first scheduled match was forfeited and later awarded a bye due to the withdrawal of the Brighton East Vampires from the competition. This meant a few weeks wait until the completion of Term 1 School Holidays before many of the boys could take to the park. The wait was worth it as the boys scored a maiden away victory against Brighton Beach. Success continued over the next few weeks and confidence grew amongst the boys. Much to the credit of on-field rotation, the boys developed and displayed individual excellence at different times throughout the season (which was reflected in the vast spread of voting awards). Those individuals that did stand out also displayed remarkable sportsmanship and team spirit. By the end of the season the entire group of boys had gelled together, became great mates and were a strong, competitive team.
The season outcome was 7 wins and 5 loses. Most losses were hard fought battles and provided invaluable learning experiences. The tenacity of the group in these battles afforded the boys with a new-found steely determination – none so better displayed at the Lightening Premiership Carnival where the team walked away with the Under 8 championship.
Of course, the season could not have been as successful without the ongoing support of parents and the game day volunteers. Special mention and sincere thanks must go out to Adam Cameron as Team Manager who ran the team sheets, organised weekly parent bulletins and kept on top of the match statistics in liaison with Bernie and Tim. Adam was assisted by Maureen Gill in keeping the team and match day in order.
The Under 8 team had its fair share of enthusiastic and dedicated parents who would step up each week to assist where required. Thank you to Brian (and Annabel) Kellett for their goal umpiring, David Velten, Adam White and Tim Hall for field umpiring, Samantha Templeton, Ros Kulik, Rachael Cameron and Alison & David Parkes for time keeping and scoring, Louise Khanbashi and Justine Tuffley for alternating as trainers – thank you, Louise for also being on oranges each week. Tim Sutherland did a remarkable job as team photographer and created a memorable PowerPoint presentation at Presentation Night. Tim Sutherland also assisted with David Burton as runner. Mirna Harrack was a diligent and much appreciated water carrier each week. Andrew Kollmorgan provided umpire escort duties with Claire McConville. Final thanks go to Blair and Lisa Roberts for their weekly washing of the team jumpers. Many more thanks go out to those not singled out and everyone’s all-round good behaviour and encouragement from the side lines.
Parents associated the development in their son’s football ability and personal growth to their coach and acknowledged Bernie’s efforts by nominating him as the SJMFL Junior Coach of the Year – Bernie reached the top 4.
Coach: Bernie Gill
Assistant Coach: Tim Hall
Team Manager: Adam Cameron
26 Registered Players
Best & Fairest: Taj Hotton
Runner up Best & Fairest: Joseph Webber
Coaches Award: Joshua Cameron
Most Improved: William Templeton
Most Determined: Harry Tuffley
Most Courageous: Mitch Tuffley
