I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching the U11 team this year and would like to thank each and every boy for his wholehearted approach to the season. We began the season with a squad of 30 + boys and right from the first pre-season session, training was embraced enthusiastically. Whilst in was unfortunate to lose a number of boys to other clubs due to the awkward number situation I truly believe the outcome couldn’t have been better! The final list of boys worked harmoniously as a team all year.
Although finals action is always something to strive for, the focus was to try and develop the boy’s skills and embrace the ‘team’ aspect of football. I know from the feedback provided by the boys that our one win for the year was certainly a highlight for most of them. Despite this however it was great to see the boys enjoy their football and improve as a team and as individuals. It was exciting not only watching the talented boys improve but also the slightly less gifted boys improve in leaps and bounds!
I was wrapped with the way the boys embraced playing in the different positions especially those boys who constantly found themselves playing in a position they didn’t particularly like. It was great to see these boys slowly embrace the position and realise their potential there.
To the Players: It was a pleasure coaching all of you this year. This group of boys is a credit to the club in the positive manner in which they went about their football, win or lose. I wish you all the best for your football future. It is a shame that a number of boys have already made their intent to move to soccer clear. It will be a shame to see some very talented young boys not return for the 2015 season. Personally I am already excited to return and build on our 2014 season in the New Year.
To the Parents: We have a wonderful parent group supporting this team behind the scenes by fulfilling the various duties required on game day. The support and encouragement of the boys during matches has been fantastic and always in the spirit of the game. Well done! A special thank you to Rebecca Wilson & Mel White who really did make my job a hell of a lot easier! Can I ask the parents to ensure they spend as much time as they can with their son out on the street kicking the football over the off season, skills are a so important and having a certain level across the group will be hugely beneficial to the team game.
To the coaching and support staff: Thanks to my replacement coach for a week Gus Macnab. Thank you to Dave Lever, Craig Perkins, Stephen Wigley and Pete Quinlan who constantly provided support to me throughout the season. I will go back to the drawing board to find an assistant coach for next year!
Thanks to Wayne Pace, our runner all year, plenty of messages and instructions every game ensured a marathon each Sunday!
Things got a lot easier as the year went on once we had a good grasp of the kid’s names!
See you all in 2015 Go Rovers!
Angus Graham
U11 West COACH
