Our season got off to a shaky start in Division 4, being absolutely pumped on the scoreboard in rounds 1 and 2, despite excellent efforts and attitudes by the boys.
In round 3 we rotated some players between the two U11 squads and this yielded immediate results, with a memorable against the Zebbies and the boys pumping out Beside the Seaside afterwards with gusto. The policy of player rotation continued throughout the season, at least insofar as league rules would allow. This allowed a number of boys who played with the Div 6 side to also experience playing in the Div 1 competition. It also reinforced the ‘whole club’ approach of the U11s, where all U11 players trained together as a single squad for the whole season.
Also on the ‘whole club’ approach, we thank the U10 boys who came into our team at various times over the season to give us a chop-out; also a number of our players regularly played U12 matches, including supporting their finals campaign.
We were regraded to Div 6 from round 5 onwards, although a number of teams from Div 4 came with us, so the standard was not significantly different.
The attitude of the boys throughout the season was excellent. Mateship, sportsmanship, having fun and having a go were all hallmarks of the boys this year, along with genuine efforts to follow the instructions of the coaches and develop their craft as footballers. The improvement in hand and foot skills over the season was clearly evident.
Unfortunately we were unable to post another win for the season, but this should not detract from the achievements of the boys this season. When the boys played their best footy, it was very good footy and entertaining to watch. In our last match, when there was not really much to play for, the boys finished full of run with what was I think their best quarter of footy for the year. Well done boys on representing Hampton Rovers Football Club this year!
To wrap our post-season we enjoyed a fun session of climbing at UpUnlimited.
Thank you to Assistant Coach “MC” Mike Cahill, Runner Dave Ballarin and all parents for the various roles they filled this year. Also thanks to Caggs for his passionate guidance of the entire U11 squad.
Finally, I must make special mention of the Super Manager Peter Civitarese. Another sterling effort by Pete, no simple task to coordinate the weekly moves between teams, jumper assignments, fill-ins, social events, etc. but Pete just takes it all in his stride and makes it happen.
Go Rovers!
Graham Davis
U11 DIV 6 COACH
