After a very successful Under 8’s year in 2015, the boys signing up to play Under 9’s went from 26 to 44 and we were able to field 2 enthusiastic teams.
The 2 teams were split evenly between returning and 1st year players and quickly formed a great bond. All new players (and parents) also warmly embraced the moto of the Under 9’s – “Hampton Rovers, Best Mates”!
The boys in Team White love their football and it was amazing to see how quickly they took on board instruction and were able to use these skills during the game. The boys worked hard and listened throughout the pre-season and once the season started is was abundantly clear that we had a special group of boys to watch. They were naturally very competitive and chased and tackled at every opportunity though once the ball got into their hands, they were determined not to give it back! The way the boys were able to get their arms up whilst being tackled (Patrick Cripps style) and handball to a team mate was a particular highlight and enabled some beautiful linking passages that are way beyond their years.
The 1st four games came and went very quickly with the boys kicking many goals with the opposition not having so much luck. The boys played very unselfish, team orientated football and a very pleasing aspect was the compliments from the opposition coaches at the way our boys went about their football with teamwork and sportsmanship.
The boys were quickly promoted to the advanced division for their 5th game and we watched with interest as to how they would cope with the increased competition against East Sandringham’s best. At half time the boys were a couple of points down though had been a little unlucky in making the most of their opportunities. The boys ran out for the 2nd half and their parents were then left gob smacked for the next 20 minutes with an exhilarating standard of play that will long be remembered! 9.2 to 0.0 and then we knew that the boys were going to be ok in the advanced division! The remainder of the season continued on in a very enjoyable fashion with some cracking games against some equally talented teams.
One of the most pleasing aspects for both Wayne Powell and myself was watching the individual improvement of every boy throughout the season. The boys had fun, listened and work hard at every training session and every week a few boys would take a large step forward in skill level and football smarts. The moto of the coaches is that every boys development is equally important and they all rotated throughout the 3 zones in every game. Wayne and I took particular joy in watching the boys improve their personal confidence and embrace the team camaraderie.
A key view from both Under 9 coaches that we are one club and training sessions were run together as well as all social activities throughout the year. The Under 9 Rovers football community is an absolute pleasure to be involved in, with all boys and parents embracing the values of fun, participation, sportsmanship and teamwork.
A special thanks to our tireless and energetic team manager in Chris Sando who is a perfect example of the inclusive values of what the Rovers stand for. A great man and role model for all. Also thank you to all other parent volunteers who contributed to a great season for the boys.
Due to their improvement and club spirit, every boy was in the running for an award this year and our final award winners were:
Best & Fairest: Hudson Jongen
B&F Runner Up – Gideon Ziesing
Coaches Award – Mitchell Reed
Most Improved – Harry Wolfenden
Most Determined – Wesley Sando
Congratulations to all involved this year and look forward to another enjoyable year in 2017. Hampton Rovers – best mates!
Chris Leeds
U9 WHITE COACH
