​There had been a lot of rain over the last week and the LYFC organising committee decision was correct and supported by all the U11s parents that playing football on a rain sodden Kirdford Rec for a Xmas party would not be a satisfying experience and the rec would take some damage – the hallowed REC ground and heartland of LYFC deserves better so sadly the postponement of the event was inevitable.\
 
However, with both U11 teams now free as games had been cancelled in advance it meant that any old excuse for parents to put on stupid fancy dress and join a friendly and non-touch safety first training session with our young cadets was the order of the day!!!! J
 
People donned costumes, football boots, trainers and in my stupid case walking boots to an attempt to have a slide around on the ground in a non-contact, safety first, training session. We were however, allowed to score goals. Although winning is not everything, and obviously we all teach our children to be inclusive and participate as a first priority winning is actually everything. So, game on! In a non-contact, safety first, training session of course!
 
Warming up was of the utmost importance and the boys were given a masterclass in this fine art led by Marco…
​

The training session was lively. Lots of enthusiasm shown by lots of children and some argument that the referee was on our side of the training session being claimed unfair. There were moments of Brazilian brilliance. Kens pass to Vinny across the area for him to very gently pass past the keeper being a highlight. Vinnys deft back heel for Paul to gently lob the keeper another highlight. Louise was a revelation!!! Box-to-box energy, running and enthusiasm with also a nice first touch and good football intelligence. Someone is either watching SkySports or playing on FIFA20 in secret! I see a coach in the making right there!
 
Although a light arrival, Marcos “enthusiasm” – specifically on our own keeper Ken - nearly grabbed “player of the day”. Especially as he used a special bribe tactic by brining sweets and yummy mince pies for all!
 
Jody was incredibly generous with all his misses. Marco was impressive throughout – his first half “sweeper keeper” performance in particular very and would have Pep drawling. Andy was very solid with deft touches all non-touch, safety first training session.
 
Anyway, the first half of the non-touch, safety first training session finished 1-4 to the boys – goal details below. But all their goals were tap-ins and quite unimpressive if you ask me (as unbiased as Gary Neville commentating on a Man U game). However, in the second half the parents showed the stamina, fitness and physical ability that they have built up through the past year of 20-hours a week in the gym training as the U11s tired. Steve arrived, took part and also ate some pies :-)
​

After a lot of pressure, the training session finished 5-5 with the last kick of the game – who would of thought? Fergie time defo in play was the false claim!
 
A non-touch, safety first pass to the goalkeeper event ensued with the parents just scoring more passes than their young opponents and everyone went home with lots more sweets, mince pies, mud on their costumes and smiles on their faces.

Quite rightly Paul called Louise as player of the day!!! Sportsmanship award went to Marcus!
 
Nice one all, I’m proud to be a part of this fabulous group!!!!!
 
Scorers –
 
Parents : Paul 4, Vinny 1 (goal of the day I would argue – Barcleona-esque – what a pass from Ken) Pauls lob is a good 2nd but I am a purist!
 
Kids: Sam 2, Charlie 1, Slyvester 1, Jody 1 (after 300,000 chances) J
 
Now for those videos you have all been waiting for. Good examples of how to take a penalty and how not too, LOL…..

​

In our second week of the new season the whole group were delighted to have two extremely well attended training sessions (20+) - including our first session at the hallowed grail of tier 9 football on Thursday night - Loxwood FC!!!!

If anyone wants more info on midweek training and is not in the Whatsapp group please let Andy Leete know.

On Saturday we welcomed Covey who looked very a very useful addition.

The training this week focussed on this years priorites on placing players into primary positions, playing on larger pitches and the introduction of offside. Drills included a dedicated goalkeeper session and games of playing into the channels on the half-size pitch as well as learning how to shoot from distance and have players follow-up. 

I didn't see the training game to finish it all off myself (as I had to get myself to Tottenham!) however Charlie reports that it was a 6-2 in which he scored, Sam Vettese, he thinks there was an own goal and hasn't a clue who scored the other! I am sure if it was in a YouTube video or something built on Mindcraft he would be a world expert on it. Either way he enjoyed it.

A big thank you too all the parents who assisted with the expert lining out of the pitch at Great Common on Saturday!!!! The results look very professional and you were fighting against an odd set of measurements - including some mysterious terminology of feet and yards :-) - specific thanks to Simon, Marco, Willem and Andy (I hope I didn't miss anyone).

We have matches next week. The coaches have the fixtures worked out from a meeting that they attended this week. I will post in here once received and as always keep an eye on the Whatsapp group for weekly catch-ups!

​Much excitement at the Stadia de Broadbridge Heath last night as the 2nd installment of “Giving the U10s a schooling in real football talent” took place as the boys trained on the pitch alongside the U10 parents who decided to have a 2nd go of the season themselves. The parents booked their courts side by side with the children in an obvious attempt to provide a demonstration of Barcelona-esque total football to the young Ronaldo, Messi and Kanes wannabees who would long remember the quality of football on show :-)
 
Right from the start the “talent” was on show with my own very special “trap the ball dummy” that foxed everyone. Jane made her debut for Loxwood U10s parents which she actually admitted turned out to be her football career debut! Well done Jane, looking forward to seeing your career progress!
 
After a quick warm by the players and a 12-hour kit change by Jeremy a 3x3 match started. Intricate passing was shown all across the pitch -  Jeremy with some slick turns, Marco commanding his defensive area and Andy slick on the pitch and on his phone in equal measure.
 
The arrival of Vinny, Sarah and Samuel (Harry J older brother) resulted in a 4 v 4. Highlights included:

• Sarah 1:1 attempt with Vinny in goal who wasn’t letting that in – if Sarah had score it would have been an epic tale in the Jenkinsons history book and bedroom for years to come I’m sure
• Jeremy performing an attempted “clothes line” tackle on Garth – “honest, I didn’t see you”
• Samuels new “party trick” of standing on the ball and landing on his face – twice!
• Garth performing good impressions of his grandfather coughing up 3 ounces of tar in the morning after smoking 40 a day for 50 years.