On Sunday 25 January, Bootham Academy hosted Wigginton Grasshoppers U12/U13 in a series of friendly matches. Bootham used the fixtures to give players valuable game time ahead of the new West Riding Spring League and upcoming matches in Hull.

Wigginton are a very strong grassroots side, so Bootham selected a mixed squad ranging from U11 to U14 players to help provide experience of competitive match play across age groups.

All games were played on the full York St John court, using a 20-minute constant clock format.

Bootham were represented by: Rusnė V, Emily C, Maya G, Naomi L, Lily N, Isabelle S, Isabella S, Emily W, Miesha D, Scarlett W and Agnes C.

Game 01

Bootham 4 – 0 Wigginton Grashoppers

Game 02

Bootham 1 – 1 Wigginton Grashoppers

Game 03

Bootham 4 – 1 Wigginton Grashoppers

Game 04

Bootham 1 – 0 Wigginton Grashoppers

Player of the Day, as chosen by the Bootham Coaches, was Isabelle S – after an absolutely outstanding performance from a nailed-on future Ladies captain. Isabelle ran the games from start to finish, scored some unreal goals, and showed exactly what leadership looks like—trusting her teammates, sharing the ball, and lifting everyone around her all over the court. One of the very best young players at the club right now. Top. Top. Performance. Isabelle!

Coach Chris said after the games, ‘Wow that was something else. I honestly do not think I have smiled that much in ages. We took a real mix of ages and players and took played one of the best U13 teams in our area off the court. I have never seen a group of players work so hard for each other and not one player let us down.

Wigginton are one of the very best U13 sides in the area and consistent winners so to beat them three times and draw the other game shows just how special this performance was. I was particularly pleased with how the players tried to play the game in the right way with great passing lots of two touch play and confidence to play out from pressure.

We also saw goals from lots of different players with everyone happy to swap positions and cover all areas of the court. This is a group that has played lots of games in Batley and had some unlucky results and today it all came together. One very very happy coach. Thank you so much everyone.

A few images from today: