We start the final block of the season with a new approach. It’s a very short four-week block, and with so many summer football tournaments taking place, does the football season ever really end?

We’ve also reduced our coaching time down to just two hours each week. Alongside that, we have our final match of the season coming up, as the U12s welcome Wigginton Grasshoppers U12s for a friendly. Keep an eye out later in the week for a match report and to see how they got on!

Head Coach Chris also brought along the Ladies National League trophy, giving the girls the chance to celebrate with it in style and create some special memories.

For this final block, we’re putting the coaching sessions aside and focusing purely on game play. There are no specific coaching themes—just lots and lots of conditioned matches. Something we’re sure the players won’t complain about!

As expected, the kids absolutely loved it. There was plenty of game time, lots of goals, opportunities to shine, and chances to show us everything they have learned over the last ten months. Judging by their reactions, they’re already looking forward to the next three weeks!

First Hour – Beatrix P – One of the most improved players of the season, Beatrix has worked incredibly hard on her control and finishing, and it certainly showed this morning as she smashed home a couple of fantastic goals! Bea is a pleasure to coach—she always listens carefully, gives her very best effort, and is constantly looking for ways to improve. On top of that, she does it all with a huge smile on her face. A brilliant session and a top day, Bea, well done!

Second Hour – Imogen B – With her trip to Italy just a few days away, Imogen showed exactly why she will be such a dangerous player at the tournament. She was in outstanding form this morning, smashing in goal after goal while also working tirelessly off the ball. Immy is continuing to develop into the player we all know she can be, and her performance today was another great example of that. We can’t wait to see how she gets on out in Italy and look forward to following her progress on Italian soil. A top session and a top day, Immy, well done!

As we come to the end of another season, we reach the often-debated topic of end-of-season awards. There are many opinions on whether they are beneficial, unnecessary, or somewhere in between. At our club, however, we are very clear about why we do them.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with recognising the hard work, commitment, and dedication shown by our players throughout the year. Every player who pulls on a club shirt, attends training, supports their teammates, and represents the club contributes to what we achieve together. Awards, trophies, and medals are simply our way of saying thank you for that commitment. We also take great care in recognising players who have demonstrated outstanding improvement, dedication, and a genuine desire to develop. Our awards are not simply about identifying the most talented player in each age group. Instead, they celebrate those who have gone above and beyond expectations through their attitude, effort, and willingness to learn.

Of course, selecting award winners is never an exact science. It is a subjective process, and every coach has their own opinions and preferences. Discussions are often lively, and we do not always agree. Ultimately, as Head Coach, I make the final decision, but those decisions are always made with the best interests of the players and the club in mind.

Our presentation evening is about much more than handing out awards. It is an opportunity to bring the entire club together. Younger players get the chance to meet and be inspired by our senior and ladies’ teams, while those older players can see the next generation coming through and appreciate the impact they have as role models. It is also an opportunity to celebrate some of our outstanding achievements, including recognising our England Development players and showcasing the progress being made throughout the club.

Above all, the end of the season should be a celebration of everything that has been achieved over the previous twelve months. For me, it remains one of the highlights of the year, and it is something I would not change at our club.

Coach Chris