Our big boys and Chris were entered in an U18 Tournament this weekend up in Cambridge. The whole day was purely about taking part as was evident in our first game as we had to play with only 6 players and the other team graciously started with 6 also. Dave had managed to get lost several times on the way and several frantic phone calls later he arrived safely. By the time he had arrived our first game had ended with us passing the ball around nicely and winning 2-0. We then played our second and came out 1-0 winners after a hard fought match. The schedule was very demanding for the 7 boys and some of the games were back to back. Shannon stepped in after desperately searching for her shin pads to give some of the boys a well earned rest. We then managed to finish the tournament drawing the next four games 0-0 although Ben B did manage to smash the ball into the post from a good 25 yards. Mick & Steve were in charge and left the tournament unbeaten and without conceding a goal so I sacked myself with immediate effect before anyone else did.

The team stepped up to the physical challenge of playing U18’s football and never looked out of place. I think that it would be fair to say that we are a good passing side, were impressive on the ball and were definitely one of the stronger teams that day.

Highlight of the day for me was seeing Charles burst down the wing after displaying a fantastic first touch, getting the ball out of his feet and ghosting past the first man. Lowlight was “are we there yet” not from one of the kids but Bob!!!

Another fantastic day’s football played in the right spirit and for the right reasons.

Well done to all.   Paul.

Essex Youth Games Tiptree 24-11-07

 The boys were invited to take part in the Essex youth games this weekend on a very cold November morning. But the weather was the only thing that was cold (apart from the supporters) because the football was red hot. The U16’s put on a dazzling display of football and ran out comfortable winners in the two games that they played. The passing and the movement was fantastic and some of the finishing was breathtaking.

The U12’s enjoyed a coaching session and an exhibition match and again there were some great displays of football from all involved.

All the boys received a well earned trophy, certificate and goody bag.

 Thanks to all for turning up on a very cold day and thanks to the Essex FA for organising the event.

Also congratulations to Steve and Scott who have now passed their level 1 Coaching badges and CDF awards.

Beech Utd, Maldon Saints and Leigh Ramblers had been invited down for the day. The event was also open to players who are not attached to a club and we were pleased to a few new faces had taken the opportunity to come along. The morning consisted of some fun games and drills followed by small sided games. We were also joined by two Southend Utd coaches who provided excellent support on the day for our JFO’s, Pat Kielty Star partnership and Lana Bond from Essex County FA. At the end of the morning Lana very kindly presented medals and goody bags to all of the footballers. If you were to measure how successful the event was in smiling faces it would have broken the meter. This compliment must go to the many people who worked hard on the day to stage the event and the excellent organisational skills of our JFO’s. 

Well done everybody.

The soccerbility boys entered two teams at U16’ and U12’s into the Regents park PAN Disability Tournament. An early start from Canvey and a reasonably pleasant journey through London in the rush hour and we were soon there. The U16’s were in a group with two other teams and our opponents were EPCP Spurs and ECPC Spurs cockerels. The boys were a bit nervous in the first of our games but still came away 1-0 winners. We then settled down and started to play our usual passing game. The results started to show that the boys were in good form and it’s was great to see Dan and James score their first goals (that I have seen) in tournament football. We ran out winners from our group playing four games and remaining unbeaten, achieving maximum points scoring 11 goals and without conceding a single goal.  Mark had the honour of receiving the trophy on behalf of the team and every player received a well earned medal. The U12’s played in a group with two other teams. They started awkwardly against Swiss Cottage and fought back well after conceding early to earn a well deserved draw. We then came up against a bigger stronger side in Brent Knoll who we battled hard against. The scores in defeat did not reflect the effort the boys put in and their enthusiasm paid off when they convincingly beat Swiss Cottage in the rematch. We finished the group second having won one, lost two and drew one scoring 4 goals in the process. All the boys received a medal and thoroughly enjoyed the day.

 The journey home was much quieter with lots of tired players and supporters or maybe it was because they had mouth’s full of sweets (Good idea Gina).  Another fantastic enjoyable day and another great performance from Team Hambro (everyone)

Also big thanks to Ben from Southend Utd for making the journey up to support the boys.