Team: Engadine Eagles U18D1’s.

Coach: Greg Dumbrell

Assistant Coach: Russell Griffiths 

Manager: Deb Dumbrell 

What a season these young men had. Moving up from the Under 16 age group we formed a Team of 15 players.

The team welcomed 4 new terrific players in Charlie, Shae, Elijah (Jah Jah) and Lincoln. Young Lincoln was 15 years old for a good portion of the season. Thanks for stepping up  Lincoln and you certainly performed really well each week. Each of these new players, along with rest of the team, demonstrated a keen interest in not only game play and training requests, but also in becoming a team player with their new fellow players.

The Lads commenced pre-season training at Dobell Oval. From the first session, they were all committed and when chatting as a group, we set some goals for the season. Every Player was ambitious and hungry to excel to the best of their abilities.

From the outset, as Coaches, Russell and I were continually impressed by the commitment the boys had to both training and games. We started on refresher drills etc and as the season continued, more specific skills and game play was introduced. Specifically, a focus of conditioning fitness training was introduced weekly so that the boys were as fit as they could be, to play long minutes and under various conditions. They took this on board and didn’t complain. Always red faced afterwards, they improved as the intensity was increased and most certainly they became very fit!

The season kicked off with us playing the older Engadine Eagles Team (D2’s – 2nd year) up at Anzac Oval. We discussed that we would play older teams that had this age group last year. The boys generally didn’t let this phase them and they went in determined to give it their best. It was a close tough game and amazingly, our team came up with a 2-1 win.

With the new players on board, the team learnt to gel and adjust to individual game play. That first tough game was one of many to come. In fact, every game was tough and competitive and for the first half of the season, were often well in the games but unfortunately came up short. They did come up against some very strong competitive teams that were generally undefeated and stand outs.

With a number of losses under their belt, the team found themselves down the  bottom part of the table. As Coaches, we really focussed on how to better  improve the boys with the further challenges ahead. The training was adjusted and fitness conditioning increased. The boys were sensational in taking on board new drills and various game play strategies that were introduced.

Something really clicked and the boys ‘passing and moving’ , ‘positioning’ and attack/defence strategies really kicked in. The improvement was so clear to Coaching staff and our dedicated team spectators who often commented. In fact, many Oppositional Coaches and Managers began passing on positive comments about the clear improvement displayed by our boys.

No matter where or whom we played and always when they trained, our young team conducted themselves very politely and respectfully which really is the core of having a strong team. From the outset Russell and I often had Coaches, Managers, and opposition parents approach us with praise toward the pleasant and fair conduct of our team. Just so rewarding for us to hear.

Into the second half of the season the boys began to get on a role. They started beating and having draws with teams above them on the ladder and this saw them climbing well away from that dreaded wooden spoon position. In fact, at the conclusion of the competition for us, our boys had also beaten and drawn with 3 out of the 4 teams that made the finals, one of whom have now made it into the Grand Final (Bosco). Just incredible improvement and confidence displayed by the team. As the Coach, I genuinely loved training and developing the boys, but to see the smiles and happiness within them each week, was simply priceless.

Near the end of the season, notable victories included a 1-0 win against North Caringbah 1 and a 7-3 win against Barden Ridge. There was also 2 solid draws against Bosco and Gymea 2’s who we actually led twice during that game. Outstanding performances by our team and a very rewarding way to finish the competition.

As the Coach, the many hours of preparation, training and pep talks were so rewarding each week as I got to spend time with Russell and the boys and to see the players grow, strengthen, improve and have fun. There is nothing better. Each player is amazing, interesting, respectful of everyone and all parents should be very proud of these talented polite young men.

I have many special thanks which I would like to make mention of.

To Russell our terrific Assistant Coach, I am only as good as the support people around me. Thankyou so much for helping the boys and myself each week. Particularly in preparing the team lists for the games and coordinating the substitutions. What a job that is and it was done so well with great fairness and attention to detail in the various positioning of players.

To my wife, Deb, the behind the scenes management of the team is a big job also. Everything from organising fruit allocations, uniforms, keeping both players and parents informed of everything, consulting others teams to providing support players, buying countless amounts of lollies, arranging photos, pizza night, coordinating ground duty etc etc. Just amazing and all on top of so many other hats you hold within the Club. We all can’t thankyou enough. You take the stress out of things very well.

To our Captain James (Yocky) and Vice Captain Zach, I personally believe that you went next level in your roles. The maturity you both have shown has been amazing. Leading and supporting your team mates both on and off the field is a testament to why you both hold such important roles in the team. Huge thanks guys!

To each of the players, in addition to the praises I shared above, I said it many times throughout the season, you should all be very proud of yourselves in every sense of the word. To those continuing their soccer in years to come, I wish you the best of luck and I’m sure you will do well. To those moving on, I understand that you are at an age where so much is happening. HSC, careers, University etc etc. Whatever you do, do your best and always continue to conduct yourselves in the best manner possible. I am confident that all these young men will be successful in whatever they set their minds to. Soccer will always be there for you, no matter what age you are. Sport is always very good for the mind, body and soul. Team sports especially. Good luck and thanks again team.

This year I have awarded the prestigious Coaches Award to Zach Griffiths. You have always given 100% on the field but this year you stepped it up another level. Your game play and energy was exceptional. Your maturity was very notable, particularly as a Vice Captain which is such a suitable role for you. Inspirational is the word I would use to describe the dedication you have to this sport both on and off the field. Leading by example is what you did. Congratulations Zach. You deserve this award.

Being greeted and hearing the loud cheers from all our wonderful spectators each week was outstanding. Win or lose, the boys were always encouraged by you throughout every game and what a difference it makes. Special mention to Sylvia, Darren and my Mum Pat, who attended each week and cheered their hearts out. Thanks to all who  provided half time fruit and lollies to power up the boys. Further thanks to the who were able to provide assistance when the team had their various ground duty.

To those who captured and provided photos and videos of the boys playing, thanks for sharing.

I have always enjoyed Coaching and the friendships I have made with players and family members is something I will always cherish.  I greatly appreciate the gifts you all gave me and Deb and Russell are also very grateful.

Best wishes to all in the off season. I hope to see you all again next year.

Oops, I nearly forgot, Ernie the Eagle, many thanks to you for inspiring the players to soar and achieve excellence throughout the season!

Kind regards,

Coach Greg.