It was a tough but satisfying year for the W-U8E team. We had a small squad of 8 and fielding a full team was often a struggle but the girls never complained and were always willing to run their hearts out for each other. I think they all became better players and team members and hopefully picked up some new skills for next year.

Maddie showed huge improvement as around game 3 she suddenly discovered her confidence and competitive spirit and started sprinting, getting in the other teams faces and causing turnovers and creating goal scoring opportunities.

Maggie became the rock of our defense over the course of the season, constantly clearing out balls and protecting the goalkeeper.

Avi showed massive improvement from the start of the season especially in her striking of the ball. We were thrilled when her hard work paid off with a deserved goal in our second last match.

Isla showed the predatory instincts of a striker, often in the right at the right time to dart off on a mazy run and score a goal.

Harlow defended from the front, never afraid to get stuck in and try and win the ball back as well as scoring a few goals often completely out of nowhere.

Lilly became a bit of a box to box midfielder getting up and down the pitch and showing some real grit in that midfield role, also doing well as a goalkeeper.

Zara was another one that showed promise in goal, although she would not want me saying that, fearlessly coming off the line when called upon. She supported her team well and really started to understand her positioning more by the end of the season.

Finally we had Ashley who was so unlucky not to get a goal for herself this season but provided a couple of great assists and showed some real determination and resilience on the pitch.

It was my first year as a coach and I had a huge amount of fun and was always proud of the effort the team would put in. I look forward to next season where I hope to continue to teach them to get their heads up and not all get drawn to the ball.

A huge thanks to the parents for their support and also the other U8 coaches who were kind enough to lend us a player or two most weeks. We could not have done it without you!

Charlie Hopkins
Coach