S&L Juniors U10 Whites - Bedfont Eagles U10 Raiders

Home match on grass pitch 4 with S&L referee. The team did amazingly against opposition who have clearly been playing together longer and may be placed higher in division in future. Insider reports say they won their first game 5-0 and second 10-0 and we defo gave them a game. If we managed to put a few of those close chances, we would have been closer and playing with less negative feelings.

I'll start with some potential improvements (sorry!):

• We do need to work on being good team players (to us and the opposition). The ref manages the game, and it is possible for all to make mistakes. The refs decision is however final. We have to accept this immediately.

• We can also concentrate more when the coach is discussing the plan and tactics. Some are often still kicking balls or not gathered as a listening group. There's plenty of time for fun and games outside of the coach talking. 

• We have a few challenges on substitutions and playing time. Please be mindful that the coaches spend a lot of time planning before the game, and sometimes have to make on-the-spot changes during. It's a team effort and we need to be fair.
• We were again overloaded at the back on a few occasions. If there's 4 attackers we need 4 defenders. We all need to pull together. Sometimes running hurts! If we get defending right, we'll have more out-balls and more opportunity to score. It is the NO1 priority. Don't make us go to a Christmas tree (3-2-1), please!
• When defending the box sometimes we just need to smack the ball away, hard, and without looking. We defend well, but sometimes the ball is at feet in front of our goal. Get it clear! Try and hit the side-line, and midway up pitch if you can!
• Did I see Operation Skibidi once?
• Try and maintain the fun and keep your heads up. If loosing you may come back (we're good enough). We defo won't come back if efforts drop due to this and we stop playing well as a team.

It's always a great privilege to coach you guys. When we score and make runs/ passes it is super flowing football. This was on display again today. Getting a tad more effort in defence, and ensuring (most of the time) possession from goal kicks, corners and throws would not stop this. In fact it would give us more chances to score top corner bangers, I promise!