U14 Whites - 3FC Academy U13 2nds

We are considering making this a feature for the upcoming season across all teams so although the content hasn’t been defined initially (and it may change over the season) the purpose of these will be to give the coaches view of each UFCA game. Although the length of the report will vary our initial thoughts are to cover the performance of the team/units, aspects of the game that worked well and what we can potentially improve on and maybe notes on the opposition also. Any feedback you have on the report (E.g. what else you would like included).

Pre-season starts now!

What a great start to pre-season, for some this was their first match with UFCA, others it was the first game coached by me or maybe it was their first 11-a-side game. Ultimately though it was the first time the team have played together and the most pleasing element for me as coach was to see how well they played as a team.

At UFCA we ask for work rate and bravery to be two of the fundamental elements any player has and tonight was a perfect start to show all players demonstrated those two attributes.

We set off strongly in the first half and dominated possession and did not allow 3FC to have any time for them to feel comfortable and this created quite a few chances which in fairness, 3FC defended well or we couldn’t take the half chances. Although being 1-0 up at half time, it could have been 1-1 if it wasn’t for a good save from Adam in goal. It was a good reminder for the team that it can only take one second for a game to change.

At the intervals I spoke to the team about how we nullify the opponents threat (their CM) as well as maximising our own abilities in possession (“exploding” by utilising width and the space that generated for all the team) they built momentum and ultimately created even more opportunities in both breakaways and pressing at the right time - not blindly pressing. 

A couple from longer distance (through good strikes) but most were very well worked with intricate passing and ultimately the players being brave in possession (accepting pressure or dynamic movements to receive or create space)

The lads were very deserved 6-0 winners on the night and it did not flatter at all. 

I can’t remember all the scorers and for future reports I will try to include them on match reports but with that I will also call out assists and significant defensive moments as they are just as important the goals.

So finally from me, and I said this to the players at the end, the bar has been set that for work rate and taking information on so if this is the starting position, I’m very excited going into this coming season and what the players can achieve individually and as a group.

Also, a quick shout out to the parents for getting the players there on short notice and for not shouting instructions on the pitch and leaving that to me or the players themselves - it makes it easier for them and me to do what we need to when it’s like that. Thank you!

And lastly, there should be an ability to let the players vote for their man of the match. Can you ask your son for their boys please and then update the app? Thanks all.