It’s been a real pleasure to see how the girls have come along individually and as a team this season. The comradery is lovely, and they really support each other, not only when something good happens, but even if it doesn’t. Steve and I have really enjoyed managing the U8s, and the girls have really stepped up their game in so many ways. The most significant change is their positioning and understanding of where to be on the field, and working together well as a team. Their progression over the year can easily be seen by any supporter who’s been watching from the start of the season up until the last match and into post-season games. We are all very excited to witness these players demonstrate some impressive football in the season ahead.
U8 Players
Phoebe H (GK) – A rock for our team, Phoebe has an effortless way of always keeping her head up and maintaining a strong mental state, which is essential for GK. She has improved a great deal, and her drop kicks are becoming a huge advantage for us. As happy as Phoebe is playing her comfortable GK position, she is also starting to gain confidence in the outfield, hopefully something we’ll also see more of next season. But it’s safe to say that our team just isn’t at its full strength without her.
Emilia L (D, M) – Emilia started this season as our primary defender, and did an amazing job. She is comfortable on the ball, and demonstrates some real precision when tackling. As the season progressed, she started to gain confidence moving forward and attacking. And although I think she takes advantage of being a coach’s daughter, allowing herself to be silly at times when a coach needs attention, she puts in a lot of work outside of training and is showing real promise as an all-around gifted player.
Emy-Mae D (M, D) – Emy can easily be considered the engine room of the team, a real leader who shows maturity in training and in matches. She has a natural understanding of positioning, knowing where to be in nearly every situation, and always digs deep, willing to hustle and make those crucial tackles. A fantastic player to coach, Emy-Mae comes to training wanting to improve, setting a great example for others.
Esme A (M) – Esme is one of our most versatile players, as she will happily play in any position where needed. She also has a wonderful talent of not taking things too seriously, and to be able to laugh things off, which is a really great characteristic to have. She also has great throw ins, and is a strong physical player, really using her arms and body well to maintain possession.
Sienna W (M) – Sienna Ward is simply a solid player, intelligent and canny, yet rarely needs the managers help, as she knows what to do in her midfield position. She also takes a brilliant corner kick, is fast on the ball, and is great at linking up play. Sienna is another player who turns up to training ready and willing to learn, always has a positive attitude and is all-around great team player.
Sienna M (F) – A ray of sunshine, Sienna Meffen is always smiling and you can tell she is really enjoying football and being part of a team. Since joining, Sienna has improved dramatically, not only with her technical ability and ball control, but her confidence in match play has come on leaps and bounds. Sienna is super-fast, and her favourite position is striker, although she is becoming familiar and willing to play midfield if needed.
Alexis W (F) – Our cheeky forward (and sometimes defender), Alexis prefers not to start matches and sub first so she can save her energy. Nonetheless, when is on the pitch, she is focused and intent on getting the ball, and is great at manoeuvring around players and keeping possession. Alexis will hound the opposition until they make a mistake, and is then quick to capitalise, which has worked so well for the team on many occasions.
We are also looking forward to our new additions to the 2022/23 season, Hattie O and Izzy O.