The U13s team have had an excellent season, and we wanted to celebrate their success as well as congratulate the winners of our team specific awards.
Most of the team have played together now for many years, and with the addition of two new players to the team, the U13 have gone from strength to strength as a cohesive and tight knit group of friends. This closeness translates seamlessly on to the football pitch and provides a sound and solid base for the ongoing development of their skills and teamwork.
We finished our season with only 4 games to go. Having access to an all-weather pitch helped us play games during October and November, when many teams were having to cancel games due to the poor weather and unplayable pitches. With most of our games played, the girls remained unbeaten at home all season. Indeed, they only lost one games all year, which was a 1-0 loss early in the season away to Leicester.
Leicester City Ladies U13 were our main rivals all year, with the points remaining close all season. As the season finished, and had both Rugby Town and Leicester played and won their remaining games, Rugby Town U13s would have retained their league title.
01.09.19 Asfordby Amateurs (H) 3-0
08.09.19 Leicester City (A) 1-0
22.09.19 AFC Leicester (A) 2-7
29.09.19 Ambleside (H) 4-0
06.10.19 Greentowers FC Hinkley (H) 7-3
20.10.19 Kibworth Town (H) 5-0
03.11.19 Coalville Town Ravenettes (H) 4-1
10.11.19 Desford Town (H) 1-1
17.11.19 Kibworth Town (H) 6-0
24.11.19 Harborough Town (A) 0-7
01.12.19 Harborough Town (H) 2-1
08.12.19 Asfordby Amateurs (A) 0-5
12.01.20 AFC Leicester (H) 4-1
26.01.20 Dunton and Broughton (H) 5-0
02.02.20 Greentowers FC Hinkley (A) 3-4
01.03.20 Dunton and Broughton (A) 1-6
08.03.20 Leicester City (H) 0-0
Player Goals Scored
Evie 11
Kelsey 37
Tash 13
Robyn 2
Ava 4
Hannah 1
Ellie 2
Team Total 70
Although disappointing not to retain the title this year (which we have no doubt they would have) it is still right and proper that we highlight the strengths of the team and individuals and thank all the people involved in supporting the U13 this season.
Firstly, we need to express our thanks and gratitude to Lisa Collins, of Lisa Collins Hair Design. Lisa has been a club sponsor for several years and has been a team sponsor for the last 2 years. Lisa is massively supportive of the U13s team and the club. She has provided us with our fantastic new blue match shirts as well as some much-needed jackets and hats to cope with the Butlin Road microclimate! The squad look fantastic and love having their football sense of identity and team.
The U13s and their coaches are also lucky to have very supportive parents. Almost all the squad train each Friday and are available to play every Sunday. We recognise that this is a significant commitment from the parents, and we are appreciative of the engagement. The coaches experience the good humour, support and involvement of all of the parents – and hear very little moaning about linesman duty….. It makes a massive difference to the coaches and the players and none of the parents should underestimate their positive contribution,
The coaches would also like to thank the Club and Committee, in particular, Jason, Tony, Tony H, Pete, Simon, Paul, Jo, Colin and Jill for all their help and support in team management, coaching ideas, social media support, game arrangement, graphic design, welfare support and event organisation. The U13 team all have excellent support system throughout the whole club. We consider ourselves very lucky to be part of such a close, happy and supporting footballing family and the success and enjoyment of the U13s get is in no small part thanks to you.
Finally, I would like to offer my personal thanks to my assistant coach, Richard. Richard is hugely supportive, massively engaged with the team and comes up with some excellent ideas to support the girls, both in training and socially. He arranges extra (none football) fitness training sessions to support the team, which are always well attended. Richards love of football is evident and his commitment and passion he has, to provide the girls with the best football experience they can have is awesome.
Most importantly, I wanted to say a few words about the squad as they would usually get this recognition at the end of season event, they still very much deserve to hear it now.
Sophia W
Sophia is our goalkeeper and is, without doubt, one of the best in the league. Her commitment, confidence and attitude is second to none and her determination to overcome any adversity or challenge is an inspiration to others around her.
My comments have, unsurprisingly, been validated by the team, and I am delighted to announce that Sophia has been nominated by the squad and wins: Players Player – Season 2019/20
Izzy
Izzy plays in defence and this season has seen her confidence grow massively. Whenever she pushes herself and realises that yes, she can do it, her confidence and skills growth further which has been great to see. I particularly like to see Izzy using her shoulders now!
Sophie
Sophie has had an excellent season and is firmly cementing her place as first choice centre back. Always smiling, with a blistering turn of pace and great game awareness, Sophie should be massively proud of herself this season.
To reflect how proud we are of her, we are delighted to award Sophie with Most Improved Player – Season 2019/20
Ella
Ella is our quiet and unassuming defender. Dismiss Ella at your peril! Many an opposition attacker has fallen foul of a quick and ruthless run from Ella. Ella’s technical ability has grown a huge amount this year and she now more than holds her own against bigger and stronger opposition.
Lucy
This was Lucy’s first season with us and is another player who has delivered an impressive improvement in her skill base. Lucy is another one of our deceptively quick defenders who works exceptionally hard in games. Our team joker, who is always ready with a wry smile.
Ellie
Ellie is highly competitive and does not like to lose. Ellie loves working on her set pieces and she has a wicked foot when taking free kicks and corners. Not many people get past Ellie if she doesn’t want you to! Ellie loves football and being part of the team.
Ava
Ava is one of the most hardworking members of the squad in games, sometimes she must cover miles out on the wing! Ava’s gentle, friendly and positive attitude is a firm favourite in the squad. However, do not be fooled, Ava likes to win, and she will commit 100% to the game. Ava is a true player and every squad should have an Ava!
To show our appreciation for her contribution and all-round awesomeness, we are delighted to award Ava with Coaches Player – Season 2019/20
Robyn
Robyn is our fearless centre midfield. Another player who leaves 100% of herself on the pitch and is always smiling. Robyn sees the good in everyone and every situation. Her attitude and commitment are exemplary and is a very well-loved member of the team.
It is a pleasure to watch Robyn play, and clearly our most important supporters agree. We are really pleased to award Robyn Parents Player – Season 2019/20
Hannah
Hannah works so hard in games and she has truly excelled this year on the right wing. She pushes herself hard in games and has worked especially hard on her confidence in tackles. Hannah’s skill levels continue to increase all the time and she is an asset to the team.
Evie
Evie is a very adaptable player and is only ever interested in what is best for the team. She dominates when on the right wing or up front. Evie underestimates herself, and I don’t think she realises how good she is. Evie has fantastic skills, but it is how naturally in tune she is with her teammates and the game that is truly impressive.
Sophia K
Sophia is very new to the U13 squad and is still finding her feet. However, Sophia has immediately made an excellent impression on the team. She has played in a couple of games and it is clear she is a natural footballer. Her positional work, skill and accuracy is awesome. I can’t wait to see her play more next season.
Cara
Cara is another very new member of the squad, having only played in a couple of games. Cara is making massive improvements week on week in training and her game play does not reflect her inexperience, she is committed and dedicated, and I think she will have excellent season next year.
Mia
Mia has been with the club for a number of years, and is another of our quiet, but ruthless squad members. Mia is impressively versatile and excels in any position I ask her to play in, whether that be midfield, wing or defence. Mia will go into any tackle 100% and has a great eye for a pass.
Priya
This is Priya first full season with the squad and her work rate, commitment and effort on the wing has been very impressive. Priya’s confidence grows all the time and she is a much needed, strong and stable presence during games. It is a testament to Priya’s attitude and personality that it feels like she has been with us for years.
Kelsey
Kelsey is an out and out striker. Kelsey wants to score goals. Kelsey wants to score lots of goals all the time. Kelsey is tenacious and committed and she will practice over and over to develop her already impressive natural skill base to ensure she is the best she game be. With boundless energy and good humour, Kelsey is a positive presence in the team.
Tash
Tash has had a great season and has obviously been working very hard on her game. Her exceptional enthusiasm has been tempered slightly to switch focus to game play and skills and Tash has really cemented herself as an excellent striker. Another player with a ready smile and a genuine love of football.
It is a pleasure and privilege to spend time with all the players and to coach them and assist them in enjoying football, improving their skills and developing fantastic relationships with their peers in a dedicated female environment. Richard and I have missed our Fridays and Sundays with our “football daughters” and look forward to the time we are all together again, which will hopefully be soon.
Well done on a fantastic season U13s! Richard and I are very proud of you, and we cannot wait to be by your side and do it all again next season
Claire and Richard – RTGWFC U13 Coaches