It has been another fantastic season for our Under 10 side who continue to go from strength to strength in terms of numbers, dedication and individual performances – so much so that we are hoping to enter two teams into the league next season. This is a far cry from a couple of years ago when we had to play an age group up with only five players; this is testament to the girls’ commitment, love of the game and support of each other.
A couple of weeks ago we should have been at Butlin’s competing in a National tournament against some of the best girls’ teams in the country, but sadly it wasn’t to be as the season was suddenly cut short unexpectedly. This was disappointing for the girls as they had worked hard to reach the semi-final of the Cup and would have undoubtedly reached the final and had a great day out celebrating their success!
These are a very talented bunch of girls; truly terrifying to watch going forward, with a core to the team that ensures they are never left exposed at the back. They work hard for each other, never let the team down and are (generally) a joy to coach with a positive mindset and fantastic attitudes. Most importantly they do all of this with a smile on their face as they enjoy their football!
Season Review
It was a tough start to the year; with lots of cancelled games, hastily arranged friendlies and last-minute changes! The team soon managed to get into their stride and our new ground proved to be a fortress with the girls excelling on our 3G pitch. I think we only played three games on grass all season; but the girls were unbeatable at times, playing some incredible football and they should all be enormously proud of their success and achievements, both individually and as a team.
We’ve had bust-ups, penalty shoot drama; we’ve played older teams, younger teams, academy teams, boy’s teams (in pre-season); enjoyed some comprehensive victories and only a couple of defeats. Overall it’s been an incredibly successful and enjoyable season and I hope all the girls have enjoyed it!
Despite a few weeks out with a serious injury (and missing the Xmas party!), Poppy continues to thrive on the Rugby wing and is always one of the first names on the teamsheet. Her close ball skills and dribbling are second to none; she passes players with ease and combines with the regular Rugby attacking trio almost telepathically. Poppy shows a clear understanding of the mental side of the game, recognising where tactical changes are needed and coming up with new ideas for the team – this demonstrates a great maturity and it is a pleasure to have Poppy in the team.
After joining part way through the season Eleanor has proven to be a fantastic addition to the squad and her smile is infectious as she loves all things football! Despite never having played an organised match her natural defensive aptitude meant she slotted effortlessly into the Rugby back line and she has consistently shown her bravery, determination and commitment to the team from the outset. As her experience grows she will undoubtedly form a key part of the Rugby defence next season – it is my pleasure to announce that Eleanor has been awarded the Most Improved Player – Season 19/20 to recognise her fantastic contribution.
Aurora has been unstoppable and unplayable for most of this season; her competitive spirit and determination to win are unparalleled, and thankfully she tends to bounce straight back up again! She won the Player of the Match so many times she asked us to stop considering her but, at times, she has almost single-handedly won games for the team. She defends, she attacks at speed; passing players with ease and tackling back to cover every inch of the pitch; it’s incredible the way they all link up together going forward and Aurora has scored some vital goals this year.
Katie’s enthusiasm and energy know no bounds and she is always ready with a smile on her face and ‘happy’ to play in any position to help the team. Her flexibility and long throw-ins are a vital asset for the team, she never stops running and covers every inch of the pitch. Katie is a pleasure to coach and has a fantastic attitude, always puts the team first and consistently breaks up play in the middle of the pitch – well done Katie on a fantastic season.
Lola is one of the most popular and influential members of the team and she shows a great understanding of the game, quickly recognising where tactical or positional changes are needed. Lola has great pace and determination, relentlessly chasing back on many occasions to thwart the opposition; whilst also proving a non-stop threat going forward. She is naturally competitive and determined not to let the other team get the better of her. Lola shows great commitment, training 2/3 times a week and is a key member of our Futsal sessions – she will undoubtedly be a vital member of the squad next season!
Connie is a pleasure to coach and has a fantastic attitude; she demonstrates a great maturity on the pitch and her positional sense is unrivalled. She has an intelligent football brain (proven by her support of Tottenham Hotspur 😉) which seems to tell her where she needs to be before anyone else realises it. Connie has shown great bravery throughout the year and is always dependable and consistent in the Rugby defence, showing great determination and playing it safe to protect the Rugby goal.
Layla demonstrates great versatility as she is regularly asked to play in a number of different positions – her natural athleticism, coordination and fitness mean she looks assured every time; whether that’s in goal, on the wing or in defence. Layla has quickly grown to be a vital member of the squad as her adaptability and fantastic attitude stand her in good stead – she has made some world-class saves this season to keep the girls in games and always gives 110% anywhere on the pitch.
Sofia has been relentless in her stamina and determination as she tenaciously hounds every opposition defence – she is our star striker and her driven nature and clinical finishing have proven to be the difference on so many occasions; not least when she scored the decisive goal in our nervy penalty-shoot-out victory in the cup quarter final. We’ll be there in the final next year, no doubt! Sofia’s confidence, pace and natural finishing ability mean she is a vital member of the team.
Goalkeeping is often a thankless task! This year Ria has courageously stepped into the role and has flourished as the season progressed; she has shown a great determination to improve and her kicking has transformed thanks to the practice she has put in. Ria has shown significant bravery, diving at the feet of oncoming attackers, and has made some incredible saves to keep us in games; she always gathers the ball cleanly and showed great confidence stepping up in our epic penalty shoot out victory! The Rugby Town supporters have recognised Ria’s enormous contribution this year and have voted her Parents’ Player of the Year – Season 19/20
Isobel is the club captain and her selfless attitude means she is always the first to volunteer for unpopular tasks and has played in a number of positions this season as she puts the team first. Her strength and stamina serve her well in defence but she’s also able to put a shift in in goal or on the wing when we need her – she always plugs away and it was fantastic to see her rewarded with her first League goal. Thoroughly deserved Isobel, we are privileged to have you as our captain.
Lexie is one of the most naturally talented players we have within the club, but this is matched only by her incredible attitude, maturity, understanding; and vision beyond her years – we have seen passes this season that would have opened up defences in the FAWSL/Premier League; she amazes me every single week with her ingenuity and work rate; it makes me incredibly proud to award Lexie with the Player’s Player of the Year – Season 19/20. She will be a Lioness one day.
Beth has grown in confidence as the season progressed, proving her dominance and clinical finishing with some important goals. She is strong and determined, competing bravely and never letting the opposition get the better of her. Her marking is second to none and, as the team split into two parts towards the end of the year, she has shown strong leadership skills and proven to be a vocal, experienced member of the squad. Well done Beth!
Indie has had a fantastic year, demonstrating her versatility by playing in a number of positions and always happy to help the team wherever needed. She is most effective in the middle of the park, using her strength and stamina to break up play effectively – she’s always determined not to let the opposition get past her and bravely defends the Rugby goal. Indie’s confidence on the ball has grown as the season progressed and she always exhibits a great concentration, positive attitude and will to improve.
Ever since our tournament win last summer Izzy has grown in confidence at the heart of the Rugby defence; her communication skills are exceptional and she is a natural born leader. She is brave, strong, dependable, consistent and fearless at the back, enjoys getting forward for corners and it was great to see her rewarded with her first Rugby Town goal. She is a future captain of not just Rugby Town girls but probably the whole club – it gives me great pleasure to announce that Izzy is the Coaches Player of the Year – Season 19/20
I’d also like to give a special mention to Matilda who joined us late on, winning Player of the Match in her first ever game – we’d love to see you back next year and look forward to welcoming you to the team properly!
Thank You
Huge thanks to Rich who has provided great support throughout the year, stepping in to coach the girls wherever needed and offering extra training sessions earlier in the season. His insightful feedback and one-to-one coaching has been invaluable to the girls and his passion for development football is unrivalled. He is always positive and encouraging of everything we have tried to do for the girls and their footballing development.
Thanks also to Tony Dand who has stepped in to coach the girls later in the season as we split them into two teams; this was done as we simply couldn’t give all the girls a fair amount of playing time with so many players involved and has proven to a huge success. All of the squad have benefitted from more minutes on the pitch and we have seen huge strides in their personal and collective development. Tony is hugely experienced in girl’s football and we couldn’t have done it without him!
Thank you to our sponsors Lit Cars for providing the girls with their amazing new blue kit and matching beanie hats; Jason and Katherine have always been enormously supportive of the club and your kind generosity has enabled us to provide the girls with everything they needed for another great season.
Thank you to Maria for your administrative and strategic support throughout the season, and to all of our committed parents for ferrying the girls to games and being understanding of the squad size, multitude of substitutions and cancelled/double matches. It’s been a fantastic season and with your help and support hopefully the girls will go on to have another incredible year together once football returns.
I am incredibly proud of all the girls who have been involved this year and they are a privilege to coach and be around. Overall their behaviour on and off the field has been impeccable; they play the game in a fair but competitive manner; gracious in victory (and defeat) but they will not allow themselves to be pushed around! All of the girls have developed enormously over the course of the season and they have all made great strides in their individual and collective performances – this team is hugely talented and faces a great future together full of success.
It’s been a rollercoaster at times but I can’t wait to have it all back!