Junior Kickers Festival, Brighton University, Falmer
Saturday 18th April 2009

Team: Annika, Hannah, Chloe, Niamh, Emily, Ellen, Lilly, Aicha & Moona

A full squad turned out for the second Junior Kickers Festival of the Easter holiday. Weather was a bit on the chilly side, but with seven teams competing it meant plenty of activity for the players. It was great for the girls to play against some new teams – Tunbridge Wells and Maresfield amongst them. The girls started okay in their first match but struggled with their positioning and ended up on the losing side. In their second game, the opposition manager was to put it politely, taking it a bit seriously (!!) and as a result we lost again. We then began to found our feet and our positioning a little better and won the third game 2-0 with a goal each for Annika and Moona. The remaining three matches were all closely fought and well balanced games with little to choose between the teams.

All of the girls gave their all and took their turn to play in goal (especially Chloe) but special mention for Lilly who had an excellent morning and showed some excellent skills. Annika was her usual bubbly personality and when she was on her feet (!!) gave some excellent performances. Well done to everyone and thank you to the parents for their support.

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Junior Kickers Festival, Brighton University, Falmer
Saturday 4th April 2009

Team: Hannah, Chloe, Niamh, Emily, Ellen, Aicha & Moona

Great 3G pitch at Falmer, just a pity the weather was not up to same standard!

3 other teams took part with all being well matched. Emily scored in 2nd game, Niamh in 5th & finally Chloe being the last to score. There were lots of good turns, moves on the ball & passes.

Dan awarded them the team trophy, not given for wins but for overall performances. Hannah collected it as she had played consistently well throughout. Congratulations to everyone!

Moona was awarded one of the player awards, very well deserved, she never gave up even against much taller players! Congratulations Moona, great to see.

Thanks to Paul, parents & cousins!! Next tournament on Saturday 18th April, same time & place, ending at 10.30am.

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Junior Kickers Festival, The Olympos, Burgess Hill
Sunday 1st February 2009

Team: Hannah, Chloe, Annika, Niamh, Emily, Aicha & Lilly

A good tournament with teams of fairly equal abilities and an excellent atmosphere.

We won two games, drew one and lost five, however, this doesn't represent the effort the players all put in, the only difference was a lack of attempts on goal. The scorers were Naimh (4), Aicha, Hannah & Annika (we won't mention the other one which her Dad has on camera!!). They all took turn in goal & did well, even those that really don't like the position, much appreciated!

Annika was one of the players that Dan congratulated at the end for her consistently good play throughout, Steve and I had previously thought the same, always popping up exactly where needed the most, well done!
But also a big well done to all the players, you played well as a team and there was a lot of good passing & manoevering of the ball. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves.

The next tournament is Sunday 29th March, venue to be confirmed, & the last one on Saturday 4th April.

Thanks to all the parents for your support.

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Junior Kickers Festival, The Olympos, Burgess Hill
Sunday 2nd November 2008

Team: Hannah, Chloe J, Ellen, Chloe C, Niamh, Aicha & Lilly

Great Day! It was different from the usual event as only 3 teams entering due to half-term - back to the proper event on 4th January 2009!

Dan Lawson (Sussex County FA Community Coach) spent the morning session organising coaching, dividing them girls into small groups with a lot of activities! I have now seen the benefit of training inside, not only weather-wise, but the amount that can be crammed into the time! Thanks Dan.

Then a quick lunch before the teams played each other twice. Our team was well matched against Eastbourne Borough, we won the first & they came back to win in the second. We look forward to arranging a friendly with them soon. Both Eastbourne & our team were well beaten by the Ratton Rangers players, who nearly all appeared to be at the upper end of the age range, but both teams put up a good fight all the same.

A trophy was awarded to Ratton Rangers as the winning team - well done to them, and also a trophy was awarded to one of the Eastbourne Borough players for general all round good performance, so congratulations to her too.

Both Steve P and myself were very impressed with the way the girls all performed in both winning and losing! Every player contributed something in each of the games, some volunteered to go in goal which is not an easy position, so thanks to them!

I would just like to mention a couple of individual players - Hannah who took on the role of 'Captain' and she seemed to be wherever needed during the games, tremendous work! Also to Chloe C who was like a firework in the park, but with great skills and lots of goals and then turning her hand to being a natural goalkeeper - it's great to have you back!

However, it takes ALL the girls to make a good team and it appeared that you all had fun in the process! Thanks to Steve and we both look forward to the next Festival in the new year!

Images from the Festival can be found here.

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