Under 11s A
Thursday 18 June 2009
Manager KARIMA EL HAJOUI with assistants SANNEKA VIRGO & ASHLEE VASSELL started the year with a sinking heart but ended it feeling light as a feather.
Karima says:
'When I first saw the list of players I was going to work with this season I felt, for a few seconds, dread and disappointment. Disappointment as, although I was happy to still be working with the majority of my previous team, I was upset that some of my players had moved to other squads in the club. Dread, as I knew the team I was given were all naturally talented. They were difficult in some ways but talented and I was unsure if I could help develop that. After the initial feelings passed, I became excited with the new challenge. I set a target which was for the team to get into a cup final.
'Throughout the season we have had a rollercoaster ride of games. We won some and we lost some. With each game I could see the boys developing. What they learnt in training, when paying attention, was showing on the pitch. They tried their hardest to ensure that they never made the same mistakes twice. I first realised just how really good the team was when we played our first 11-a-side game against West Essex Colts. Although we lost, I could see that the team were no longer a group of boys playing football but a group of footballers.
'I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Sandra who has come to nearly all our matches as well as Marlene, Thabo and Lawrence who managed to show their support occasionally. The boys and I understand that you all have other responsibilities but I would like to encourage all parents to try and come down to a football match or even take some time out to ask about their progress. This can make a BIG difference in their development. There will come a time when they do not want you around so enjoy the moment whilst they are young.'
