LEAGUE TEAMS U11s & U12s - MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS

UD LEAGUE TEAMS - U11s & U12s - London

March 2024

Camden Town x U11 Blue
The first game of the month came by way of a quarter-final cup game for our U11 blues. It was such an exciting game, with an uncontrollable celebration from manager Sib at the end of the game. 

The team dominated the ball for the vast majority of the game, keeping possession well moving the ball and creating chances. The team could’ve been a lot more clinical however they would happily have taken a 2-1 victory and will be confident going into the semi-finals.

Highgate Rangers x U11 Blue
Buoyed from their quarter-final win, the boys went into the semi-finals against a tough opposition in Highgate Rangers. Unfortunately, a very slow start from the players meant that we conceded some very early goals, therefore needing to climb a mountain to get back level.

It’s fair to say that during this first half, team never really got going. Defensively, the team lacked discipline and positional understanding, not doing the defensive duties well and allowing the opposition to overload the box and create and score a number of goals. 

It wasn’t until half time that the boys really started to play with the intensity and desire that they have shown this season. A much second half showing reinstated some pride, however unfortunately, the scoreline from the first half was too big to overturn and the team were knocked out the cup with a 5-0 loss.

The boys had a great cup run, unfortunately coming to an end due to a slow start to the game. However they can be so proud of their games this season and it is an achievement to reach the semi-finals of the cup!

CFBL x U11 Blue
The final game of the season ended in a 4-0 loss to CFBL, however there were positive moments in the game, collective and individual and had it not been for a fine goalkeeper performance from the opposition, the scoreline could’ve been very different.

Communication is a key component of football and the boys must develop this in order to improve as a team. However, as a relatively new team playing together for the first time, these sorts of things will only continue to develop further and we can’t wait to see how this team continues on next season.

TGFC x U11 White
Despite the 4-0 defeat, the UD U11 White team exhibited admirable resilience and skill throughout the match. Right from kick-off, our players worked hard to showcase their possession and control, dominating the pitch with their physicality and teamwork. The first half saw our team creating numerous scoring opportunities, illustrating the attacking patterns we have been working on in training. Although Bartie, in particular, deserves special mention as the 'Man of the Match' for his exceptional contributions in various positions and dedication to the team's cause.  

Despite a promising start and several scoring opportunities in the first half, the team struggled to convert their chances into goals. This inability to capitalise on early momentum proved costly, as the opposing side seized upon their few chances to secure a commanding lead. Despite their gallant efforts, UDFC U11 couldn't overturn the deficit in the second half, highlighting the necessity for improved finishing and composure in front of goal. The defeat serves as a valuable learning experience, reinforcing the importance of converting opportunities into tangible results.

DFY Foundation x U11 White
Our U11 white played a brilliant game against DFY Foundation, winning the game 1-0 after a great team performance as well as some individual moments of brilliance. The team remained focused throughout and this consistent concentration is what allowed the team to keep a clean sheet. There was a clear teamwork ethic amongst all the players and it was a fine performance to cap off the season.

BAM Football x UD Market Road U11
Our U11 team played out a fascinating 1-1 draw against BAM Football at the start of the month. We played out from the back extremely well all game and forced our opponents to press the ball which resulted in us finding spaces and opportunities in the final third. Our U11s also showed great determination to compete against a much more physical team. 

However, we could have been more clinical and ruthless in front of goal- having gone 1-0 up, we could have secured the win if we maintained our attacking threat as opposed to holding on to the lead. Unfortunately, a 1-0 lead is always precarious and this proved to be the case, conceding  goal and finishing the game 1-1.

U12 White
The U12 White’s stuck to the game plan very well and were able to take full advantage of our chances in front of goal. Some great passing throughout the match gifted us more space and time to play forward, which we utilise well, scoring 4 good goals.

At certain times in the game, however, we failed to transition from attack to defence quick enough and allowed our opponents to get an overload in their attack, which ended up with the team conceding two goals this way.

However, a great game, finished off with a well-deserved 4-3 win made for a close, exciting game to end the season!

QPS x U12 Red
Unfortunately, this month saw our U12’s exit the cup in the semi-finals, the first cup loss for this team in 4 years!

Even though the result ended in a 2-1 loss, our boys will feel even more disappointed knowing that they had the vast majority of the ball as well as over 25 shots on goal. With our opponents scoring 2 goals from only a handful of chances, on another day we know the result could have been very different. 

Of course, getting to the semi-finals is still a great achievement but they will no doubt feel that they could have, once again for the 4th year in a row, won the trophy!

FC Marylebone x Market Road U12
The start of the month saw an exciting cup tie against FC Marylebone. The team showed great resolve by keeping the pressure on our opponents throughout the game and limited their team to just three shots from distance the whole match. Despite a goalless first half, our players stuck to the game plan and scored two great team goals early in the second half to take our team to the League cup semi-final!!

With the final looming and a strong opponent to face, we must be more clinical in front of goal, especially when we play against tougher opponents as we may not get so many opportunities to score!

We can’t wait for the final, let’s bring the cup home!

TGFC x Coram’s Field U12
The first game of the month saw us play TGFC in what was a challenging game in a tough league. The first half saw some brilliant, compact defending from the players, working hard together and preventing a number of goalscoring opportunities. The team were well structured and defended as a unit. 

However, as the game went on, gaps began to appear and our confidence dropped. Our heads dropped once we conceded and the game ended in a unfortunate 5-1 loss. There are plenty of positives to take from the first half showing, however the team must continue for the whole game in order to get good results in this league.

EFA x Coram’s Field U12

The second game of the month came by way of a well fought, close game which ended 1-1. 

Despite the opposition having more of the ball, the players defended brilliantly throughout, unfortunately slipping at the last second conceding a goal with the last kick of the game. Our defenders put their bodies on the line to defend the goal, it was unfortunate to have conceded and not taken the win. 

The boys will know that they could’ve done a bit better in possession but there were plenty of positives to take away from their defensive duties and performance. A key takeaway this match is to ensure that the players are always scanning and aware of their surroundings, making sure that they know where the opposition are at all times and to avoid ball watching.

February 2024

Regent’s Park Youth League - U11s Blue (London)
The boys were in full swing against a strong Juventus side! After conceding early on, this did not damper the boys’ spirits, but instead boosted them to fight back. UD quickly got a goal back to make it 1-1 a piece, but the counter attacks from both teams were in full swing. UD broke with a 3v1 counter and slotting home to end the first of 2-1 UD.
ELA’s team talked worked as they came to make things level within the first 5 mins of the second half. UD defended very well, but the shots we were blocking unfortunately, one slipped through in the final 3 minutes of the game. UD pressed to make it level in the dying moments - when we receive a last kick free-kick a good 15-20 years away. Up steps Horatio with a thunderous strike, with the ball hitting the top roof of the goal. Final whistle blows - 3-3. Both teams shake hands and appreciated the fantastic football on display.

Regent’s Park Youth League - U11s White (London)
The U11 Whites came up against a well drilled, past-paced FC Marylebone for their first game of the month. With the team facing this opponent for our next cup game, this friendly was a good test to see what we could expect. Unfortunately, the result ended in a 4-0 loss, with the boys never really getting into gear and playing like we know they can. There were moments of good football and the intention was there, however the execution let us down, with inaccurate passing and taking too long on the ball. The players will certainly look to re-find their form before facing this team again in the cup. A chance to redeem themselves and I am sure they will be up for it!

Our cup game against the same opponent unfortunately ended in similar vein. Some times in football you come up against a superior team and this was clearly the case during this match. FC Marylebone played some great football, however it was perhaps helped by our boys giving too much respect to them, as a result of the previous game. Football is a psychological game and the players must go into each game prepared to give it their all and believe in themselves and their abilities. Doing the basics correctly will go a long way and this is something that this team will continue to develop.

Camden & Islington Youth League U11s (London)
A masterclass performance from the boys to win again and make it 3 times on the trot against an age group above. UD took a 1 nil lead and controlled the game, but a counter attack against us saw us concede. Emotions were heightened, but UD took the half, listened to coach Ryan, before storming the 2nd half and regaining control to go and secure the second goal and finish the match as 2-1 winners. Highlight performance was Raffi at the back who controlled the defence, but also provided some wonderful attacking plays and moves. UD WIN!

With our UD U11s matched up against Fusion FC- the game started at a fast pace with dangerous attacks coming at both ends of the field. With 5 minutes remaining before the half time whistle, UD won a corner which was dispatched with precision from Raph with a thumping header to give us the lead.
As the second half started, Fusion became even more of a threat and despite some courageous defending they levelled the score to 1-1. As the pressure mounted on our UD team, Fusion eventually took the lead and our boys found it difficult to regain the momentum, eventually losing the match 4-1. Despite the result there was a lot our players took away from the game but ultimately we were beaten by the better team on the day. Onwards and upwards for this group who have genuinely had an amazing season so far!

Regent’s Park Youth League - U12s UD Girls (London)
Despite coming away with a 3-0 loss against a really stron Regents Park A team, the girls were a joy to coach, as they always bring excitement to the games. They worked very well with each other and during this match in particular they showed how to really work as a team. During the game, our defending was very much tested for the girls, playing against a bigger, more physical team. They never shied away from the challenge, which was testament to their character. Coach Maisie wanted to highlight a player that has shown remarkable improvement over recent games and that player is Lily. Lily has grown so much both in confidence and as a football player, it has been wonderful to watch her development.

Regent’s Park Youth League - U12s White (London)
The team’s first game of the season, against Regents Park, certainly had excitement. Coming from 1-0 down to lead 2-1, the boys will be gutted to concede another late goal to end in a 2-2 draw. The boys must keep their heads up, especially after 2 very similar endings in recent games. However, overall, the team played amazing, worked well together and communicated really well. Perhaps deserving the 3 points, the team could still go away with their heads held high.

Regent’s Park Youth League - U12s Red (London)
During the first game of the month the boys produced a 2-1 win against a dogged Queens Park Sharks. Perhaps not as dominant as previous matches, this game showed that the boys had the grit and determination to keep going when things may not have clicked as well as usual. Goals from Trey and Milo Cranwell, who scored a sensational volley, secured the win to remain unbeaten for the season so far.

The second game came by way of a friendly against a league below team, Eagles, in what ended as an expected thrashing, the scoreline of which entered double figures and a clean sheet for UD. The scoreline could have been bigger, if it weren’t for the coaches giving the players conditions and challenges at half time – a great way of introducing coaching within a game that is clearly one-sided. The boys were challenged with first time finishes only, when inside the box, as well as resorting to a mid-block when out of possession, rather than utilising a high press. Despite these challenges imposed, the boys still racked up the goals, with some individual brilliance and moments of pure quality on show.

Camden & Islington Youth League U12s - UD (London)
UD v LFS
With only seven players and no substitutes, our heroic U12s team battled out an amazing result to draw 3-3 against a very talented LFS team. Having lost 4-1 to this side earlier on in the season, our boys mastered the counterattack game plan to perfection. Having conceded early in the first half, our UD team levelled the score just before the break with a tremendous finish from Gabriel. With the second half underway, our defence weathered the onslaught of attacks thrown at us by LFS and we were able to regain momentum in the match resulting in a 15y thunderous strike from Alfie to bring the score to 2-1! Moments later, our Dragons widened the lead with a great team goal- finished off once again by our lone-striker Gabriel. As the match grew closer to the final whistle and with tired legs, our boys unfortunately conceded a thumping header from an LFS corner, and the score was brought level with only 3 minutes remaining. A fantastic team effort all-round and the resilience shown by our Dragons was truly breath- taking considering the challenge at hand!

UD v Bloomsbury
In a thrilling display of skill and determination under the mesmerising floodlights of Market Road, United Dragons soared to a resounding 4-1 victory over Bloomsbury in an electrifying football clash. Right from the kickoff, the Dragons asserted their dominance, dictating the tempo of the game with their precise passing and relentless attacking prowess. But it was Bloomsbury who got the first goal, after a miscommunication at the back. But the Dragons were not to be denied. With the support of their fans (parents) ringing in their ears, they intensified their assault on the Bloomsbury goal, bombarding their opponents with wave after wave of attacks. Their perseverance paid off as they regained the lead with a thunderous strike and going on to win 4-1!!

Coram’s Field Youth League U12s (London)
On a high following their convincing 5-1 win in the previous game, our UD Coram’s Field team came up against Benfica, an opponent that we were yet to play this season. Well drilled and well organised, Benfica started the game strong and kept the intensity up for the whole match. The team fought hard out of possession, holding on until just before half time, however conceding from an incorrectly awarded corner kick. The players continued to defend well throughout the game, however struggled to create enough chances to warrant getting a point from the match. The final score, ending in a 4-0 defeat, was a fair reflection on the game but the boys can certainly take a lot of learning points from this defeat and go again next month!

January 2024

Regent’s Park Youth League - U11s Blue (London)
After the Christmas period, we were so excited to welcome our U11 Blue’s back this month for their first games of 2024!
What a turnaround this team are having, with 2 brilliant results to kickstart the new year. 
The improvements seen by this team has been astonishing to watch, culminating in 2 fine wins, a 5-2 league win followed by a 3-1 win in the cup, which sees us progress into the next round!
Whilst there were some fine individual performances on show, the team cohesion has really been highlighted in the first two games of the year and we can’t wait to see how this team continues to develop during the remainder of the season.

Regent’s Park Youth League - U11s White (London)
The first two games back saw 2 clean sheets, despite being hard-fought wins. With both results ending 1-0, the team continue their good form in the league whilst also progressing into the next round in the cup, thanks to a victory against a well organised East End Lions.
We are also pleased to say that this team are one of the few that will have league team training on their Saturday off-weeks from matches, which will only help them improve as a team and help develop that relationship both on and off the pitch

Camden & Islington Youth League U11s (London)
Our UD U11’s Market Road team has grown from strength to strength these past few weeks, achieving amazing victories and overcoming some tough opposition along the way, with 2 wins and a draw to kickstart 2024 in style! Regardless of results, it has been a joy to see our players challenging themselves across several on-field positions which will undoubtedly support them in their future years as they progress through the age groups.
On behalf of all of us at UD we sincerely appreciate your support and this clearly has had a positive impact on the players in those tougher games to secure hard-fought victories! We are looking forward to another great month ahead for this team!

Regent’s Park Youth League - U12s UD Girls (London)
The teams first match back saw a cup tie against Regents Park, with the team coming out 3-0 winners to progress through to the next round.
The game provided an opportunity for players to experiment in different positions and it was great to see how the girls handled responsibilities that they may have otherwise not experienced as often.
There will be harder games on the horizon, however with the team sitting third in the table there is plenty to shout about this season. It has been great to see the development of each individuals’ skills and abilities and well as their overall understanding of the game

Regent’s Park Youth League - U12s White (London)
The first game of the year looked to be an exciting one; a cup game against Sport London e Benfica, a team that no age group has played so far this season.
Both teams battled out it, playing with determination knowing that a pass to the next round of the cup was at stake.
With a devastating last second equaliser for Benfica to end the game 2-2, the team were unfortunate to be knocked out the cup on penalties.
Whilst disappointing, the boys can certainly take away some valuable lessons on game management when leading so close to the final whistle – they will come back stronger as a result.

Regent’s Park Youth League - U12s Red (London)
Having won their cup game just before the Christmas break, the team must have been raring to go in the new year and continue their winning ways in the league.
The team faced 3rd place Canada Blanch, who had only lost 1 game before facing our U12’s. The boys were able to record a resounding 5-0 win, playing what was arguably some of their finest football all season. 
Sitting top of the league with no points dropped and through to the next round of the cup, this formidable team continue to go from strength to strength as the season progresses.

Camden & Islington Youth League U12s - UD (London)
Whilst we as coaches would love to take full credit for this team’s amazing achievements this season, it may be slightly more appropriate to shed some light on the wonderful performances each of our U12 players have displayed in recent weeks in the Market Road League.
Despite struggling against top of the table Camden elite at the start of the month, the team have bounced back, recording two 5-0 victories in a row and keeping us up towards the business end of the table.
The victories they have achieved are one aspect however, the overall output of this team has grown from strength to strength (I’m sure you’ll all agree)!
With the standard we have now set, it has been a joy to adjust the players positions around the field and still maintain the attacking threat we have worked so hard to achieve.
On behalf of all of us at UD we are genuinely thrilled with how this season has panned out and are excited to continue this progress to the end of the 23/24 league season.

Camden & Islington Youth League U12s - NEW (ex UY) (London)
After recently started working with our new U12s Market Road team, we saw straight away it was clear to see how much individual talent the team has. The task we have is trying to harness all of that individual ability and combine it so we can work better as a team and bringing back that team camaraderie .
Monday night was our first fixture together and saw us fall narrowly short after a solid performance. On another day the game may have ended as a draw as we created 3 or more really good goal scoring opportunities against a physical side.
Moving forward we will be looking to work on team shape both in and out of possession, how to dominate possession of the ball and how to convert that into more goal scoring opportunities. Our first couple of sessions have been around passing and moving plus some 1v1, 2v1 scenarios and we will continue in the same way for the next training session until we move onto some final third practice along with finishing drills. The first 2 weeks of us working together have been a real positive start for us and Coach Kodi looks forward to working with the group further.

Coram’s Field Youth League U12s (London)
This brand-new team consisting of a number of individuals that had previously never played together, have slowly begun forming into a team. 
This team were always going to take a bit of time to gel and understand how one another plays. The difference from the first match of the season, which was clearly but understandably disjointed, to now, is remarkable. 
These slow but steady improvements have been showing in the recent match performances and results, with each game getting better and better.
This culminated in the team’s first win of the season, a thumping 5-1 win against a very strong opponent.
The attitude and perseverance shown by each player has been admirable and it has been so rewarding to see their hard work pay off. We can’t wait to see how this team continues to develop throughout the rest of the season.