LEAGUE TEAMS U9s & U10s - MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS
UD LEAGUE TEAMS U9s & U10s
March 2024
LFS x U9 Blue
Despite the 4-0 loss, the UDFC U9s Blues team demonstrated admirable resilience and teamwork throughout the match. Each of our players exhibited remarkable sportsmanship and fought tirelessly until the final whistle. Despite the scoreline, they maintained a positive attitude and never faltered in their determination. Although the outcome may not have favoured them this time, the UDFC U9 team can take pride in their efforts and view this match as a valuable learning experience to improve for the upcoming season when we play this team again!
Regrettably, despite their best efforts, our UDFC U9 team encountered a challenging 4-0 defeat in today's match. Despite their valiant effort, we struggled to convert numerous scoring opportunities and found it difficult to penetrate the opponent's defence. Defensively, the team encountered many difficulties in containing the opponent's attacks, resulting in the goals conceded. This loss serves as a reminder for the team to focus on areas of improvement, such as communication and strategic positioning. However, with determination and focused training, I am confident this team can overcome this setback and aim for better outcomes in future matches.
Queens Park Sharks x U9 White
Whilst this week saw an unfortunate 4-0 loss, the UD U9 White team showed resilience and skill throughout the game. They maintained possession well and created chances, although converting those rare chances on goal ultimately proved difficult. Despite this defeat, the team's positive attitude and effort bode well for the future. Rex's versatile play was particularly noteworthy and seen his give his all every time he took to the field.
Our U9 White team faced a tough defeat, with the opposition showing greater physicality throughout the game. Despite creating chances, we struggled to score, and our opponents capitalised on the opportunities they had. This loss highlights the need for improvement in physical strength and composure under pressure and this is something our coaches will work on in the upcoming weeks.
Priory Park x U9 White
The second game of the month came against Priory Park, a tough game against an opposition we know are well drilled. Despite the game finishing with a 6-0 loss, the boys showed a huge amount of bravery and determination as they were tasked with playing out from the back, regardless of the oppositions press. They listened well to the coach and continue to do so despite conceding from a couple of mistakes as a result.
Being 5-0 down at half time, the players could have easily resorted to playing the long ball. However, they continued to do as the coach asked and only conceded 1 goal in the second half. This shows how quickly they were able to adapt and can be very proud of this performance.
U9s St Albans
The U9 squad have been in some good form again this month and most of this calendar year with only losing 3 games so far across the 3 months of football played. The standout win of the month was a courageous comeback from 1-0 down against Borehamwood Youth which saw our u9’s win 2-1 on the day. What’s been really good to see has been our response to losses lately, with the next game being either a draw or a win it goes to show the character our boys are starting to build along with stringing back to back wins together more often or not.
LFS x U10 Blue
This was a great performance overall against a physical, strong team. The players kept possession well, circulating the ball and attacking with speed. Two early goals settled the team down and, despite creating more chances, we weren’t able to convert any more. The boys need to be more clinical in front of goal as this is a common theme at present; dominate the ball, create chances but don’t finish them.
This always keeps the opposition in the game and conceding the goal to make it 2-1 gave the opposition some hope and fight, in a game that could have easily been killed off sooner. Nevertheless, the boys secured a great, hard-fought win and they can be very happy with their performance.
Camden Town x U10 White
In what was expected to be an exciting match, this cup semi-final did not disappoint. Both teams battled it out for a place in the finals, carving out chances and half-chances throughout. Despite the pressure that comes along with a cup semi-final, the boys remained switched on and concentrated throughout, attributes needed in these tense games.
The whole team were brilliant in possession as well as resilient in defence and ran out deserved 2-1 winners! Next up, a cup final on the final day of the season!!
St John’s Wood x U10 White
The boys were raring to go for their cup final match and last game of the season. It was always going to be a tricky fixture against a top team, with two of the stronger teams in the league battling it out for the cup.
The boys played out from the back well throughout the game, as they have been all season, despite the occasion and the pressure that comes along with a cup final the boys. They continued to stick by their principles and play how they have been training to.
However, decision-making in the final third and most critical moments in the game cost us what could have been a few goals and, with perhaps the pressure of the occasion taking grip, the boys fell to a 2-0 defeat.
On another day, it could have been UD’s cup, however the boys will come back stronger and go again next season! Amazing achievement to reach the finals in the first place and a fantastic season overall!
Queen’s Park Sharks x U10 Boys
Despite missing a couple of key players, the boys battled it out against a tough opposition, unfortunately conceding a late goal to lose the match 3-2. There were a few chances created during the match but we were missing our usual clinical edge, that would have otherwise seen many of those converted.
There were occasions of a lack of positional discipline shown throughout the game, which undoubtedly left the team in some dangerous positions on the turnover, with the opposition able to counter attack quickly.
This game was not ours for the win, however plenty of lessons to take away as always!
LSS x Girls U10
In an electrifying match, the UDFC U10 girls delivered an outstanding performance, resulting in a thrilling 4-4 draw against LSS. From start to finish, our UD girls showcased exceptional teamwork, skill, and determination on the pitch. They demonstrated remarkable resilience, bouncing back from every setback and continually pushing forward with relentless effort. This incredible display of talent and teamwork is a testament to their hard work and long may it continue!
Despite their commendable efforts, the U10 girls were unable to secure a victory in today's match, having conceded in the last kick of the game. While they displayed exceptional skill and determination on the pitch, they faced challenges in maintaining their defensive structure, allowing the LSS team to capitalise on scoring opportunities. Additionally, lapses in concentration led to conceding goals, preventing our UD girls from clinching the win.
LSS (Round 2) x Girls U10
The final game of the season came against the same LSS team as the previous match. Judging by the last game it was going to be a fantastic occasion and a very close match. This definitely proved to be the case again, with a 3-3 draw being the final result.
The girls attitude and spirit throughout the game was immense, so much positivity from both the players and the parents on the sideline, that’s what grassroots football is all about and we loved every minute of it.
The game did highlight areas of development needed, especially with regards to defensive positioning as well as our understanding of our roles and responsibilities in those positions but take nothing away from the spectacle of the game, it was a wonderful way to finish the season, well done all!
February 2024
Regent’s Park Youth League - U9s Blue (London)
UD v Highgate Rangers
In an inspiring display of resilience and teamwork our UD U9 Blue team overcame significant odds to secure a remarkable 4-0 victory against a formidable Highgate Rangers U9 team. Despite arriving with a depleted squad, the U9 Blue squad approached the match with determination and a never-say-die attitude. From the opening whistle, they showcased their tenacity and skill and managed to secure a 3-0 lead at half-time! In the second half the team executed the game plan with precision in effort to maintain the lead and keep a clean sheet. In the attacking third, the boys displayed clinical teamwork, capitalising on their chances with confidence and composure.
Regent’s Park Youth League - U9s White (London)
Through a tough start, UD were slow off the mark to get going and our positional sense needing fine tuning, UD went 1-0 down early on. It was players like Rex, who really drove our team to fight and finally, UD began to find their groove. With Lexi shot stopping fantastically well and some great individual outfield displays, the game was tight. Unfortunately, through a scrappy second goal conceded in our penalty box, UD really had to push through if we were to get anything from this game. Up steps MOTM Rex, who scores a wordlie of a goal just before half time to give UD hope going into the second. UD fought hard in the second half, but the scoreline was not for us that day, ending the game with a 3-1 loss. Lots of takeaways and positional areas to improve on - but we look forward to our final month of Fixtures this month!
Watford Friendly League - U9s (St Albans)
After a 4 game winning streak our U9s fell to defeat against Aloysious, despite a spirited performance our 7 man squad were unable to get the win but certainly showed a lot of fight and character - but with only 7 players available for the game and no bench players, we struggled to keep up with the fresh legs Aloysious brang on. The month of February brought focus on to the topic of defending, not so much as individuals but more so defending in units and as a team. We used some basic terminology and revised the word ‘compact’, throughout the month which was demonstrated on many occasions during our 4 wins. As we move onto finishing this coming month, we are sure we’re all looking forward to watching the goals fly in!
Regent’s Park Youth League - U10 UD Girls (London)
In a close-fought match, the girls were unlucky to walk away with a 2-1 loss against Brent Schools this month. The players all worked really well together, filling in the gaps and covering others when the game got stretched or players were out of position, especially defending the counter-attack. A key takeaway for the girls from the match is to really develop and improve their scanning and awareness. This will help them determine where the space is and quicker their decision- making before receiving the ball.
During this game, Maya was selected as a stand out player; congratulations and it has been great to see her confidence and abilities improving as the season has progressed!
Regent’s Park Youth League - U10s Blue (London)
The boys dominated the first game of the season, coming away with a 2-0 win. They may, however, felt that the scoreline should have been larger, with the vast majority of the game being played in the opposition half. The team must develop that killer instinct in front of goal, with a few great chances squandered.
However, over the course of the game, the team were well organised and really beginning to appreciate the roles and responsibilities of their positions.
Regent’s Park Youth League - U10s White (London)
The first game of the month was a sensational performance, finishing 11-0, albeit against a weak opposition. The highlights of the game included the team’s ability to play out of the back and the switch play, with calmness and composure when under pressure. To develop further, the team must remain patient when moving forward as a team, as well as recognising the danger when passing across the goal between defenders.
Big shout out to Tripp who scored his first hat-trick as well as James Coughlin for a brilliant performance!
Regent’s Park Youth League - U10s Boys (London)
Our U10s fought hard during the first game of the month, which did end in a loss against Priory Park but despite the result it was helpful for the group the experience several different playing positions. With the game being a friendly fixture against an ‘A’ league team- if was helpful for the boys to challenge themselves and take that experience into their next game!
January 2024
Regent’s Park Youth League - U9s Blue (London)
After the Christmas period, we were so excited to welcome our U9 Blue’s back this month for their first games of 2024!
After suffering defeat in the league for their first game back, the team looked to put that result behind them for their cup game against a strong opposition.
The team performed admirably and showed commitment and fight throughout. Unfortunately, the team slipped to a narrow defeat seeing their cup run come to an end for this season.
However, the resilience in this team will see them bounce back again for the league games in February and continue to develop and learn with each game.
Regent’s Park Youth League - U9s White (London)
Two tough games against two very difficult opponents this month tested the teams’ resilience and determination. This month unfortunately saw the teams exit from the cup, however I am sure the boys and coaches will put the result behind them and be looking to bounce back in February.
We are pleased 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.
Watford Friendly League - U9s (St Albans)
Our u9 side have been in fantastic form since returning to league football this year and have now won their last 3 games in a row. The team have been working really hard in training with Coach Kodi, Coach Dale and Coach Tom. This month our topics were around dribbling, passing and defending. These are some basic fundamentals all players need in order to succeed in a match. Their application in training has been spot on and it’s starting to show in the games so the 3 wins in the bounce is hardly a surprise! The coaches have set the team a task of winning as many games in a row as they can, with our focus not being driven around results but more so performance it’s still important for us to make demands to push the players that little bit further and we’re all really looking forward to our next game to see if we can better the current winning streak!
Regent’s Park Youth League - U10 UD Girls (London)
The first game back saw the girls play brilliantly, both as individuals and as a collective team, resulting in a well deserved 2-0 win.
Despite struggling against a very good opponent during the second game of the month, it is clear that each players’ confidence is growing with every game and we can see more game/positional understanding as the season progresses.
There is still a lot for these young girls to learn with regards to understanding different roles and responsibilities of various positions but the progress they are making is a delight for coaches to see and we look forward to seeing this continue to develop for the remainder of the season.
Regent’s Park Youth League - U10s Blue (London)
With some monumental results so far this season, this team have often dominated their opponents, securing huge wins. The boys would likely have gone into their cup game this month high on confidence and looking to progress into the next round.
Unfortunately, the team suffered a defeat against a resilient opponent, knocking us out of the cup run for this season.
Perhaps it was complacency or the break over the Christmas period that resulted in a lack of sharpness against a team that, on another day, we should have beaten.
We are, however, pleased 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
Regent’s Park Youth League - U10s White (London)
Their game promised to be a great showdown in the cup, with the team looking to progress into the next round.
Unfortunately, with our opposition not showing up for the game, the boys were unable to play their game. However, due to the no-show, the team will get an automatic pass into the next round.
Rather than being left without a game, there was perhaps the match of the season arranged at the last minute; players/coaches vs parents. With a number of nutmegs on show, the parents could walk away with their heads held high, despite deservedly losing to the better team.
Regent’s Park Youth League - U10s Boys (London)
Continuing their scarily good form this season, the team demolished their opponents 6-1, securing yet another win to go on their tally.
With still plenty of games to play, the team must keep their feet on the ground and continue to work hard at training.
We are pleased that this team have committed to an extended 2-hour team training session on Sunday’s, highlighting their dedication, which will only help them improve as a team and help develop that relationship both on and off the pitch.