SOGGY SUNDAY DOESN'T DAMPEN U8's HOCKEY HEROICS

Our two mixed U8s teams were absolutely fantastic today in their first 7-a-side tournament of the season at Bromley High School vs teams from 2x Holcombe, 2 x BromBecks, Burnt Ash & Old Williamsonians. It was an excellently organised event hosted by Brendan Kearns from BromBecks.

A very wet, cold & soggy affair but high spirits were maintained. Crowds of parents and family watching. Four consecutive games on quarter pitches. 12 mins one way. 6 matches each. Round Robin.

The B&E Bulldogs coached today by Matt Wilde were in outstanding form putting all they've learnt over the past few seasons into practice by playing some delightful and devastating hockey. All players rotated positions every match giving them a variety of challenges and experiences. Some great solid tackling, intelligent passing, strong ball carrying and clinical finishing in the D saw them smash it out of the park with 6 wins out of 6 scoring bundles of goals along the way and only conceding once! Some really outstanding and exciting potential here.
Team:
1. Sophia Gladstone
2. Elizabeth Brain
3. Ayotunde Dauda
4. Fergus Li Thomson
5. Freya Longley
6. Anna McLeod
7. Etienne Veleba

Hard to pick one standout player as they were all superb today but Bulldogs Player of the Tournament was Fergus Li-Thomson who just edges out Sophia Gladstone. A hatful of goals, great dribbling and powerful running with the ball, worked hard tracking back for the ball, solid tackles and skilful use throughout of his reverse and Indian dribble.

The B&E Tigers coached today by Grant Glazebrook with several younger & newer players grew stronger as the tournament progressed. As the confidence and familiarity with team play, tactics and positions began to take hold their performance levels increased. They brilliantly secured 3 wins, 1 draw, 2 loses. Great to see such commitment and drive from these Tigers right up until the last minute. Team spirit was high.
Team:
1. Peter Squire
2. Charlie Monk
3. Gabriel Beaudet
4. Olivia Burt
5. Keira Goosen
6. Lauren Glazebrook
7. Amaya Jayasighne

Again difficult to choose one standout player as there were lots of valuable contributions today but Tigers Player of the Tournament was Peter Squire who just pips Charlie Monk to the title. Fantastic energy all over the pitch, powerful ball carry and immovable in the tackle plus some excellent goal line clearances.

Getting our youngsters involved as soon as they can grip a stick and the quality coaching in the basics and fundamentals we’ve delivered in our early years provision for the last 4/5 seasons from ages 5 to 8 is outstanding. It is clear to see on days like today when they put it into practice in match play environments. It sows the seeds so magnificently. Big shout out to our wonderful U6 & U8 Coaching Teams . ??????

Three more tournaments after Christmas for our other U8s to get a chance to play and for some of these players to develop further.

Be Proud Be Worthy