U15 Tigers

2023/24 Season Review

The 2023/2024 season for the Tigers has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. Despite facing numerous disruptions due to weather related postponements and last-minute cancellations, the team has shown resilience and determination throughout the season.

One of the major obstacles faced by the team was the difficulty in maintaining consistency due to the frequent postponements and cancellations. However, the players have shown great adaptability and perseverance by working to overcoming these challenges, showcasing their commitment to the sport.

Another challenge that the team has faced this season was the lack of a recognised goalkeeper for many games due to conflicting commitments. Despite this setback, the players stepped up and took on different roles to support the team, demonstrating their versatility and teamwork.

I have to say that again, without exception, all the teams we have faced this season have shown such great sportsmanship - a true reflection of the friendly nature of grassroots football in Division 4 of the Hampshire Girls Youth Football League.

We can never truly appreciate the endless hours of time volunteered by our divisional secretaries, in our case Mike. We were able to say Thank You by hosting an end of season friendly with his team, Hiltingbury Harlequins. We were again fortunate to be able to host this game for the second year running out on the memorial pitch in front of the club house thanks to the senior Club Chairman, Luke Mullen. The Youth Chairman, Lee Wales, was fully involved by joining me in the dugout! Other committee members joined our parents supporting the girls from the stands – this along with Sue’s amazing breakfast rolls and Coffee, made for a great morning enjoyed by all.

A huge thank you to our new team sponsor - WJ Bennit & Son. Thanks to Abbie & Will we have a fantastic new Kit, which this year saw the introduction of black shorts for the girls!

Thank you to the training team, Destination Sport. The ever-supportive Coach Jason, supported by Play Maker Tom Bishop, were able to bring consistency to our training through the season.

I would also like to express my appreciation to Gayle, our team admin, your hard work, and dedication behind the scenes have not gone unnoticed and have contributed significantly to the smooth running of the team, along with the parents who frequently shared duties as Respect Stewards, Line’os and Halftime Refreshment providers.

Lastly, I wanted to finish as I did last year, (and the year before!) by saying a massive thank you to the parents, for their support throughout the season, for turning up each week, for travelling the long distances from Alton to Tidworth (in SALISBURY!) or Hythe and Dibden to Southsea on Saturday mornings sometimes in the rain and cold so the girls can play - we couldn’t do it without you…

In conclusion, the Hartley Wintney Junior Football Club Tigers have shown great resilience, teamwork, and dedication throughout the season. Despite the challenges faced, the players have continued to grow and develop both individually and as a team. I am proud of the progress we have made and look forward to seeing what the future holds for this group of young athletes.