U8 Falcons

2023/24 Season Review

Two novice managers, a group of 6-year-olds picked out of a hat, and 1 friendly later, the Kites were about to embark on a footballing journey that would grip us all more than we could’ve ever anticipated…

On a warm Saturday morning in early September, with the nerves kicking in (for the managers at least), we played our first league match away at Crookham Rovers. The boys gave a good account of themselves despite an 8-1 defeat, the scoreline didn’t reflect the performance or balance of play. Two further defeats followed and although the managers might have been taking a long hard look at themselves in the mirror, this didn’t detract the togetherness that was building within the team, with all the boys loving playing with their new teammates every Saturday morning. Our 4th game of the season saw the Kites chalk up their first victory….and what a victory, 20-2, with 7 out of the 9 players getting on the scoresheet.

The winter period brought on the inevitable English weather and subsequent postponements of a few games, on a positive note, it also brought us our mid-season signing, Honor. She slotted straight in scoring on her debut in a closely fought 2-2 draw.

By this stage of the season, the leagues had been reshuffled and although we went on a run of defeats either side of Christmas, the games were generally more balance.

The start of Spring saw a complete change in fortunes in terms of results for the Kites, with 5 wins in our final 7 games. It was pleasing to see how far the team had come in terms of both their passing when in possession, and their desire to win the ball back out of possession. It was an amazing way to end our first season, and no less than the team deserved for all their efforts & willingness to learn throughout the season. We’ve both thoroughly enjoyed our first season with the Kites. We’re immensely proud of the whole team and how far they have all come in such a short space of time.

Thank you SmartTek, for the continued kit sponsorship.

Finally, a huge thank you to all the parents for the continued support & encouragement during the season. You were easily the noisiest set of parents of the entire season, and we couldn’t have done any of this without you! A special mention to Dan Gill for supplying us with the subs bench to keep the kids more comfortable (and still) during the games.

Oren & Chris