Under 11 White vs Worthys Youth U11

Jock McClorey Tournament U11

Facing off against Worthys Youth U11 in a cup match was always going to be a monumental challenge, especially against a talented Division 1 boys' team. With no substitutes, the girls had to dig deep and show incredible stamina. While the score didn't go our way, the girls showed immense character and a lot of promise.

There were moments in the game where our team's potential really shone through. We saw some excellent passing sequences where the girls worked together to play the ball out from the back and through the boys' relentless press. These were key moments that proved we can play the style of football we're working on.

On the defensive side, it was a tough lesson. We were too slow to close down the opposition and didn't always have our heads on a swivel to spot danger. This highlighted the importance of pressing the player on the ball quickly. However, what was truly impressive was that for the most part, the girls never gave up. They kept trying to play our football, which is what truly matters at this stage of their development. The final score isn't the priority; learning and applying the coaching points is.

When we focused on simple, quick passes on the ground, we created chances. Long balls into the centre were often swallowed up by the opposition, proving that our best opportunities come from keeping the ball low and moving it with pace. We also stressed the importance of listening to instructions, such as playing with two or three touches under pressure. For the girls to improve, they need to take these lessons on board and execute them on the pitch. This season is designed to challenge them and push them.

In the final quarter, we decided to give the girls a new perspective by playing them in different positions. This helped them gain a better understanding of what their teammates do each week, even if it led to some "interesting" decisions on the field!

We've had a difficult run of four games, but we're hopeful things will settle down now. The most important thing is that the girls aren't too disappointed and are already looking forward to the next one.

Player of the Match was Neevah. Neevah had an outstanding game. Her pressing was relentless, and she was highly successful in winning the ball back. In possession, she constantly scanned the field and looked for a pass, then moved to create another option. She worked her socks off today—a truly well-deserved award.