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MossleyJuniors

FA Charter Standard Clubs

MJFC Under-9s Mid-Season Review 19 November 2011

WE ARE MOSSLEY JUNIORS FC UNDER-9s AND PROUD OF IT

 The week break from competitive matches coincides with the halfway point of the scheduled League season so it is a good opportunity to review the team performance so far. While the League table isn’t that important, and can not be when teams are moved between divisions during the season, the table does show a position perhaps equal with if not a little beyond expectations at the start of the season. We win some, we lose some just about sums it up. The story behind those results is a different matter where the all-important performances show a consistent improvement that continues to exceed even the notoriously grumpy coach’s most optimistic view.

 Close season

The summer brought in a tumultuous close season after a couple of tournament showings where fine performances were mixed with some below-par ones albeit against invariably strong opposition. It gave the coaches some things to ponder over and to use the summer transfer window to mould a squad who want play as a team. The players who have come into the squad over this summer have shown a willingness to join in the now positive team spirit and played football that they can be proud of. The close season also included a trip to Old Trafford to watch the Paul Scholes testimonial where perhaps the exemplary behaviour shown by the kids was a sign of things to come. 

Overall review

Having already been involved in the tournaments over the summer and with holidays for the coaches at the end of August meant just one pre-season friendly was arranged before the season grand opening, which was at the earlier-than-usual date of the first weekend in September. It was perhaps this lack of match practice and fitness that led to mixed performances in the first fixture – as noted in the reports the games included periods of good football along side some sloppy play. However the games, and the close season training and friendly, gave the coaches a good view of the players and prompted some changes in positions that have been the bedrock of the continued improvement since then. It also highlighted areas of learning for the players that could be taken up and worked on in training.

After the seasons curtain-raiser other than the results against Chadderton Park Juniors, from two divisions above, in the Primary Cup the boys have been in every game to date. While sometimes the result may not have gone the way we strive for the performances have improved constantly and it has to be said that, while Galaxy excel, the Stars in particular have advanced beyond all recognition. The improvement is marked because the players, as at the trip to Old Trafford, are listening and responding to the requests of the coaches and learning about the game, and themselves, both at training and in matches. This includes all the players but a special mention must go to Max who has grasped the daunting goalkeeper role with relish and is improving at a rate that could see him become one of the best keepers in the League.

It has been beneficial that up until half term every player turned up week in, week out and the two teams were settled, allowing the shape of the teams to be established. It is also revealing that in, and since, half term absences of players through injury or national/international duties (holidays!) have allowed others to flourish in different roles on any particular day giving them wider experience. It is telling also that when the teams have been changed the match reports show results and performances that are consistent if not improving. This is pleasing as it shows the depth within the squad is advancing positively. Overall the coaches are very satisfied with the players progress and teamwork and most, if not all, of the performances makes us extremely proud to say we are Mossley Juniors Under-9s.

Improving our performance

While there is much to be pleased about there are a few areas where the players should strive to improve.

1. One of the main parts of the game we need to up is passing the ball and, in particular, moving into space to receive a pass.

a) No player will be ‘told-off’ if they control a pass and look up to see what option to take (pass, dribble, cross or shoot) and get tackled or lose the ball. Learning to take or make time and to look up is key to our future game plan.

b) Players can be guilty of playing a pass and then standing and watching, or even admiring, it. The game of football is about pass and move – always move to try find space and be available to receive a pass when we are in possession of the ball.

c) Involved in this is talking to team-mates – we are the quietest team on any pitch; the players need to learn to tell (shout!) each other what they want and where they are.

2. Linked to that above is the area of ‘closing down’. Quite a few goals have been conceded, and many more attacks made by the opposition, when our players stroll around after we have lost the ball. While the coaches don’t want every player chase the ball like a herd of sheep it would be good to see more effort throughout the team to chase back, to close down and if the ball comes into a players area of the pitch (be it in defence, midfield or attack) they are there to block and tackle.

3. A third area is tackling and being strong on the ball. Time and again the coaches note players give too much respect to the opponents and shrink out of tackles or closing down, or lose control of the ball if in possession. Our boys have got to remember, while some maybe bigger or smaller in size, the opposing players are the same age as them and they can tackle and be strong on the ball. There is no reason then why we shouldn’t compete for the ball and stay tough when we get it. The coaches don’t condone foul play or recklessness but hope the players can show strength to compliment the skill they have. 

4. Finally the players have got to remember that they must, must, MUST take their boots, socks and shinpads off at the back door after football; the coaches are reliably informed by those who know about these things that there is too much black rubber crumb being trailed around homes!