Under 11 Flag 2024 Season Review

Read what Under 11 Flag Head Coach Jay Miller had to say about the 2024 season…

When I inherited the team from Trish and Lisa, we were already in great shape. Everyone who is an Exile has willingness to learn, and the drive to leave every session better than when they arrived. The kids will be getting bored of these sayings, but I’ve been clear in these being our mottos for the team this year: We win or we learn and Team stands for – Together Everyone Achieves More

I am fully aware that whilst a lot of flag programmes have the gameplan “who is the fastest and tallest and hand it off to them”, our is slightly more complex. On offence we had 24 plays this year – with formations, motions and audibles called at the line. On defence, much to my dismay, we call in plays using dances. And if anyone says I stay away from Cover 2 just because I can’t floss – well they may have a point. It’s my goal to ensure that every player will leave the Under 11’s with a combination of a deep understanding of our sport, but also a passion and drive to continue to play, what I truly believe is the best team sport in the world.

FUNdamentals are key. Our success in Tournaments this year has far, far exceeded my expectations or hopes. Finishing with 2 x 3rd places and one 5th place finishes (only losing to the eventual winners on those days), we also had the unbelievable achievement of being the first ever Exiles u11 team to win a tournament – Winning the Storm Bowl in Southampton. Despite facing the formidable, larger and older, Blitz in the final, triple overtime could not separate us, and we lifted the trophy with them, in what may have been the only 5 minutes of the day it didn’t rain.

There are 3 groups I would like to pay a quick dedication to: The Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, Carers, Guardians. Without your dedication to ensuring the kids get to training and tournaments, and your support in running BBQ’s, setting up, clearing away – the club simply can’t be a success.

Thank you to those messages of support through the season, our shared celebration and for always being a positive force on the sidelines.

Conor. Stepping in as Assistant Head Coach to support me through this year, I do not have enough good things to say about this amazing individual. I’m ever grateful for his support, enthusiasm and commitment to our team, and hope we continue to work together and wind each other up for the foreseeable.

The Players. I am well aware I have asked a lot of you. Despite me challenging you and pushing you all year, you’ve overcome every obstacle and smashed every task you’ve faced. Our success is a testament to your attitude and willingness to commit to putting the effort in for yourselves and coaches, but to everyone else on the team.

Together Everyone HAS Achieved More. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves and each other. Every drill, rep, scrimmage, and tournament success is a Team victory. We unfortunately are losing a fair few players this year, but are delighted so many are continuing their flag football journey with the club. Gary and the Under 14’s are incredibly lucky to be inheriting such a fantastic group, and I wish you all the best, but Connor and I are always here if you need anything. Here’s to another amazing year next year where the FUNdamentals continue, our players improve and my dancing skills stay the same.