Under 14 Flag 2024 Season Review

Read what Under 14 Flag Head Coach Gary Owens had to say about the 2024 season…

The start of the season saw 6 players move to the u17 program, and 3 arriving from the u11 setup, a loss of experience which we thought would have a big impact on our season. During pre-season it became clear that we had a very good team, and if utilised properly, could be very competitive. A new offensive playbook, masterfully tweaked and trialed by Coach Dave to get the most of the players was taken on well by the team and laid the foundation for what was going to be a very good season indeed. Working on the philosophy already in place, of creating well rounded football players that can play anywhere, we worked on strong fundamentals and understanding football. This led to players gaining an understanding of what plays work well in certain positions on the field and calling plays, and even creating their own plays!

The focus on working hard and having fun that Coach Dave and Coach Lisa worked so hard to implement, really showed through on the pitch during tournaments. Making the final game of a tournament on a number of occasions, and finishing no lower than 4th all season until the final tournament. The team were excellent throughout the season, beating everyone, including the national champions at different tournaments. We also went undeafeated against opposition across every tournament. We had multiple players make plays on both offence and defence, proving the philosophy of creating football players over positional players is one worth having.

Every player in the team played both sides of the ball, and had an impact. As good a season as it was, it did make picking winners of awards very difficult! I am such a proud coach of all the players. Not only for the exceptional performances on the pitch, but the attitude they show in training and off the pitch; always looking to learn, and helping each other out if needed. This truly is a team sport, and alot of people need to be thanked for making our season as good as it was. Coach Dave and Coach Lisa were fantastic throughout, and also Coach Dan and Coach Colin need a huge thank you for their work in training and the tournament that we couldn’t make because of a commitment to the Adult Team. Thank you’s also have to go to Claire for being at training every week and organising players, parents, and me on a weekly basis and to Steve Hill for always being prepared for tournaments and bringing along everything we need.

The biggest thank you needs to go to the players and parents though, without whom there would be no team. The players were amazing this season and make coaching genuinely enjoyable, and the parents, not only get the players all over the south of England, but bring unwaivering support with them. No matter the weather!