February Player of the Month
We're busy planning our Family Day on 7th June, so a little late in getting this one out to you all, sorry for that. But, I can tell you this year's family day will be the best one yet!
More about that soon, for now let's have a look back at who shone the brightest across our teams in February....
Minis
Ben has come on in every aspect of football and especially excelled this month. Always, always turns up with that beaming smile what ever the weather puts the drills in to practice and takes his time in doing them to perfection. Well done Ben keep on shining and doing your best
Under 7's
Rio I’m so pleased and proud of him 😊😊😊He was so upset after our 1st ever game, he's turned all that frustration into positives ever since . In our 2nd ever game, it was his turn to go in between the sticks. He made brave saves while there 🧤🧤His distribution while in goal was 1st class, accurate and quick . It’s always nice to keep a clean sheet and did .
His passing, tackling and shooting while on the pitch was excellent. I think the couple of extra sessions he’s had with me since his 1st game has helped him no end . His 2 goals ⚽️⚽️were brilliantly taken too especially his 2nd a lovely little foot roll to beat the player and in turn set himself up perfectly to shoot 1st time in the bottom corner.
He always trains with a lovely smile on his face and wants to please everyone. He’s a joy to coach.. Well Done Rio
Under 8's
Our February player of the month goes to Teddy Dix, he without a doubt one of our most passionate players. He puts his heart and soul into each game. He is so determined week in week out. He has shown incredible versatility on the field, which is so important for the team! Plus, his recent change in behaviour—keeping his head down and focusing on his job—shows a lot of maturity and commitment from him which we’re proud of. It’s great to see him stepping up and being a team player. That kind of attitude can really inspire others. Well done Teddy.
Under 10's
Our vote for this quarter is Peter. Peter has played on pitch for most of his time at the club, but recently switched to the keeper's role as we've struggled to find someone who wants to play there. Clearly as someone new to the role there have been learnings, and Peter has had to adapt quickly. Peter has bought stability to the team by taking on this position and over time I feel sure he'll play a really significant role for us.
The team had a heavy defeat early in February, which left Peter a bit deflated. Despite this, he attended the next training session, worked hard and then turned in a MOTM performance in the next game, saving at least 4 clear opportunities. Because of his time as an outfield player, Peter has great distribution and better awareness than some keeper's. I have every confidence that Peter will continue to progress in his new position.
Under 11's
Player of the Month for February goes to Theo. In recent weeks, Theo's attitude, behaviour and listening skills have improved significantly. He has learned about composure on the ball, and has worked hard on understanding what to do with it. His ability to win and control the ball in a measured way has also improved. Theo's recent match performances have reflected the strides he's made in training, and in February he chipped in with three goals for the team. Theo's fitness and work rate have never been in question, but now I am really pleased that Theo is taking on-board instructions, executing them well, whilst also being happy and willing to help out in other positions when needed too. Well done Theo, keep up the good work.
Under 12's
Our P.O.T.M is Ethan Patel. We have noticed such a change in Ethan since he has started with us. Ethan’s attitude has been nothing short of perfect. Ethan has really been pushing himself since day one, and for the past few months now, Ethan has really came out of his shell. Ethan never moans or complains, if he has to be subbed , he encourages his team mates from the sideline. Ethan has really been showing great signs of improvement in training and in games , Ethan can play right wing for us or right back and puts his all into every game. We both have seen such an improvement in his game, which really has made being a coach special.
Under 13 Panthers
William has improved so much this season and has been in the running for our player of the month since December. The team has really been playing well recently and William has been at the heart of that. He has become a real box to box midfielder and seems to always be in the right place at the right time, whether to make a tackle/
block or create a goal scoring opportunity. His attitude in training this month has been second to none. He always takes onboard what we, as the coaching team, are trying to achieve in sessions. He has learnt that mistakes are a part of learning and has stopped getting frustrated with himself, if he makes one. He just tries to improve the next time. William is playing with real confidence at the moment and his smile and self belief have grown so much, it really is a pleasure to have him as part of the Panthers family.
Under 13 Lions
As our Player of the Month for February, Azariah has truly stepped up his game. A quiet lad who sometimes struggles with confidence, he has found success by focusing on the fundamentals and keeping things simple. This month, we’ve seen him grow in confidence, believe in himself, take on opponents with greater aggression, and create numerous chances for the team.
Azariah makes things happen through smart, effective football - avoiding unnecessary complexity and making the right decisions at the right moments. His performances have reached new heights, making him a well-deserved winner of this month’s award.
Under 14 Tigers
Liam Jones gets his second nomination of the season, and with every justification. Liam has been consistently strong all season, he’s already racked up his most successful attacking season, averaging 2 goals per game, but it’s his willingness to play anywhere and still come through when we need him that gets his vote this month.
In a hard fought local derby against our other U14 team in Feb, I switched Liam to a defensive role mid game to help protect our lead, he did that without batting an eyelid. Despite enjoying playing forward, his leadership qualities shone through and he gave it everything. It just so happened that he still managed to nick a winner after running from CB through the entire field to win a 1on1 with their GK in the last minute.
Sometimes it’s attitude, sometimes it’s effort, and sometimes you just have to stand back and applaud the sheer power, pace and skill that a player shows.
In February Liam’s contributions have been a huge part of us sitting top of our league with only a few games left. Unfortunately he’s now side-lined with an injury, possibly for the rest of the season, and the fact that the rest of the team, and their parents, are willing him to recover sooner and get back playing just shows how much everyone values him.
Maybe we’ll get him back in time, maybe we won’t, but if not, this is a hell of a way to end a season in February, and we’ll certainly miss him if he can’t play in March. Well done Liam, and thank you!!
Under 15's
Our nomination for POTM February is Rick.
Rick has been with us from pretty much the start and is a huge part of this team. He has been a captain for the team and still is a leader on the pitch when we need him to drive and do the dirty work.
Rick has faced many challenges over the years on and off the pitch which as a team we have tried to help with. His temperament and discipline has always been a focus area for him. However I have to say in recent times and in February when we have had a difficult run of fixtures with key players away, Rick has captained the team and played in different positions in the back line keeping his discipline and making sure we have every chance to get a result in tight games. He is a no nonsense player that gives everything for his team and team mates, a passionate tiger!!
The progress he has shown in his discipline on and off the pitch also makes him a great example to the others and he knows this. He still has more to come, he needs to step up more as a leader and be even more consistent with his performances, which he has been in recent times.
Well done Rick, we are super proud to have you on our team and watching you grow.
It’s clear to see the improvements you have made as a player and as a young lad growing, becoming more rounded and mature - keep going Ricky!
It was another tight call for this one. We want to give a special shout out to Rio and Peter, who both were called out for their phenomenal efforts in February, well done boys.
The winner though - by just a single point in the end - is Liam from the Under-14 Tigers. Well done Liam.
