LCSFYL U9 SL 2025/2026 (London County Saturday Football Youth League) - Tooting Park Rangers
Both teams played in a 1-2-3-1.
Final Score - 4-1.
Considering that we played in a horrible grass field and fold-up goals with no real posts, our team played a very interesting match. Despite the pitch conditions, except few occasions when ball with the keeper, the boys and the team kept their identity and tried to play the best way they could on the floor.
We have faced this team in November and won 2-1. A team that it seems to be well coached.
Nevertheless, our boys managed to create very good combinations, a reflection of what what they put in practice in training. Defensively wise, the boys are still initiating their learning regarding the principles of play (defending).
Moreover, football have 5 phases of play (attacking & defending organized, the respective transitions and set pieces).
Regarding the transitions, the attacking ones were well executed according to pitch conditions. Some of the exercises I introduce have constraints (a word they don't know, ahah). Manipulation of the tasks, where for example I introduce a rule of time to shoot/score when regaining the ball. The truth is that 2 of the 4 goals were attacking transitions, where the boys exploit well a disorganised opposition.
I believe the boys are on the right path... However, it is a long road.
One thing the boys must start improving on, is their focus throughout the entire match.
It is normal in these ages to easily lose focus, however, it is situations where a certain player is not on the ball, that the concentration levels easily drop.
It takes time, personally, considering my experience, this will keep happening even when they are 18 yo. However, I think it is important for me to slowly start giving them some roles and responsibilities which might enhance their focus, not only when on the ball, but also around and away from it.
The levels of communication between them must increase as well.
Next Saturday, we have the last 16 Cup round.
Sunday session was about working in defending principles of play (press/delay depending on which half of the pitch they are, cover and balance). It was the second time I set this exercise, it is more complex, so demands patience, correction, questioning, demonstration, rehearsal and play, pretty much the coaching cycle.
First 30min they struggled, again it is not how it starts, it is how it ends. By the end of the exercise the boys were already defending better.
Thursday we will keep working/developing to prepare the match against Fulham Utd.
Back to the game, I keep insisting that what they do in matches is a reflection of the effort they apply in training.
Certainly there is a lot to improve, however, I rather highlight how difficult is to play in that pitch, and the way they all stood firm on how I and the academy believe football should be played was once again shown by the boys.
Well done!
