It was my first time seeing the under 12's team in a competitive game situation since joining the club just a few weeks ago. It was also the first time that half of the lads had played together.

We struggled with numbers due to holidays, so with the unfamiliarity and the fact we had no substitutes in blazing heat, I understand why the lads found it tough the first couple of games.

By the 3rd game the lads started to take on board and responded to what the coaches were saying. We started well and took the lead 1-0 but shortly afterwards the opposition equalised and then again scored to go 2-1 up. However, we weren't ready to give up and soon pulled it back to 2-2.

Alfie and Flynn were the goal scorers, both fantastic individual efforts.

Alfie made a tackle to take the ball outside the box and ran past 2-3 players before using his left boot to smash it past the keeper on the edge of the 6 yard area.

Flynn's effort may have been goal of the day! We won a free kick around 20 yards out. Flynn stepped up and struck the ball guiding it up and over all the players and keeper and into the net like a pro!

The lads felt a sense of achievement and liked very much the fact they were on par with a very decent looking team. Unfortunately we tired, made some mistakes and let a few more goals in and our heads went down.

After such a great half of that game and the disappointment of losing, the next game was rocky to say the least.

After Ciaran, Adam and myself had a good talk to the lads, it was time for the last game. As coaches we firstly want our lads to have fun. We know that if everyone puts in 100% and tries their best for the entire game then we can't ask for more than that. Going into the last game we wanted this more than anything and asked that positive attitudes and smiles were clearly on show...

And what a difference this made. The penny dropped and in this last game every single player stayed focused, they battled hard, defended like soldiers and kept smiling through to the very end and nobody quit!!

Although only a goalless draw It felt like a victory to us and I hope the lads remember that it's all about attitude, working hard, and supporting each other that can bring this feeling of fun and acheivement. This is what I'd like to see all season, win, lose or draw.

We progressed, learned lessons and finished on a high.

I must mention a few of the players I believe tried to follow our guidance throughout the tournament and did their best for their team including -

Roy who was Adams player of the day

Alfie for his non stop running, tackling and fantastic goal

Peter for some important tackles in defence and positivity throughout

Flynn's amazing free kick

Connor for his saves and keeping the scores more respectable

In fairness, all the lads pulled through in the end and made a positive change. Well done lads, a big pat on the back for you.

Adam and I are looking forward to making more progress in training and bringing it to the field this season.