Hey Team Western!
Welcome back to another exhilarating edition of our Junior eNewsletter – your go-to source for all things Junior Football at Western AFC!
Unfortunately this eNewsletter is a week late due to the winter bugs hitting our house hard! Fingers crossed we are on the other side of it now!
Get ready for last weekend's updates, celebrations, and the sheer joy of hearing about our young athletes in action. Whether it's the thrill of a hard-fought match or the laughter and camaraderie shared on the sidelines, every moment is a testament to the spirit and dedication of the Western Juniors!
Celebrating Our Young Stars
This past weekend was filled with incredible performances and memorable moments across all age groups. Let's take a moment to celebrate the passion and dedication of our young stars:
- Match Thrills: From nail-biting finishes to stunning goals, our junior teams have shown remarkable talent and sportsmanship.
- Sideline Smiles: The joy and support from our players, parents, and coaches create an atmosphere that’s truly special. Every cheer and high-five makes a difference!
- Outstanding Performances: We’ll spotlight the standout players and teams who gave it their all and left it all on the pitch.
Weekend Highlights
FIRST KICKS - Well done to all of you who braved the cold and the rain today - what a fantastic session and as I said we are seeing HUGE gains overall in confidence and ball skills from everyone.
Player of the Day (POD): Harrison whose participation and confidence sky rocketed today and you played so well with all members of the team as well as great listening during skills sessions.
Moment of the Day (MOD): Quinn who showed some drive and speed dribbling up the field and had great moments where what we’ve been practicing clicked!
FUN FOOTBALL
Storm – The Mighty Storm had the bye, but that didn’t stop them from having a great couple of games with Aidan and Isaac. A massive thank you to them for all their help.
Player of the Day (POD): Bentley for his great range of skills on display
Moment of the Day (MOD): Grace for her long range nutmeg goal
Tornadoes –
Player of the Day (POD): Tommy
Moment of the Day (MOD): Kaesyn
9TH GRADE
Wolves – A good effort everyone, some strong individual contributions. A reminder that I’m looking at best team spirit and support for teammates as our upcoming player of the month criteria. Another opportunity to shine next week.
Player of the Day (POD): Mac for his moments of the day. Sitting in the right spot for a cheeky attempt at goal and great positioning to stop an attacker in their tracks.
Moment of the Day (MOD): Ricardo was our player of the day today and shined on turning defence into counterattacking play. Congratulations to both of you. (Sorry I forgot to get a photo of you two together)
10TH GRADE
Warriors – What an exhilarating match as the mighty Western Warriors took on Coastal Spirit 10th Pegasus! The field was alive with energy, big plays, and the biggest smiles. Each player left it all on the field, showing what teamwork and sportsmanship are all about!
Player of the Day (POD): Lennox
Moment of the Day (MOD): Hunter
All Stars – The All Stars, functioning like a well-oiled machine, displayed exceptional teamwork and skill during our recent match.
From the opening whistle, they applied relentless pressure on the opposition.
Aidan, Henry, and Mylo dominated the midfield, taking powerful shots at the target and converting some into goals.
In the first half, Henry showcased his sprinting prowess once again, both as a forward and later as our goalkeeper, ensuring our lead.
Mylo stood out with unwavering commitment, engaging in intense offensive and defensive duels, earning him the well-deserved “Player of the Day” award.
Aidan orchestrated the midfield brilliantly, creating opportunities and finding gaps for our team, earning him the first “Moment of the Day.”
Despite an injury, Sam held his ground as the center striker, challenging the opposition’s defenders and goalkeeper. His play sent a clear message: our team meant business.
Hector and Fletcher anchored our defensive line, shielding our goalkeeper, Carter, from attacks.
Hector’s interceptions disrupted the opposition’s advances, while Fletcher’s strategic play set up our offense.
A lucky moment came when Fletcher’s corner kick deflected off an opponent and found the net—a stroke of Irish luck!
Finally, Carter not only made crucial saves in the first half but also showcased impressive striking abilities as a right winger also earning him the second “Moment of the Day.”
Unfortunately, Indi was away sick, and we wish her a speedy recovery.
Kudos to the entire squad for their outstanding performance!
Player of the Day (POD): Mylo stood out with unwavering commitment, engaging in intense offensive and defensive duels, earning him the well-deserved “Player of the Day” award.
Moment of the Day (MOD): Carter not only made crucial saves in the first half but also showcased impressive striking abilities as a right winger also earning him the second “Moment of the Day.”
Flames –
Player of the Day (POD): Isabel for her all round spectacular game! Goals, corners, passes, defense and team work, well done Izzy
Moment of the Day (MOD): The entire team they all had a special sporting moment during the game. Fab team work.
Now, onto the logistics and some important updates to keep our team running smoothly and efficiently!
Training Sessions - Unfortunately Training has just been cancelled this week to try and save the grounds for the weekend games!
Our regular training sessions are set and locked in every Thursday at Westminster Park (weather permitting with all this rain). Here are the details:
- Fun Football Teams: 4:00 - 5:00 PM
- Wolves & Flames: 4:30 - 5:30 PM
- Warriors & All Stars: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Make sure to arrive a few minutes early to gear up and get ready to hit the field. These sessions are crucial for building skills, teamwork, and having fun! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
Stay Connected
Communication is key to ensuring everyone is on the same page. If your young player can’t make it to a game or practice, please:
- Message on Your Team Page: Let your teammates and coaches know as soon as possible.
- Reach Out to the Coach: Directly inform the coach if there are any changes in attendance.
Keeping everyone updated helps us plan better and ensures that the team is well-prepared for each session and match.
Weekly Traditions
Let's keep our cherished traditions alive with the Player of the Day (POD) and Moment of the Day (MOD):
- Player of the Day (POD): Our POD winners will lead the team with halftime oranges and proudly wear the captain's armband for the next game. Your leadership and effort on the field are truly inspiring!
- Moment of the Day (MOD): MODs, please bring along a post-game treat to share with your team. Your memorable moments make the game special for everyone!
Player of the Month
Unfortunately this has been cancelled for this weekend, watch this space for a new date!
Team Photos
Don’t forget to flash those smiles for our team photos! Each photo captures a unique and special moment in our journey together. Let’s make sure we capture the essence of our team's spirit and camaraderie.
Weekly Skills Videos
Enhance your skills with our training and skills videos available at the end of this newsletter. These videos are designed to help you improve and prepare for the next game. Keep practicing and bring that same enthusiasm to every session!
Let’s tackle this week with the same energy and excitement that makes our club so special. See you all on Thursday at Westminster Park – let’s make this season one to remember!
GO, Western!
Coach Arron