We finally used the new MUGA pitches at Rossett and overall proved a lot of fun!

Virtually the entire Whites squad made themselves available plus two from the other squad, and it led to another full blooded series of matches. Silly me for thinking there would be more smiles than grimaces but to be frank the competitive nature of our players is a positive we can harness provided losing doesn’t upset us quite so much as it seemed to today.

That aside the principle was to play small-sided games at fast pace, with a heavy Futsal ball with no throw-ins, goal kicks or corners. All of this encourages immense teamwork, speed of thought and technical skill. Every player has then equal opportunity to have the ball at their feet and will learn to use it ever more wisely....ditto the goalkeepers who will have also learnt so much having the game time and dozens of shots to save.

In the end the more skilled, thoughtful and team-oriented boys will have been rewarded the most (with goals) and the others will (I hope) have learnt more in two hours than many sessions on a bigger pitch, or in regular training.

The energy, commitment and skill on display was great to watch - despite the odd frustrated and tired meltdown.

I’ll listen out for the feedback from the boys and parents alike but all being mostly positive we’ll do this regularly...but with tweaks to the rules and timing to ensure we don’t push the kids too far!

Thanks again to the parents for committing your time.

Tony

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