On Saturday 21st January 2012, Woodley Saints Lions U18’s became EBYFL Division 3 champions. Having started the season in spectacular form, including an 11-0 victory in their opening home match of the season, Saints immediately became the team to beat. However, that early season form looked to be tailing off, as only 1 point was taken from 2 consecutive games. After that wobble, a tight 1-0 victory against Woodley Hammers returned Saints to winning ways and they ended the year with a stunning 7-2 victory over Ashridge Park, which left them one point clear at the top, having played a game less than their nearest challengers. Despite recording only two points since the turn of the year, other results favoured Saints and they clinched the Championship, with one match (against local rivals Woodley Hammers) to spare. That game ended 0-0 and stopped Hammers being 2nd in the Division
It has been a fantastic final season for the team, some of who have played together since the age of 7. Special thanks should be made to the Saints Coach Innocent Mugabe who took over only last summer and worked with the team over what would normally be the summer break in order to gain an early edge over the rest of the division. Thank you also to Colin Crabtree who helped to build the team, having managed them for two years prior to this season and also for continuing with the administration side of things this season.
Bring on the Challenge League!
Report by Steven Kinnard (U18’s Player)
Simon Ruffle, Club Doctor, manager of the Under 11's Tigers and Saints parent has written two articles.
These articles are a must read for any parent / player or coach.
They are available to view on the website or to download as a pdf.
Parents Guide to Coaching ONLINE or PDF
Nutrition and the Young Foolballer ONLINE or PDF
There is now a full weekly results page showing how all the Woodley Saints teams have fared.
There were 8 wins, 5 draws and 10 losses. 3 teams didn't play and 3 teams didn't supply a result.
To find the page navigate to 'About Saints' > 'Latest Results' or click here
"Fellow Saints, a quick thank you and farewell, when you are reading this, the Armand family are on their way to a new life in Australia. On a personal note I have enjoyed the experience of coaching and developing the Hawks & Pumas and it is rewarding to also see the Mini Saints grow not only in player numbers but the coaches developing themselves and adding real value to the training of the children. Our normal football weekend routine will be missed (not by Vanessa) over the coming months and both Isaac & Joe have had a great time being team members and enjoyed every aspect that the club had to offer, they met good friends during this time and will recall fond memoriesin the future. Not forgetting Ollie, he attended most Mini Saints sessions come rain or shine and is ready for joining a team now, but I must say, he may take to Aussie Rules next as he often delivered a late challenge or two. A big thank you to the club and the dedicated volunteers who work hard behind the scenes often overlooked but provide value and stability to grow this club with many challenges along the way. Thank you for a great send off and I will let you know how things develop in Melbourne for the family.
Last thing from me: Great club, great range of players and teams for everyone, great coaches and supporters and may the club grow and have a great future for all those involved.
Best regards
Richard, Vanessa, Isaac, Joe, Ollie & Jude.
