Swalings Soccer Achiever of the Year
Swalings Soccer celebrated its First Annual Soccer Achiever of the Year fun afternoon which hosted the Awards ceremony for Swalings Soccer Achiever of the year 2006. The afternoon got of to a great start with stations set up around the field were the children showed off their newly learnt skills to the delight of the on looking parents. Swalings Soccer manager Duncan Swatton explained to the parents what the skills and drills consisted of and how they were used in a game situation. It was very informative and the parents where thrilled to see all that the kids had learnt during the term. This was followed by a children versus dads football match which was an absolute blast – lots of laughing and fun had by all. Then the dads got together and went head to head, trying their hardest to remember the drills and skills their children had just demonstrated as not to be outdone by the little stars After all the excitement HoneyCutter provided a scrumptious BBQ and the awards ceremony and prize giving took place.
The categories for the awards were split into two age groups, 4 – 6 yr olds and 7 – 9 yr olds.
The 4 – 6 year old group was such a hard choice as so many of the children have worked so hard and improved that the Swalings Team wanted to pick all of them. But they finally managed to decide, with great discussion, on the 1 child that they thought had improved the most. When he first came to Swalings he was very quiet and shy, now he comes running over to the coaches every session unable to wait to start playing, with a big smile on his face and with lots of energy, which is always great to see. His passing and shooting have improved enormously and have become very accurate for his age and, after lots of advice, he has finally managed to pass the ball with the inside of his foot! – The Swalings Football Achiever of the Year 2006 for the 4-6 year old category, was Lleyton Martin.
The 7 – 9 year old category was just as hard to choose from. Swatton says the winner for this age group was chosen because his control of the ball has considerably improved, when first attending football sessions he would just try and kick the ball as soon as he could, but now he controls the ball before he kicks it which has helped his game improve considerably. I think he is probably the hardest player to play against, because he never ever gives up, if he loses the ball he will soon let you know about it as he is always diving in and out of tackles winning the ball back for the team, and never gives up, he’s like a Duracell battery, just goes on and on and on. The Swalings Footballer Achiever of the Year 2006 for 7-9 year olds went to Thomas Bento. Congratulations to both boys for there outstanding achievements.
Swalings Soccer started 2 years ago in Jolly Harbour with just 1 child. It has since expanded into locations in the North of the Island and south to Falmouth Harbour and we now have 70 children playing on 3 different nights. Swalings Soccer keeps the number in the classes limited to 16 and splits the classes into age groups so that the children get more touches of the ball and can really enjoy the practises and skills. This year we are slightly changing the format and are looking to bring in a badge scheme that has been designed by the NFA. It has been developed in such a way that the children will be working towards skills needed for the introduction into a game situation, such as dribbling, juggling, passing and receiving, turns and burns and skilful moves, this will give the children something specific to work towards.
To come and join in the fun of Soccer, call Swalings on 726 2525 / 561 070.
