Paul Merson Presents U10 Lions, Tigers and Pumas Awards

Paul Merson was guest of honour at the U10s presentation evening on Saturday 15^th June at Long Lane. What a great host he was too!

He chatted to the boys about how he got started in football and a few of his experiences whilst playing for teams such as Arsenal, Middlesborough and Aston Villa to name but a few. He also spoke of his England career and then had a 20 minute question and answer session with the boys before presenting each child with his trophy.

Afterwards he held an autograph session where every boy got a signed picture of Paul and a few Arsenal shirts were also signed. Paul then stayed for another hour chatting to everyone and still answering questions, it was obvious that he enjoyed the night too!

Pete (Lions), Ed (Tigers) and Rob (Pumas) would like to thank every one for their help in putting on an excellent presentation night for the Lions, Tigers and Pumas. Not long now till we start planning the next one!

U16 Girls

The stress of studying and revising for GCSE exams and the regularity of school friends' 16^th birthday parties meant the 2012-2013 season provided new challenges for the Long Lane U16 girls team.

Yet they still achieved another great season, winning the Kent Girls and Ladies League and league cup double, and becoming runners-up in the Kent FA Cup after a very closely fought final - one of only two defeats in the entire season (the other a defeat in the London Cup to Spurs).

As well as success on the field, the spirit and bond between the girls seemed to strengthen through certain moments of adversity, exemplified by the inspirational leadership of team captain Becky.

In total, the girls scored 97 goals and conceded 14. The goal-scorers were Shay (35), Jess (24), Lehannah (19), Maddie (5), Iona (4), Cyd (3), Pheebe (3), Sharne (2), Annie (2) and Meg (1). In the league the girls played 12 games, won 10, drew two and did not lose any.

At the awards presentation night, Meg was voted players' player of the season and the managers' player - jointly decided by Matt and coaches Phil and Dave - went to Jess and Lehannah.

All of the girls played significant roles in the season, and a case could have been made for each of them to win a prize, but in the end the coaching team had to choose one girl (although this time we gave it jointly to two girls).

I want to say thanks and well done to all of the girls - Taylor, Cyd, Emily, Rose, Laura, Meg, Sharne, Maddie, Becky, Pheebe, Iona, Jess, Shay, Lehannah and Annie. Thanks also to the parents and other family members for their support, to Phil and Dave for their coaching and to Jacquelyn Ellis who continued to look after the team's finances.

Next season we will be playing in the Under 18's division of the Kent Girls and Ladies League. If anyone is interested in having a trial for the team, please contact me.

MATT BELL, MANAGER

Tel: 07810 637021