U14s Win Coventry Festival

Days like these.

On Sunday 11th February, members of the Old Sils U14 Squad won the Coventry Festival. The Festival was divided into two groups (with teams from Coventry, Bromsgrove, Stratford and Leamington) with the first, second and third placed teams from both groups playing for final placings. Old Sils played Stratford in their first group game, defeating them 2-0. Next, they played Leamington ‘A’ defeating them 4-1. In the First Place Final Play-off they faced Coventry North West and – having been instructed to go hard – scored within ten seconds of the start. The team then went 2-0 up, but Coventry NW pulled one back and looked individually talented and dangerous. However, after two great saves from Josh Bowley, Old Sils slotted a third home to make it 3-1.

It is hard to pick out any individual player for their contribution, because they were all excellent – playing as a real unit. Communicating well and encouraging one another; even in adversity. All showed great skill and work ethic; Josh Bowley (calm, focused and resilient), Cara Moment (superb defensive anticipation, distribution and attitude), Charlie Russell (impenetrable, committed and aggressive), Hattie Evans (great stick skills, outstanding link up play and energetic tracking back), Maxim Edger (6 goals on the day; mature, elusive and lethal), Yuki Fujimura (turned out at very short notice and put in a gritty, unselfish performance), Kheya Ballentine-Brain (took on and went through the opposition with aplomb), Fergus Montgomery (unselfish, passionate and skilful) and Millie McCamley (3 goals taken beautifully; showed excellent control skills, energy and a great positional sense).

Thanks to all the parents who brought along the players to a very cold – but excellent – Bablake venue. Also, credit is due to all the coaches in the Junior and Senior sections that have selflessly brought these youngsters up to this standard. They did you proud. Snowflake generation? Not this lot!

For half of the players out there today it be their last U14 Festival in Sils colours (prior to going up to Sils' U16 squads next year) ; the other half will undoubtedly do their best to defend the club's honour next year. But for all of those who represented the club today who clearly possess such great talent and attitude there will undoubtedly be more days like these!