Under 13s are champions!
A 6-2 defeat at home to Ramsgate in their opening game wasn’t the start to the season our under 13s were hoping for. But it spurred them on to a magnificent eight game winning streak that their nearest rivals simply couldn’t live with. Edging out fellow contenders Woodnesborough and Tankerton in close games either side of the Covid break allowed the Eagles to socially distance themselves from the chasing pack. And with a sizeable crowd gathered behind the respect line at a rain-soaked Victoria Rec on Sunday, they wrapped up the East Kent Youth League Division 3 title in style with a 12-1 thumping of Faversham Town.
A promising team at under 12s level has developed into a dominant force a year on - a transformation for which the coaching team of Paul McCarthy, Chris Walker, Jordan Simmonett and Sam Hurn deserve huge credit. Overseeing the development of the squad and fostering a great team atmosphere has been manager Henk Jan Schuuring, who had this to say about the title-winners:
“It’s been a great season. These boys have shown fantastic team spirit throughout the season and it is down to their great effort and composure that we have we have won this title.
We are very lucky to have such great coaches who have been working with the boys in the past seasons. They have managed to transform some of these boys from reluctant football players to skillful defenders, midfielders and attackers.”
The league win is particularly sweet for those players who have been with the team from their formation at under 8 level. One of those players is top scorer Seb Senechal, who insists the journey is far from over.
“I am honoured to be part of this great team that I have been on an amazing journey with since I was 7 years old. We’ve grown in strength and numbers over the years and I’m looking forward to playing with the boys for more success next season.”
With the team likely to be testing themselves in Division 2 next season, they will be facing tougher competition as under 14s. But with such a convincing league title under their belts there is no doubt this team are more than capable of playing at a higher level and can look forward to the new season full of confidence.
Well done under 13s, the club are extremely proud of your achievement!
