Junior Awards
Our junior players gave their all on the pitch with strong attendance at Sunday training and all the age groups putting in memorable performances in matches across the 2022-23 season. Showing excellent consistency in their performances, the standout players were given recognition at the junior awards night on 16 June. The award winners for last season are as follows.
Age Group Season Reports
U16 Girls season 2022/2023
This was a tough season for the U16 Girls playing in the Tier 3a West with three wins, two draws and three losses. In fact, it was down to the last game to settle final placings and Ashford came a very close second in the league – a great result! Throughout the season, the girls have trained regularly together, building on their strengths and working on areas to improve. From the younger players to the older ones, they are a solid and friendly squad. After matches, there have been many times that the manager of the opposition has complimented our team for not only their team play but for their display of good sportsmanship.
Highlights of the season:
Beating Staines 4 - 1 in a pre-season friendly.
Welcoming new player Dhanvi to the squad – we love GKs and Dhanvi was a great new asset to both the U16s and the ladies’ section too.
Ice-skating social at Hampton Court – there was a great turnout and was enjoyed by players and parents.
Losing 1-8 to Richmond in the first round, but then keeping them to a 1-1 draw in the second round – what a game!
Having the legendary Leah Wilkinson, Great Britain and Wales international, come to our club and take the U16s for an unforgettable training session. The girls never worked so hard! Many thanks to Lynne for arranging this.
Season stats:
Goal scorers: Zara (3), Nya (3), Analise (3), Emma, Jo, Madeleine, Casey, Lily G.
Player of Match: Nya (4), Dhanvi (2), Analise (2), Emma, Zara, Caisie, Casey, Madeleine, Alice.
Captains: Analise (2), Emma, Niamh, Daya, Zara, Alice, Caisie, Nya.
Well done to Nya (U15) and Niamh (U13) who were selected for the London North Academy squad this season and best of luck for the next season. We have a high number of players who will be trying out for London at the development academies: Dhanvi, Alice, Dya, Caisie, Madeleine, Casey, Jo and Lily G. Good luck to all those players and also good luck to these players who have been put forward to the London Talent Academy training sessions: Zara, Niamh, Emma and Analise. I'm sure all these players will make us proud.
I couldn't wish for a better bunch of players. Here's to next season with Mighty Ashford!
Claire Brant, Manager GU16
U16 Boys season 2022/2023
The U16 Boys capped off a fantastic season by being crowned champions of the London Area Tier 3 Finals at Surbiton!
A high-scoring semi-final went to penalty shuffles with Jake scoring the decisive goal while Ethan and Harry took turns to frustrate the opposition in goal across the game. Ashford 5-5 Tulse Hill (1-0 win on shuffles).
The boys then absolutely romped home in a free-scoring final winning 12-1 against Southgate! Goal scorers: Harry (5), Jake (4), Zach, Dan and Henry.
The Tier 3 Finals win heralded the end of the road for long-serving junior coach Ian Parker who been alongside some of these boys since they played Under 10s. A special thank you to Ian for his dedication to the junior section over the years. By way of an end-of-season report, Ian has shared his missive, sent to the boys and their parents, as he reflected on the team’s success that evening…
Good evening, lads. Firstly, well done today; immense character and team spirit to win a well-deserved league win! 👏
I just wanted you all to how proud I am of each of you and what a pleasure it has been to have coached you and managed your team! It is a testament to you turning up week in and week out. You having the desire to win makes my job a little easier.
This is with a heavy heart but a well-considered decision to be my last colts game with you – what a way to go out on as well!
I have no qualms at all in showing how much it has meant to have you in my life and seeing you develop in to great young men. I meant what I said though, if my macho image is compromised on social media, I know where you all live 😂 I will be around so keep making me and you parents proud, both on and off the hockey pitch. Off it, make good decisions, think before you do or type and post. Even when you think they are a pain, listen to and respect your parents; they are the ones who count!
At school, don't take the easy option. You get one crack at education; make it count. If you need help and advice, you know my number. School is what I do – use me!
Lastly, set you targets and aspirations high. Life is not a rehearsal; make it count!
All the very best for you up and coming mocks/GCSEs and all the very best for your bright futures.
Take care.
Ian
P.S. Make sure you thank Peter Cottrell and Dan Hakl who give up their time without reward or hesitation just to see you progress, your enjoyment of the game being reward enough.
I'm buzzing!
