As we approach the half term break, the Moor Mead Athletic u10 Athletic team are just about holding their own in their new division.
Critics have questioned whether the coaches desire for mid-table security is in keeping with the South West London approach - questioning when the team are moving to all seater purpose built stadium, whether we go all Forest Green and take the vegan approach and whether we truly have the desire to reach the upper echelons of the Epsom and Ewell league. In fairness - I'd just take a clean sheet at this stage.
Marble Hill Park, as so often been the way, is hardly proving to be a fortress. The new eye-catching Moor Mead kit and eye-watering parking charges have seemingly not challenged our visitors who have put together good passages of play and been clinical in their finishing where our players have tended to be more profligate. No matter - some performances have been encouraging - Taylor, in his first year, has shown great strength and good positional play. Barney Wilson looks certain to retain his Best Hair in Moor Mead FC title for the third year running (see J. Barton comments re A Shearer) and has proved a live wire in the games he has played. Alex King has shown great versatility - showing a willingness to play in goal and yet also pop up as a striker and bagging a brace in a home win.
So, with a couple of games to go, we will see if the progress of MM Athletic has plateaued. News that the parents have given their full support to the coaching staff does not allay fears.
Meanwhile, Moor Mead Cosmos U10 have found their feet in their first season. Sean has chosen to adopt a Director of Football role and leave the heavy lifting to coach Ken who has been aided by some strong all round performances - GK Freddie, midfielder Danny and defender Joseph have had particularly impressive starts to the campaign. Tom has proved something of a goal machine, and the coaches were particularly pleased for young Jack F to get himself on the score sheet.
Director of Football Sean plans to use a twin track approach to away games; utilising a Mazda Bongo for the kids to travel in whilst he gets chauffeured in a fellow coach's Aston Martin DB7...as Acton said....power corrupts etc.
It will be interesting to see if there is any movement of both the Moor Mead Athletic and Cosmos teams when the league is re-calibrated post half term. Striking the balance between pitch time, different skill levels, community participation and wanting to offer league football for keen footballers is never easy. Mind you that's what us coaches [do not] get paid to do. UTMM!
