28/06/24
Last Sunday, we finished our season by taking two 7-a-side teams to the Berks & Bucks Inclusive Cup, hosted by Beaconsfield Town. This was fantastic as we were able to give a squad place to players who are usually on the periphery of the team and give them a reward for their efforts in training each week. I took charge of one side and Mandy Butler took charge of the other. Many of you will know Mandy from first team match days, and we are really happy that she has been able to lead a team for the first time. Mandy has worked very hard to learn and has undertaken the first steps on her coaching journey. We are really proud of her.
It was a challenging tournament, with many teams that we know from the BOBi league as well as some new teams to push us to play our best. Unfortunately, neither team was able to field a recognised goalkeeper, but this was a challenge that we had to overcome as best as we could.
One of our teams was able to win the tournament, playing some excellent football and setting a tempo that other teams simply could not match with their speed of passing and movement off the ball. Both teams played extremely well however, and I am very proud of their efforts. We will display a medal at the club so that everyone at the club can see what was achieved, as this was not just a reward earned by one team, but by the entire squad. No accolades can be won without a group of players who turn up every week, are committed to this club and who push each other each week in training. A medal for one of us is a medal for all of us.
For Mandy’s team, she has asked me to give special mention to a few players. Jake Byrne and Damien Ebsworth are two players who have been in and around our matchday squads all season. They played in a team that was less experienced and they provided guidance and positive support throughout. A real credit to the club. However, Mandy’s player of the tournament was Isaac Okine. Isaac is usually a tough-tackling midfielder, but he volunteered to play in goal and did a commendable job considering he never plays there. His team spirit and determination was clear to see, and he made some excellent saves throughout.
For my team, it is very difficult to select specific players from a team that collectively played so well. I would like to mention Scott Miles and Laith Al Sattar, who have played very little football this season for various reasons, but both played at a very high standard, however my player of the tournament is Dwayne Shaw. Dwayne covered in goal for us although he is usually a forward and conceded only two goals in six games whilst also playing as a true sweeper keeper in possession. Without his performance levels, we would not have been able to play as dominantly as we did.
Finally, a small note from me personally. As many of you will know, this was my final game in the dugout with this wonderful team. After seven years a lot has changed and I simply cannot provide the level of commitment that these incredible players deserve. It has been a tremendous honour to coach this team over that time, and I have seen it grow and develop into a real force in our region. Coaching any team has its challenges, but the opportunity to be part of the journey for these men has been something I will cherish forever. I will still be around the club - you can’t get rid of me that easily - and I am looking forward to the incredible heights this team can reach in the future. Lastly, I want to thank Alan and Kay for giving me a chance to learn, qualify and develop at this incredible club.
Alex Efthimiou
It was a challenging tournament, with many teams that we know from the BOBi league as well as some new teams to push us to play our best. Unfortunately, neither team was able to field a recognised goalkeeper, but this was a challenge that we had to overcome as best as we could.
One of our teams was able to win the tournament, playing some excellent football and setting a tempo that other teams simply could not match with their speed of passing and movement off the ball. Both teams played extremely well however, and I am very proud of their efforts. We will display a medal at the club so that everyone at the club can see what was achieved, as this was not just a reward earned by one team, but by the entire squad. No accolades can be won without a group of players who turn up every week, are committed to this club and who push each other each week in training. A medal for one of us is a medal for all of us.
For Mandy’s team, she has asked me to give special mention to a few players. Jake Byrne and Damien Ebsworth are two players who have been in and around our matchday squads all season. They played in a team that was less experienced and they provided guidance and positive support throughout. A real credit to the club. However, Mandy’s player of the tournament was Isaac Okine. Isaac is usually a tough-tackling midfielder, but he volunteered to play in goal and did a commendable job considering he never plays there. His team spirit and determination was clear to see, and he made some excellent saves throughout.
For my team, it is very difficult to select specific players from a team that collectively played so well. I would like to mention Scott Miles and Laith Al Sattar, who have played very little football this season for various reasons, but both played at a very high standard, however my player of the tournament is Dwayne Shaw. Dwayne covered in goal for us although he is usually a forward and conceded only two goals in six games whilst also playing as a true sweeper keeper in possession. Without his performance levels, we would not have been able to play as dominantly as we did.
Finally, a small note from me personally. As many of you will know, this was my final game in the dugout with this wonderful team. After seven years a lot has changed and I simply cannot provide the level of commitment that these incredible players deserve. It has been a tremendous honour to coach this team over that time, and I have seen it grow and develop into a real force in our region. Coaching any team has its challenges, but the opportunity to be part of the journey for these men has been something I will cherish forever. I will still be around the club - you can’t get rid of me that easily - and I am looking forward to the incredible heights this team can reach in the future. Lastly, I want to thank Alan and Kay for giving me a chance to learn, qualify and develop at this incredible club.
Alex Efthimiou
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