In to the Unknown
So there we were, the modern day pioneers, John Schad and myself heading for the unknown, as the first Loughborough Emmanuel FC embark on a season of discovery, first stop the magnificent Pride Park Stadium, home of Derby County F.C.
Just what had we let ourselves in for? As we sat in the Toyota Suite overlooking the stadium on the night of the Derby City Leagues pre-season meeting it was a feeling of excitement and apprehension as the adrenalin started to flow as the blazoned League Officials went through the evenings agenda, with over 150 clubs being represented we knew we had entered something big.
Having already ascertained that we were to play in Division One, the Premiership of the Derby City Football League the night reached its climax for both of us with the draw for the First Round of the League Cup. With twenty teams at Under 13 level the competition needed four First Round ties, giving twelve teams a bye into the Second Round. Could we be one of the "lucky dozen", would our allocated number 11 be drawn out of the bag? 8 vs. 10; 13 vs. 17; 2 vs. 20; 1 vs., the tension was unbearable… 4, I could have kissed John, we had reached the Second Round of the Derby City Football League Under 13's Division Cup!!!!!!!
But wait a minute! Under 13's, John Schad, David Kirkby and the Derby City Football League just what's been going on over the summer months? Let me explain.
John Schad, after a successful season with last seasons Under 11's has stepped down a year to coach this years Under 11's, asking myself, David Kirkby to take over the reigns of the Under 12's. Who am I? A few saw me last season as I stepped in for John on a number of occasions during the later part of the season. I am a Lecturer in Construction at Leicester College, father to Thomas Kirkby, involved with Loughborough FC and have been associated with, amongst other Clubs in various capacities, Loughborough Dynamo & Oadby Town Juniors. How did we miss a year? Searching for a Saturday League for the Club John came across the Derby City Football League who were starting a Saturday League to run alongside their Sunday section, knowing we had a limited number of Under 13's we decided to enter the Under 13's Division with the view that next season the team will split into a Under 14 & Under 13 section, the youngsters having gained valuable experience at the older age level. John will run his team as Under 12's allowing any younger players not getting a regular run in the Under 13's match action.
Unfortunately entry into the Derby City League means that ALL our fixtures need to be played in Derby, hence our "home" fixtures being staged on the Racecourse Playing Fields in the City, it's a great little venue next to the Derbyshire County Cricket Ground.
Now that's where our problems start, getting there! Until we become slick at reaching Derby I would like to ask if we could meet at the Church at 8.30am for a prompt 8.45am departure. For the lads sakes I don't wish to charge up the motorway, changing as they fall out of the car to face a team champing at the bit. I would like a little time with the players to explain various team details prior to each game. We can review the departure time as the season goes on. As well as the players on the pitch I need to assemble an off the pitch team of drivers, a match day secretary to collect subs (£2.00), pay the match official & complete the League's team sheets, some people to erect nets & corner flags ("home" games only), some person to telephone the result & goal scorers to the League, and would anybody be interested in writing a short match report for the Clubs website and the Loughborough Echo?
All these I feel are vital if the season is to be a success, some are essential League requirements and must be met otherwise we face hefty fines, which brings me onto to my first tricky subject…money. Being League members means we have several bills to pay, League registration, match official fees and pitch hire fees, all of which must come from players subs. Please can we ensure that £2.00 is paid for each match, any problems please get in touch with either myself or John in strictest confidence.
My second tricky subject concerns coaching from the touchline. Whilst we all like to shout and encourage the players could we please keep it to just that and please refrain from coaching from the sidelines. I don't claim to be the next Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger etc. etc. but I have a few ideas which I have tried to get over to the players during training, and will continue to do so prior to and during a game, the more people that shout instructions from the touch line the more confusion for the players, by all means have a word with me, before, during and after a game, I am always open for suggestions and willing to listen.
Talking of the players, I wish to give them more responsibility and ask that they contact me if they are unable to make training or are unavailable for a match. I also plan to give the Captain's role to a different player each game, hoping we have enough games to allow each player to Captain the side at least once.
As I said at the beginning we are going into the unknown, my task is to ensure each player, and parent come to that enjoys the experience this year with the players improving physically, skilfully, mentally and becoming a better person through his time with the Loughborough Emmanuel FC Under 13's.
We are going to have a great season, win, lose (not too many lads please - I dread that "vote of confidence") or draw.