B&DYFL match of the week: Spirit of Youth Raptors v TM Sports
Here’s a Blackpool and District Youth Football League match of the week we started in November – and it was well worth waiting until now for the conclusion.
When we first featured Under-10 teams Spirit of Youth Raptors and TM Sports, the heavens opened after half-time and all involved raced for cover.
There were no such problems on Saturday as Raptors coach Colin Knowles confirmed: “It was the same teams on the same pitch but with far better weather – but still chilly of course because it’s Common Edge.
“I like playing TM Sports because it’s a very even game and their coaching staff and players are brilliant. It’s always a good, hard-fought game.”
TM Sports manager Neil Truby agreed and told us: “It was a close encounter and a very good match. It was end-to-end, with good chances and great saves.
“All our teams have had a good season and numbers have increased – we have enough players in every age group (under-8s to 11s).”
This family-run club joined the league at the start of last year, Neil coaching teams with wife Kelly.
A successful double act is making great progress with the Raptors too, with Colin and manager Shannon Pack sharing the responsibilities.
Colin added: “We talk all the time about what we can work on and we split the training. We take the club’s under-15s too.
“The season has been a bit mixed for the Raptors but we’re finishing strongly.”
They and TM Sports both have two games remaining but that doesn’t mean they will be putting their feet up soon, with tournaments and other activities planned for the summer.
Neil said: “We’ll sort out some friendlies too to keep the players occupied. It doesn’t stop when the season ends.”
Colin added: “We’ll do some fitness activities too, like the community games at Stanley Park with the assault course and tyre lifting.”
Emilia was the Raptors’ player of the match following a fine game at centre-back, which is not her usual position.
She read the game well and her communication is improving greatly, with some lovely passing to break lines.
Regular keeper Aidan also impressed in his first full game as an outfield player.
Three players shared the TM Sports player of the match after impressive displays: Rory, Lucas and Edain.