FLEETWOOD, Lancs, 27 June, 2009

UNDER 11 GIRLS 2008/09
By Paul Hearty

In our debut season in the North Valley League we found ourselves up against 5 other new teams and 6 established teams.  These established teams had been playing for many years including some in boy’s leagues.

It quickly became apparent that the Fleetwood Girls were not going to be outclassed and it wasn’t long before we were challenging the established teams, losing narrowly away to Lammack. Come the turn of the year we took our first points off an experienced team by winning 6-2 at home to Lytham, this is a team that put 14 goals past us less than 18 months ago... a sign of our improvement.

We continued to progress and won our way through to the League Cup Semi Final, but on a wet and windy day we lost out to last year’s double winners, Pendle Forest, who went on to retain the trophy. March saw the eventual league winners Blue Star come to the Memorial Park and in an entertaining game they went away 3-2 winners, but not without a fright! Blue Star have only conceded 11 goals all season and 5 of them are to Fleetwood. A 3-2 victory over Euxton towards the end of the season ensured we finished the league in a creditable 7th position, top of all the newly established teams.

I talk to the other managers on a regular basis and they speak very highly of Fleetwood, both for the sportsmanship that the girls show on the pitch and for the friendliness of the Parents and Supporters.   The Blue Star match report consisted of the following comments.. “This was a very hard fought win against a highly underestimated team with great spirit and belief”.

For other teams to make such comments is a sign of how much respect you have earned this season. Girls, you should feel very proud for all you have achieved, you are a credit to the Club, your parents, and yourselves. It has been a pleasure to be your manager, thank you and congratulations on a season with so many highs.

On a personal level I’d like to thank Shaun for all his help, Louise for collecting subs and finding sponsors for extra kit, thanks to the sponsors themselves and also all the parents for their help and continuing support, it really is appreciated.
Also, thanks to all our supporters who have turned up in all weather, it’s a big help to the girls and again, appreciated. Thanks also to the club, committee and press officer who have supported and encouraged this new team.

Gabi Aston – Apps 21 – Goals 1
Gabi has had a fantastic season, making some excellent saves, including a penalty. For me, Gabi is the best keeper in the league. Gabi is an all round entertainer who can lift team spirits and without fail will raise a smile. Well done Gabi.

Demi- Leigh Devereaux – Apps 16 – Goals 16
Demi has had a massive impact since she joined in October. She has great skill, pace and energy and averages a goal a game from midfield. Her shooting will continue to be a real threat next season in the bigger goals. Demi has settled in well and is very well thought of by players and parents alike. Demi lets her football do the talking.

Kirby Blyth – Apps 21 – Goals 3
Kirby is a player with plenty of energy. The high point of the season for Kirby came when she scored what proved to be the winner against Euxton, with a smart turn and shot from just inside the box. A man of the match winning goal!

Kelsey Hargreaves- Apps 22 - Goals 4
Kelsey has had a fantastic season, she has played in a number of positions, never complains and is always totally committed. Kelsey scored a great hat-trick towards the end of the season, the 3rd goal coming after running with the ball the full length of the pitch... all in the last 30 seconds, which shows Kelsey’s commitment to play the game until the final whistle.

Madeline Lauder – Apps 23 – Goals 1
Madeline is a strong and determined defender, has had some great games this season and always gives her all. Maddie is a great asset to the team and has made great improvements, especially towards the end of the season.

Anna Reynolds – Apps 22 – Goals 34
Anna is one of our most experienced players and has quickly established herself a reputation in the league as one to watch. She has scored some quality goals and has finished as top goal scorer with 34, mainly from midfield. Anna is quickly becoming a team player and will be an important player next season.

Jade Terry – Apps 18 – Goals 3
Jade is a happy girl and loves being involved in the team, this is her last season with us as she has decided to try new activities. We will all miss her, good luck Jade.

Lucy Johnson – Apps 22 – Goals 20
Lucy is a natural goal scorer, has played most of the season as a lone striker but brings the midfield into the game. Lucy has scored some memorable goals this season, one from an impossible angle against Great Harwood springs to mind. Lucy listens in training and is keen to learn, she is not afraid to take forward what she has learned into games.

Francesca Hearty – Apps 24 – Goals 4
Francesca has had another great season, plenty of energy and has finished the season on a high with some outstanding performances.  It’s not easy being the managers’ daughter and I can be your strongest critic, but I’m also your biggest fan.  Well done, keep it up!

Charlotte Brooks – Apps 23 – Goals 3
Charlotte loves her football and gives 100%. She is reliable, enthusiastic and has bags of energy, she can be relied on to get up and down the pitch. Charlotte finished the season with a flourish by scoring 3 goals in 5 games.

Yasmin McLaren – Apps 22 – Goals 1
We are lucky to have one of the best defenders in the League in Yasmin. Yaz is strong, dependable, never gets flustered, cool as a cucumber, Yaz just goes about her job, she is a managers dream!  She is one of our un-sung heroes. Great season Yaz.