As we all know it was wet & it was cold!

For those of you who made the trip to watch the 'Yellows' out back you would have known that it was colder and wetter than in the stands, much colder & much wetter ... but it was good to see some of you braving the weather to support us.

It was a hard day with 21 teams taking part making it probably the biggest U10 5's in the County.

Our 3 teams were placed in seperate groups which was nice ... and it was good to see the 'kids' supporting each other through the group games.  We have always wanted to play as many of ours as possible in our competition ... we started the day with 3 strong teams.

The Whites playing with Eugene, Jack, Tommy, Gareth, Lewis & Nikos had drawn a very tough group - but the players enjoyed the challenge winning their last game playing i gather some excellent football.

The Blacks playing with Ant, Matt, Tricks, Daniel & Reece had a good day winning 4 group games and qualifying for the playoffs, playing without a sub and with an injured Reece.

The Yellows playing with Kane, Mateo, Tom, Emily, Todd & Phil won their group with a game in hand.

Sadly; the Yellows were drawn against the Blacks in the 1/4 final ... the one game none of us wanted ... well it would have made for a lovely final!

The game was played by the kids in an excellent manner, a tight competitive game with everyone playing well. The Blacks took the lead with a well worked move; the Yellows responded scoring from a corner ... with time running out it had extra time written all over it ... but the yellows broke to score what would prove to be a winner.

The game had cost both our teams much; the Blacks showed how much the game meant to them - but both teams and Managers & Supporters rallied round them to try and cheer them up.

I am convinced that had we each played another team that both would have won their games ...

Part of our creed has always been; to stay positive and to support each other ... the players, the Parents and the Coaches - its called a code of conduct - or if you prefer common sense allied with good manners

It was good to see the 'Yellows' & the 'Whites' supporting the 'Blacks'

It's hasn't always been easy these last 3 years ... mix 25 players into 2 teams of 7 with 25 families and a few Coaches and you have the potential for grief ... we can take some pride in that we have managed to last the distance, previously the 'Whites' have gone onto Toftwood, we the players, the parents & the coaches have stayed together - the 1st time since the 2 into 1 policy was put into place by DTFC 3 years ago ... it will be so much easier next year with one team :)

I have suggested to the club that they review their mini soccer policy playing either one team U8 to U10 or to keep 2 teams into U11 & beyond!

Just 5 mins later the Yellows met Fakenham A in the semi's - the game coming in hindsight way to soon after the Dereham v Dereham game ... the Yellows hadn't had time to warm up in both senses ... the Yellows lost 1-0 but like the other 2 DTFC teams can be proud of their attitude and football!

Closing thought; this was your (the players) day, but it was also my last 'match' with you so i would take this opportunity to thank the Players for what has been a wonderful 3 years; the other Coaches; Nath, Kev, Gary B & Hef for their support - and lastly the Parents ... for their support & encouragement! There will be times next year when Nath needs your support ... i know i have needed & appreciated the odd word of support & encouragement from time to time ... to those of you that did that through the 3 years and again on Sunday ... thank you!

Good Luck next year!

3 teams 1 SQUAD

if you have not made a squad keep working and training hard; some of the above have been with the club as 6/7 year olds and it has taken some of them 2 to 3 years to play their way into the team/s ... so keep playing & keep training

The Blacks with Nathan & Kevin with

Ant, Tricky, Matti, Daniel, Reece & DG

The Whites with Gary B & Hef with

Eugene, Jack, Tommy B, Lewis, Gareth & Nikos

The Yellows with Gary C, Simon & Steve with

Kane, Mateo, Emily, Todd, Phil & Tom C