WEEKLY YOUTH ROUNDUP

βš«πŸ”΅ WEEK 15: A Return to Action & Building Momentum

A busy weekend across the age groups as our youth sides returned to action after the winter break. With several teams playing their first matches since December, there were plenty of encouraging performances, strong attitudes and signs of progress as we move into the new year.

🐣 U6 MINI SOCCER – LITTLE STAG OF THE WEEK

Little Arthur was on fire in our U6s this weekend, earning Player of the Week for a brilliantly fun, energetic display. Smiles, tackles, goals… everything you want at this age. βš½οΈπŸ’™πŸ–€

βš«οΈπŸ”΅ U7 ROYALS – Comeback Kings

A brilliant comeback away at Blackmore after falling behind. Max put in a Man of the Match performance, showing quality and determination, and Freddie grabbed a crucial equaliser to cap a gutsy effort. πŸ’ͺπŸ”΅βš«οΈ

βšͺ️ U7 WHITES – Encouraging Signs After the Break

The U7 Whites returned after the break with an improved performance against Billericay Blues. The group showed real progress, growing into the game and putting together some positive attacking play. Another step forward as they continue their development.

πŸ”΅ U7 BLUES – Learning Against Strong Opposition

A tough test for the U7 Blues against a strong Byron Red side. The boys worked hard throughout and created plenty of chances, unlucky not to be ahead early on. Despite the result not going their way, the effort, attitude and willingness to keep playing football were clear to see.

βšͺ️⚫️ U8 WHITES – LEARNING THE LEVEL

A tough morning for the Whites, who are still finding their feet in a division that doesn’t quite suit them. Plenty of hard work, plenty of heart, and once the group settles into their correct level, they’ll absolutely flourish. βš«πŸ”΅βš«πŸ”΅

🦁 U8 LIONESSES – Incredible Second-Half Turnaround

After a long trip to Colchester and a challenging first half, the girls showed unbelievable character. Trailing at the break, they came out fighting, dominated the second period and turned the match completely on its head. 🚌πŸ”₯πŸ–€

πŸ”΅ U8 BLUES – Clinical moments made the difference.

Not their most fluent performance, but still strong enough to get the job done at home. Zach Louw stole the show with all four goals. A lively and confident display. ⚽πŸ”₯πŸ’™

βš«οΈπŸ”΅ U9 ROYALS – Training Work Comes to Life

A pleasing home performance from the U9 Royals, with much of the work done in training coming through on matchday. The team moved the ball well and showed good organisation, with plenty to be positive about going forward.

βšͺ️ U9 WHITES – Fixture Off… Points Claimed πŸ˜‚βš½

No game this weekend as the fixture was called off β€” which obviously means we’re claiming the win. Sometimes football gives you those small victories!

⚫ U9 BLACKS – Strong Restart on a Tough Surface

After four weeks without a game, the U9 Blacks returned to action on a difficult, heavy pitch. The boys showed resilience and worked hard to keep the ball moving despite the conditions, with a determined performance that set a solid platform for the weeks ahead.

πŸ”΅ U10 BLUES – Resilience and Quality on Show

A competitive outing for the U10 Blues, who showed great character throughout. There were some excellent moments of quality, strong performances in midfield, and well-taken finishes that reflected the team’s continued development.

πŸ’› U10 LIONESSES – Fine Margins in a Tight Contest

A very competitive match for the U10 Lionesses, who did so many things right throughout the game. Chances were created and the performance level was high, with unlucky moments making the difference. Plenty of positives to take forward.

🐯 U10 TIGRESSES – Another Outstanding Team Display

A sensational performance from the in-form Tigresses against strong opposition. The game was competitive early on, but the girls stepped up another level in the second half, dominating possession and territory. A fantastic collective effort, capped by a standout Player of the Match display in goal.

πŸ’ͺ U11 Blues – A Physical Battle Well Handled

A strong and confident display from the U11 Blues in a physical contest. The boys showed great intensity and quality throughout, with several standout attacking performances and an excellent team effort.

⚫ U11 BLACKS – Winning Habits Taking Shape ⚽πŸ”₯

A strong way to end the year with another excellent performance, making it three wins on the bounce away against Essex Royals Whites. Confidence is growing and the group are showing that winning breeds belief.

🀍 U11 WHITES – Solid Performance, Frustrating Outcome

A frustrating afternoon for the U11 Whites, who delivered a strong all-round performance but were unable to convert chances. The team worked hard, moved the ball well and stayed organised, with continued improvement clear to see.

🦁 U11 LIONESSES – Flying Start in a Higher Division

A superb start to 2026 for the U11 Lionesses in their first match following promotion. The girls showed outstanding work ethic, excellent link-up play and confidence throughout, delivering a performance to be proud of.

🦁 U12 LIONESSES – Plenty of Positives to Build On

A strong showing from the U12 Lionesses in a challenging fixture. Despite adversity and key moments not going their way, the girls played some excellent football and showed real determination throughout.

🐯 U12 TIGRESSES – Competitive After Promotion

The U12 Tigresses played their first match of 2026 and first since promotion, delivering a strong and competitive performance. The girls adapted well, showed resilience and created good opportunities, marking a positive return.

🦁 U13 LIONESSES – Passing Football on Show

The U13 Lionesses returned after the winter break with an impressive 7–2 win over West Essex. The girls picked up where they left off, moving the ball superbly and earning praise from the opposition for their passing and style of play β€” a great reflection of the club philosophy.

πŸ”΅ U13 BLUES – Short-handed but still unstoppable.

A 4–1 cup win despite missing five players through illness and injury. Not the prettiest game, but full of grit, togetherness and determination. Praise as well for the young referee and the spirit shown by both sets of coaches β€” exactly the environment everyone wants. πŸ’™πŸ‘πŸ†

βš«πŸ”΅ U13 ROYALS - Late Goals Decide a Tight Game

A narrow 2–1 defeat for the U13 Royals against a strong Frenford side. The team worked hard throughout and stayed competitive, with frustration coming from conceding late goals after a committed performance.

πŸ”΅ U14 BLUES – Late drama and a wonder goal to win it.

A soggy, hard-fought 3–2 win over West Essex. Ollie smashed home a last-minute stunner to take the points, while Alfie bagged a brace in front of his visiting grandad from Wales β€” a lovely family moment on a wild-weather Sunday. πŸŒ§οΈβš½πŸ’™βœ¨

⚫ U14 BLACKS – Cup Success & an Unbeaten Run Continues πŸ›‘οΈβš½

Another big cup result as the Blacks edged past West Essex in the Essex Cup. This keeps an incredible run going, with the boys now unbeaten in 11 matches and continuing to show discipline, resilience and togetherness.

⚫ U15 BLACKS – Strong Return After the Break

A 5–2 home win for the U15 Blacks against Cobra. A fast start set the tone, and while the second half tested the group, resilience and key moments proved decisive. A great result after the long break.

🦁 U15 LIONESSES – Cup Progress to End 2025 on a High πŸ†βš½

A superb end to the year as the Lionesses progressed to the Quarter-Finals of the League Cup. A composed and confident performance saw them take control early and never look back.

πŸ’ͺ U16 Blacks - Pride in Performance

Despite a 5–1 defeat away to the league leaders, the U16 Blacks delivered a performance full of effort, attitude and teamwork. The boys continued to play football and support one another, showing real character throughout.

⚽ U17 EJA - Statement Response After a Tough Week πŸ’₯⚽

After injuries, illness and back-to-back fixtures, the message was clear β€” finish the year strongly. The response was emphatic, with goals flowing and the team delivering exactly what was asked of them.

🦁 U18 LIONESSES – County Cup Finalists β€” a huge milestone.

A commanding 4–0 home win sends them into the County Cup Final. Controlled, confident and relentless from the first minute to the last. A massive achievement for the squad. πŸ¦πŸ†πŸ’™βš½

πŸ”΅ U18 EJA BLACKS – Goals Flow as the Year Ends Strong βš½πŸ™Œ

A lively contest with some excellent finishing on show as the U18s rounded off the weekend in style. Plenty of attacking intent and quality across the pitch capped off a strong performance.

🦌 πŸ’¬ Club Reflections

It was great to see so many teams back in action after the festive break, with performances across the age groups showing resilience, development and togetherness. Whether results went our way or not, the commitment from players, coaches and families continues to drive the club forward.

A strong foundation has been set for 2026 β€” and there’s plenty to look forward to.

πŸ”΅βš« Up the Stags.