U11 Boys Football – IAPS Midlands Qualifying Tournament

On Wednesday 6 October, the Fairfield Falcons competed in their first IAPS competition in 18 months! In the lead up to the competition, the boys discussed their three Fairfield principles that would guide the team throughout the day.  Communication, Movement and Bouncebackability were chosen and reflected on after each game.

The team entered the tournament under no pressure, eager to learn and become better football players for the experience. The nerves were quickly put to one side as the sun shined brightly on the Quorn playing fields and onto the faces of 80 children who proudly wore their school colours.

The Falcons faced a tough first test against a well organised, experienced and disciplined Repton team. The boys were patient in their build up play and were quick to pounce when spaces began to open up in the Repton defence.  After a clinical throughball from midfield warrior Clark was calmly finished by Hosking, the boys began to settle and managed the game brilliantly, eventually earning a hard fought 1-0 win.

The Falcons then went on to face eventual winners, The Elms. This was a breathtaking encounter involving sharp, decisive transitional play from both teams, the likes of which “The Kop” at Anfield would have been proud of. The Elms came out victorious with a 2-0 win but excellent performances from Badley and Buss meant that The Falcons were gaining confidence throughout and could have easily gained something from the match.

Next up, came a tough encounter with Derby High School Primary who had some excellent individual talent. However, with confidence riding high and Hosking in blistering form, registering his first hat trick of the season, The Falcons ran out as comfortable 4-0 winners. The next two games against Nottingham High School Juniors and Laxton Junior School were incredibly hard fought 1-0 wins, with heroic defensive performances from Pattni, Hughes and Harper.

This meant that The Falcons needed a victory in their penultimate match to secure a runners-up spot and a place in the national finals at Millfield at the end of November. Richard Pate School had performed well throughout and were set to be a tough test for the boys in red. Barton-Knott ran riot down the left wing and could have opened the scoring early on but not for a fine save from their goalkeeper. The deadlock was eventually broken thanks to a slick counter attacking move from the visitors. Clark then set Quorn alight with the goal of the tournament, sweeping in a half volley into the top corner, leaving their goalkeeper stranded to level the score at 1-1.  An unfortunate mix up and some instinctual play lead to a last minute deciding goal for Richard Pate School and heartbreak for The Falcons, losing 2-1.

The boys reflected and looked to bounce back in their final game with Milton Keynes Prep.  Solid performances from Leighs and Kirkland inspired The Falcons to keep digging in and searching for a vital winning goal but it was not to be.  The MK Prep defence stood firm and earned an impressive point.

The Falcons did an incredible job throughout the morning and finished with a bronze medal but more importantly they became better footballers as a result of the experience. Communication, Movement and Bouncebackability was the focus of the day and the coaching team could not be prouder of the boys and their attitude.