26/09/2026
Welham Albion Warriors U7s v Welwyn Garden City U7s
Today’s fixture saw the Welham Albion Warriors U7s take on Welwyn Garden City U7s in another close-fought morning of football.
Welwyn Garden City were able to bring three teams.
On the pitch, Welwyn Garden City brought a strong side, but the Warriors certainly lived up to their name. They kept the games as close as possible and played some superb football at times. There are, as always, plenty of things for us to work on, but there wasn’t a moment when they didn’t make us as coaches proud of what they did.
From the Spartans’ confident passing, to the Vikings’ brilliant teamwork and the Ninjas’ superb effort and togetherness, all three teams showed real signs of development.
Spartans – Coach Ben
Seb played more of a defensive role today and was excellent from the back. His passing forward was incredible at times, with a couple of superb balls over to Patrick, who timed his runs perfectly and scored some stunning goals. In the fourth quarter, Seb took more efforts himself, scoring twice with those trademark driving runs we have become used to seeing from him.
Patrick was once again a thorn in the opposition’s side. Strong tackling, relentless pressing and a determination to win the ball back saw him score three goals, all coming from his desire to win possession and immediately attack.
John was our Spartans Captain of the Week and thoroughly deserved it. With Seb playing deeper, John pushed further forward and showed just how much attacking ability he has. His confident passing and defensive bravery were excellent, and his confidence seems to be growing every week. John and Ksawery are developing really well together, and today John also showed some real leadership, telling his teammates when they weren’t working together as a team. I was incredibly proud of him.
Max came on for the final two quarters after not starting due to injury. He was given the job of man-marking an opposition player, tracking them and trying to win the ball back at every opportunity. He did exactly that. Max is still developing and needs confidence and support from both coaches and teammates to feel comfortable enough to show what he can do. When that confidence comes, he can really shine. The standout moment for me today was simply seeing the smile on his face as he chased the opposition around and worked hard. That smile, his effort and his willingness to keep going are all we can ask for.
Vikings – Coach Ben
Alfie was our Captain of the Week and looked every inch a leader and future leader today. Three goals, brave passes and his trademark hustle and bustle, big tackles and fearless style made for another excellent performance.
Oscar continues to develop his confidence and was constantly looking to get on the ball, run at players and make things happen. One of our longest-serving players and one of our most talented, Oscar can influence a game in so many ways — as a goalscorer, defender or creator. I think he’s still figuring out which one he wants to be!
Ksawery was our Player of the Week after another excellent performance. Three goals, great awareness and some really clever movement. At times the Vikings were standing too close together, but Ksawery recognised the gaps, moved into them and found himself in space to receive the ball and get a shot away. Four weeks ago, he was still unsure about what to do on the pitch. Today, he looked like a player who had been playing for years. The improvement has been fantastic and he thoroughly deserved his award.
Ninjas –
The approach was simple: when we have the ball, move forward, pass and shoot; without the ball, try to win it back and don’t allow the opposition too much time. The boys are beginning to understand this more and more as Lawrence works with them.
Finley was absolutely on fire. Lawrence lost count of his goals, scoring in every game and grabbing a hat-trick in the first. I was watching from the side and counted five goals from him today, which means he takes home the Golden Boot for the day.
Obi, our captain of the day, was brilliant. He got stuck in, produced some excellent tackles and blocks, and was always looking either for the pass or to take a player on himself. He also got himself on the scoresheet.
Rory put in an outstanding shift. Always at 100%, improving every week and listening to his instructions, he has become an integral part of the games. He also scored an amazing goal.
Jan plays with pure pace! Sometimes he is too quick for his own good, but he is always willing to take a player on and use his skill. With Jan, you always know you are going to get effort and excitement.
John also joined the Ninjas today and played incredibly well. His tackling was excellent and he saved them on a number of occasions. His passing is improving particularly well, with a beautiful pass into Rory setting up a move where Rory’s touch, turn and finish were equally beautiful.
Overall, a great morning from the Ninjas.
Ezra – U6s
A special mention also has to go to Ezra. He put in a proper shift and delivered a classic, non-stop Ezra-style performance, giving everything from start to finish.
It was brilliant to see him stepping up to support the boys and getting stuck in as he always does.
Today’s Goal Scorers – Golden Boot
1. Finley – 5
2. Patrick – 3
3. Alfie – 3
4. Ksawery – 3
5. Seb – 2
6. Obi – 1
7. Rory – 1
8. John – 1
9. Jan – 1
