Oxford Dictionary definition, what is coach: someone whose job it is to teach people to improve at a sport, skill, or school subject. This is very broad indeed, our children are blessed with the amount of quality coaching we have within our community, I would like to tell you about one that comes to mind.
Clubs are all about people, football is just a byproduct at times. Our youth need people they can count on; strong people that roll up their sleeves and offer direction with compassion. As you can tell the parents in the picture above of the Under 12 D6 team have witnessed their lads have a win, the second for the year. That’s right – round 12 and the boys won their second game. These boys are the backbone of our club and they sang the song louder than any team this year.
In the red vest is Mike Cahill; a humble man, intelligent, a doer, no frills, just gets on with it. Mike took on the job of D6 coach, although his son Jack would play a portion of the season in D1 – a very noble gesture. I am unsure how many members would do this and sacrifice watching their own child play. In 18 years of football admin I have never disclosed who a club nominated to the League for consideration as coach of the year until today. Please join me in congratulating Mike Cahill as the 2017 Hampton Rovers, Junior Coach nomination that was lodged last Friday with the League.
The U12 D6 played at Widdop Reserve so I dropped in to see the first quarter and listened to Mike at the huddle at quarter time. His speech was first class, 3 x technical messages about running with conviction into the wind, handballing to better options & low hard kicks. His players listened to his every word and the game was over at half time, on the score board at least. Development is always important, reassurance and a sense of belonging at times are more important where young minds are vulnerable, Mike does a stirling job of settling nerves and making people feel wanted.
Mike is also the Dad at Hampton Primary that organised the father’s game with St Mary’s each year. He has his hands full as you can see. When you see Mike around the club, please thank him for his time and congratulate him on his nomination.
Here is some words from Ash Roberts, Rovers coaching legend, that have been put forward for Mike’s nomination: “Throughout a very challenging year where his team has continually come up against teams that should be graded higher, Mike has remained upbeat and kept the boys motivated. In particular, I’ve been impressed with the way he prepares week to week with a plan, and addresses the boys at each break with simple but constructive messages that the boys go out of their way to execute. In terms of promoting the demonstrating the HRJFC values of “Passion, teamwork, fun & respect”, Mike has been all of that and then some”.
I said I would tell you about one coach, I lied, I will tell you about another coach who is hell bent on development of our Under 14 team. Angus Graham is a young guy that has done great things with our lads. Gus and the boys have had a lean year on the win/loss ratio but remain focused to finish off the season on a strong note. The 14s will align with East Sandy next year and will be graded to form competitive teams within the core group with good numbers, something that has held the loyal group of boys at Rovers back. Three games to go lads, let’s sing the song again in 2017.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
All three under 8 teams sung the song. Andrew mentioned his team had a great game against East Malvern, Julian said Dingley were very hard at it but so were our lads and Jonesy reported his charges wore the green and gold with passion.
Both Under 9 teams enjoyed the action on Sunday with the song sung and the hotdog sauce tasted extra sweet.
Under 10 Silver had men down and a few injuries cost the forward thrust, some good signs and plenty of skill. No song for the lads but plenty to like all the same. Daryl’s game was abandoned due to a Rovers player going down with a back scare, the good news is Allesandro is OK and back on his feet.
The Under 11 D1 team fought hard, plenty of defending on a day like Sunday where most of the scoring is done at one end, plenty of points to the opposition with only a handful of goals tells me we defended manfully (boyfully even). Under 11 D5 had another win to keep the flame burning bright. Well done to the boys and Alphonse Crawley who joined the Rovers from the Middle East in the last week. 1 game, 1 win.
D6 Under 12, 79 pt win. Bloody awesome, so very happy for these boys. It has been a long season, these lads were fantastic. Billy Morris ran like a champ, Ben Davis was on the bottom of most, Heath, Oliver and Max took control of the mid, Marco kicked 6 snags and the defence led by Christian B and Foxy were like the great wall of China. Let’s get another win over the next 3 games. Under 12 Girls, Leigh had the Girls win a close one by a point against the ‘beena in an encounter that won’t be forgotten fast.
Under 13 D3 game was called off due to numbers but a scratch match was held with all boys getting a run, support from the under 12 team needs to happen. Let’s get a win or two for these guys over the next few weeks. With Trent away, Steve mentioned his U13 D1 team were on their game and the song was belted out. 53-33 win over Chelt-Highett.
Under 15 D4 went down in a tuff encounter to East Malvern. Max Miller and Will Laverty hit the board but the defence was stretched all day. Gold lost by a goal in D1 action to Mordi Brea, great game played in good spirit, hard but fair. Blue team had the Bye.
Daniel’s Under 15 D4 lads love the game and play for their coach who is doing a great job.
Ralph’s U16 D1 team were short of numbers and came up against a well-oiled machine in CHOGS. Their ball movement is well known with plenty of class on all lines. The mighty Stu Murray told me many a Rover was sore from school footy from the previous day. Gavin’s U16 D2 team tried hard but didn’t match the Saints from St Kilda way, a tough contest on the Boss saw plenty of testosterone flying. Gareth had the young Ladies up for a great game but fell to the might of the Oakleigh Dragons by a few goals.
The Under 17 team under Andy Pryor keeps rolling, back on top of the ladder and certain of September action.
With 3 rounds remaining the following teams look like playing finals: Under 11 D5, David Burton’s team. Under 12 Girls with Leigh Whitney at the helm. Under 15 Gold, with Mark Riley calling the shots and the Under 17 lads looking good on top.
Under 12 D1 are 1 game outside the 4 and need a little luck, if they hold their form from Sunday they can shock a few on the way home.
Someone late in the game on Sunday at Boss James called out BAAALLLL when a Rover laid a great tackle. The umpire rewarded the Rover who kicked truly. The coach of the Rovers team turned on the Editor of this message and promptly reminded him that calling out was not in the spirit of the game.
After a strong message last week about yelling out, I fall foul, easily done…
Bomber 1 – Caggs 0
Have a great week all.
GO ROVERS
Caggs
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