U10 Kites

2023/24 Season Review

The Kites U9 kicked off the 2023-24 season with a lot of optimism and excitement. This was the team’s third year of football and after adding three new players to the squad in the transition from 5 aside to 7 aside, the boys were buzzing and ready to test themselves again.

Reaching the under 9’s age group meant a jump in the quality of the teams and players they were competing against, and the challenge was to raise their game to match. They play in the North-East Hampshire Youth League in a really strong division, staying in division 2 or 3 all season.

The first few games were approached with a lot of enthusiasm like the previous year, and the boys adapted quickly to the bigger pitch, longer matches and more players. It was a big change, but everyone in the team was committed, enjoying the new format and working really hard for their teammates and coaches. Whilst last season was about learning formations and sticking to their roles, this season they have focused on improving the technical ability across the squad and playing attractive football as a team. The boys are lucky enough to be coached by the Destination Sports team each week who work on core skills at this age.

The Kites finished the season having played 24 matches, with 8 wins, 1 draw and 16 losses; amassing 75 goals along the way. However, these stats certainly don’t tell the whole story and we are delighted that the boys continue to improve each and every week, give 100% all the time and, most importantly, are still having fun playing their football. Well done to all the Kites! A big thank you to our sponsor London Stone, who have financed the kits the boys wear with pride, which also ties them closely to the club and part of the fantastic history and set up we have here at Hartley Wintney. Finally thank you to all the parents for their unwavering support for the team and the coaches. It means so much to us all and we really couldn’t do it without your support.

Ross, Vaughn & Guy