RAIN UNITED
FOOTBALL CLUB
[ Diadora Cup ]
The boys gathered at 7 am and we headed to the police academy where we put up a team for the U10 boys Diadora Cup Tournament which was organised by Home United FC.
The boys arrived happily and were put into some warmed-up before going through routine checks on their gears and attire. It was the second tournament for the boys for the second consecutive week. Some had only played together for the second week. Much was not expected from them, as we wanted to give them exposures. This tournament features teams of a much higher standard compared to the previous week. The represented teams came with coaches like Fandi Ahmad, David Lee, Amin Nasir, etc who were representing their junior teams from Home United, Tampines, and some of the other reputable clubs. There were altogether 12 teams participating in the tournament with the top 2 teams from the each group qualifying for the semi-finals. The teams has to play 5 matches each to determine their positions. We were placed in the tougher group of the two with the favourites. The boys were also overawed by the opponents strengths and their coaches reputation. We were the team of unknowns.
Before our match, we took the boys for a briefing. There was nothing for us to lose but plenty to gain. We studied the oppositions play and put up different players for different plans. The boys were reminded to follow clear instructions, play with the right discipline and the right game plan. I wanted the boys to take each game at a time and not to be bothered with names.
They played their first game against the Eurasian Association team. The boys, being 9 years old of age and 1 year younger than most of the other team players played their hearts out. I had reminded them on the previous week tournament where they were knocked out of the semis but a solitary goal aggrgate after all the teams had drew level on points with 1 won, 1 drew and 1 lost. I told them them that goals and defending counts. They created an amazing 5-0 win which was the tournament record. The boys were overwhelmed and started to believed in themselves.
After each game, I would take the boys aside and start to brief them on their strengths and weaknesses. They were reminded to stay focused and not complacent. This was done to put their discipline to good use. The boys were very encouraged. In the meantime, we studied the opposition's play and would deployed our strategic play. The boys surprisingly ended as champions of their group with 3 wins and 2 draws. A total of 10 goals were scored and there were non conceded. The other team coaches soon took noticed of our achievements and soon begun to see us as the team to watch. Two of the boys were also being taken noticed of by a panel of FAS talent scouts. It was an unexpected results for us but credit were given to the boys who took on instructions and their discipline well.
In the semi finals, they were dominating the entire match again. The boys were jaded as they have played 5 matches since 9am till 2pm before the match. They couldn't score and eventually were forced into the penalty shoot out. They lost 2-1. I felt so sorry for them. The boys cried but they had given their all. Tampines were defending for most of the match and were seem targetting for the penalty kicks, which they successfully did. I couldn't lift the boys morale during the 3rd placing play off. Hence, we decided to field a reserved side so that everyone gain exposures. We lost the game to 17 connection (Fandi Ahmad's team) by 2 goals to nil.
There was no disgraced for the boys. In fact, the boys did gained recognition as one of the outsiders who have won the hearts of the thousands of fans. They played beautiful football and were attacking and defending as a team. They are only 9 year olds. They won themselves a trophy each and were rewarded with another participation in another tournament to be held in November. The parents, Chris and I shared the same view as a strong believer of youth development football with a strong sense of discipline controls. I had explained to the parents not to be offended with my strict controls and they were very supportive. It was the boys' good attitude and listening power that brought success to them. The parents were proud of their kids. The kids came up to me and asked for more. The parents readily support it as well. I have promised them that we will organise more tournaments for them if they keep themselves well.
We will also be arranging for the boys to travel to Malacca to take part in the Malaysian Inter State tournament to be held in December over 2 days. I am also hoping for friendly matches for the traveling adults and youths. In the meantime, the boys will continue with their training so that they can blend better as a team and get to know one another better. Congratulations to Captain Lionel and all your team mates. Hip hip hooray! You boys have done us proud! Keep it up! Thank you parents for all your valuable understanding and support.