So that's it, the national tournament is over. The finals have been completed, and we had a top day at St. George's Park on Monday 29th April. I've seen 6 or the regional heats and the finals, time has flown, sitting in The Hilton Hotel restaurant was a long away away from the Sainsbury Cafe where I had my initial interview last August.
Arriving at St. George's Park on Sunday 28th April was exciting. Waiting for Sean to arrive, wondering what the finals day would be like. A number of the teams had arrived early to stay over as well, so kids were rushing about the hotel lobby, some wet after leaving the swimming pool other patiently waiting for dinner. After receiving my key I could have a snoop around my room for the night. A room in the Hilton all to myself, Ipod in the docks ready for the night, T.V. for Match of the Day. I was overwhelmed by the place, the functioning of the sink taps threw me off for a first. Knowing this was the beginning got me even more exciting.
Before dinner we went to have a look at the pitches, with bowling greens all around this was the perfect venue for the finals. But then came our first major problem. Only 4 pitches has been set out, we needed and had planned for 6. Huge problem, literally hours before we were due to kick off the finals. An occurrence which we could do nothing about until the morning, but it certainly set the mood for dinner.
Anyway, not a lot could put me off my fish and chips for tea, might sound common to you, but the cube of chips and large battered fish was sublime. The fudge cake for pudding also can't be knocked, I knew that I was going to bed very happy. Unfortunately the pitch problem did take over the talk of the table, a lot of panic which left Mark unable to function a pen to sign for dinner. A show of how he felt over the matter, 2 years of planning and work for an error of this size to arrive.
Back to the rooms we went to prepare for the morning. On went my Ipod and the T.V, even that gave me a shock.. little did I know the bathroom had speakers which were louder that the TV! Alarms set, here was me hoping it would be easy to wake up!
Waking up for breakfast, still nervous to find out if the pitch problem had been solved. The sun was sneaking through the curtains, and I was hungry. Great news as I arrived downstairs, we had 6 pitches for the day! We could breathe easy and enjoy breakfast!
So, 8.45am, we were outside setting up the score centre and putting any last minute cones and signs in place. Teams and supporters soon arrived all excited with the hope of being national champions. Parents were caught taking numerous photos of the facilities, the 150 umbro shirts and their team in front of the famous St. George's Park sign. Referees at the ready, players on the pitch.. time to kick off!
180 players, 18 teams, 7 referees, 4 coordinators, all ready to go! Despite the wind, the tournament ran smoothly, no problems cropped up. Parents were constantly gathering around the score board eagerly waiting to see what the league tables read. It was pleasing to see everything come together, watching kids play with smiles on their faces, and enjoying the competition. My early predictions turned out to be correct with St. Edmund's and RGS The Grange playing out the finals! Both had qualified on penalties in their semi finals, non were needed in the final at RGS The Grange clinched the title with a 1-0 victory.
A thrilling tournament, and a great end with 2 top teams battling hard. I did manage to see the winning goal before walking into a pitch sign. But keeping up with fashion I was busy closing down pitches as the final was being played.
It was a great feeling of pride and fulfilment after talking to parents and spectators, their views were all positive. Knowing that I played a big role within the delivery team which had put on a very successful tournament, not just the finals day but all season.
Hearing the words 'We couldn't have done it without you' is quite special. Remember this is a national tournament, my first experience of working hands on, working to a high standard and wanting to push myself to exceed expectations.
Sure there have been issues and barriers along the way, but to get to where you want to be you have to jump the hurdles. The 5am starts, learning how to use the London tubes, fighting respect barriers, missing trains, missing uni lectures and exams, returning home late it's all been worth the results. It has all led up to St. George's, I've had great fun in everything. Everything which I can do, I've done. I've tried every role there is, ended up wet through, but this side to football has it's benefits. By me getting soaked, referees don't have to trek around giving in score cards.. so the tournaments run smoothly. Working hard to have everything set up so that I can watch some of the games, missing the final stages to close down pitches for the earliest finishes.
I hope to work with ISFA again in the not so distant future. But for now, I've had an amazing season working with Sean and Mark. The decision I made to ask for extended time to apply was a top decision, one that I will never regret.
Thank you to Mark Dickson and Sean Smith for having me on board, I've loved every minute and I hope I have lived up to your expectations. And to the Football Futures Programme, without that programme I wouldn't have been able to apply for the placement and put the skills which I have learnt and developed over the last 2 years to the test.
Roll on the next adventure. ISFA journey = complete!
No comments:
Post a Comment