This season has been my first proper season of coaching my own team and I can say it’s honestly been fantastic. I’ve loved every moment, and I’m sure the players and parents have done also. I’ve been ever so excited looking forward to next season, making all sorts of plans.

However, life doesn’t always go as you plan.

One parent told me last night  that their child was potentially thinking of joining another team they had been training with all season; not a problem. I supported him training with another team, as his dad was happy to support him to play more football. I encourage players to make their own choices and am glad it is his decision!

But, today at training I have been told another 4 of my players won’t be playing for me next season.

These reasons are due to convenience/cost, however I’m unsure  there is more to it…

Bear in mind I have 10 players and am looking to enter an under 9 league where I plan to have 10 players.

Now I only have 5 players, however 4 are under 7 and one is under 8. So i’ve made the decision to release the under 8 out of the childs best interest, playing in a squad with a majority of players younger than himself probably isn’t the best thing for his development. And vice versa for the under 7s, some aren’t ready to be playing a year up.

Now I have four players.

From a dream of a season, one training session has left me absolutely heartbroken. I’ve lost the passion to coach. Fortunately I have the utmost support from my remaining players and can hopefully go again and get even stronger.

It’s a shame when you pour your heart and soul into a team, to be let down like this. Loyalty is a prized possession these days,if you have parents that are willing to stick by you, then hold on to them, tight!

Hopefully there is a silver lining to this dark cloud

Anon