Story: Mick Ashman
It was another season of success for Earl Marshall Juniors. With two new teams, the local Pitsmoor and Burngreave-based football club now has five teams in the Sheffield and District Junior League – one in Division A and three in Division B. The Club celebrated the players’ achievements at two memorable presentation nights in May.
Earl Marshall Under-8s, started regular training just a year ago. They enjoyed their first experience of team football in September and despite the odd setback along the way, the development of the players as individuals and as a team has been fantastic to see. The enthusiasm of the youngsters is evident at every training session and it’s clear that they can’t wait to move up to Under 9s.
The Under 9s team had an outstanding season. With a squad strengthened with some fantastic new signings, they delivered some great performances and their enthusiasm was once again a joy to watch. They finished their season with seven straight wins and their third place finish means they will play in Division B from September, when they will no doubt be a force to be reckoned with!
The Under 10s took a while to adapt to the more competitive football this season but, after some good tactical decisions from the coaching team, they put some excellent results together. A strong finish to the campaign will give the players an excellent platform to build on as they move up to play 11-aside football for the first time next season.
Finishing 5th in Division A was a fantastic achievement for the Under 14s. Formerly Burngreave Saints, manager Phil Dickinson and his players are proud to be playing in the yellow and blue of Earl Marshall. Phil has had lots of interest from experienced players looking to join the team and feels that with a couple of key signings he can push for a top-three finish next season.
Eight new players joined the Under 15s team in Division B at the beginning of the season and, although the results didn’t go their way at first, the team spirit remained excellent. The new lads worked hard in weekly training and quickly integrated into the squad. The results improved steadily over the season with some fine performances built on solid defensive work, ensuring the team remains in the second tier at Under-16s level. Manager Garfield Walters is already planning for next season and is keen to bring some new talent into the squad.
The Club is again looking to expand and will hope to have six teams at the start of the 2011-12 season. Young players will soon be training regularly with the intention of forming a new Under-8s team in September. Thanks to Gunning Motor Engineers for sponsoring the Under-15s kit and Pinstone Eyecare for the under-9s.
All the teams will hold their trials for new players in early June. If you would like more information on Earl Marshall Juniors – a football club that is proud to reflect the diversity of our local community – then please contact Mick Ashman on 07843 731 430.