Grassroots Football and the UD player
Growing up in a passionate football house, the thought of getting my boots on and playing football for my local club got me through the school week! Playing football with my friends, scoring goals and being a part of a team were certainly some of my fondest memories as a kid. I loved the team spirit and the friendships that developed in my life as a result of football. I always remember my favourite coach as an Under 9 player. He instilled the confidence within me to try new things, experiment with skills and ultimately taught me the right way of playing. Fast forward to 2020, I am now seeing football through the lens of a coach, however my passion hasn’t changed. The thought of getting my boots on and getting out on to the fields gets me through my working week! I just hope United Dragons are providing the same positive memories for the next generation of footballers!
Who better to tell us their best UD moments than some of United Dragons’ finest young players! I am delighted to say we have interviewed three players; Gabriel, Sarah and Nikko. Read their stories below:
Gabriel
Gabriel is every coaches’ dream! He oozes talent and yet remains humble. Gabriel has been a part of the club for many years now and is an integral part of the team. I caught up with Gabriel in the week and asked him some questions:
1. Gabriel, what is your proudest UD moment?
“When I received a pass, dribbled past 3 players and chipped the oncoming goal keeper, only when I turned around to celebrate I realised how good the goal was. The coaches were stunned.”
2. What does it take to become a great player?
“I think it takes a lot of effort and hard work. You have to have skills to pay the bill! Ultimately you have to love the game.”
3. What is your one UD wish?
“I wish we had a designated goal keeper for the U9 team!” (This will be next week’s talkDRAGONS blog… importance of a goal keeper).
“My second wish is for lockdown to finally end and 2021 to be action packed with football!”
Nikko
Nikko is very much a part of the UD furniture. He has been with the club for many years and provided some sensational moments for the club! Nikko plays for U12’s and 13’s and is blessed with super speed! It was great catching up with Nikko last week. Please also check out Nikko’s interview on our United Dragons Instagram account!
1. Nikko, what preparation do you take before each game?
“Before each game, I warm up with some dynamic stretches. We then usually play a small preparation game to get touches on the ball and get ready for the game ahead!”
2. What three attributes are needed to make the best possible player?
“Number one is awareness! The player must be aware of his/her position. To be aware of space and where the ball is. The player mustn’t surround the ball. Number two is skills! You need to be comfortable on the ball to try new skills. Number three is team work and communication, which interlinks with awareness. You must know where your team is and help them by communicating with them at all times.”
3. What is your one UD wish?
“My UD wish is to win the Market Road League. That would be cool and we have worked hard for it!”
Sarah
Sarah is a new member of United Dragons and she has made an immediate impression on all of her coaches and team mates. Sarah has bags of talent and even more enthusiasm! I caught up with Sarah today to see how she is settling in to her new club.
1. Sarah, what does it mean to you to be a part of a football club?
“I love the community spirit that exists within the club. It is great to socialise with other like minded girls and practice my football in a fun environment!”
2. Who is your footballing inspiration?
“Alex Morgan! She is also a striker and watching her lead the team to the world cup for USA was amazing.”
3. What is your one UD wish?
“To score many goals for the team!”