afc waverton

The end of something

2011-07-10T16:30:00.005+01:00

The end of the season is always a time of mixed emotions. Time to look back on happy times during the season, have a laugh about the many funny moments (and there were certainly many of them), reflect on some very good performances and recognise the bonds and friendships that have built up. But as we look forward to our summer holidays, we are also saddened by the inevitable break up of the team. It happens each season, but still does us in.

So Wednesday night's meal and presentation only seemed to accentuate the happy and sadness of our emotions. Individually the girls were thinking, 'we will be back in September? ', 'who else is returning?' One, and we know who, was thinking that it would be so unfair to not be allowed back with the team come September. Some others were thinking their future was maybe elsewhere, some had clearly decided it definitely was.

Although at the time the season seems long and never ending, looking back it doesn't seem that drawn out. The early season games in which we excelled against the folding Vicars Cross and the very good Upton were highlights before the winter kicked in. The comeback against Upton was as good as it gets, and Lily's goal celebration will remain a joyous memory. Kate and Lauren came and stayed, Laura came and didn't stay. Emma got badly injured in training and missed a few weeks in the really hard period in mid winter. Lucie excelled continually in goal. Caitlin kept putting them in the net when she played and Ellie, Kiera, Elia and Lily all ran their socks off every Saturday and created chance after chance. Rebecca kept running and smiling.

As we emerged into Spring we got better and stronger. The win at Wirral Hawks in April was fantastic, and the first half football was sublime just Ellie's sprained ankle the cloud on the morning. The weakened side who played against Ridgewood at home the same month was brilliant and to come back and snatch it at the death was top quality. Then Ellie, Kiera, Lily and Lauren played 30 mins later for the u16s and must have been dead on their feet that afternoon.

And so that is how it ends, on a rainy July night at the Ring of Bells. A presentation of individual trophies, photos for posterity and a round of applause for all their efforts.

Thank you girls. Have a good summer.

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We need to get those who are staying at Waverton to sign on before 22 July. As said previously if don't register 7 players by the end of July, we are out of the League.

a) Fill in a club registration form (off website or from Mike)

b) Return to Mike completed with cheque for subscription for 2011/12

c) The IMPORTANT BIT - fill in a registration form for the Wallasey Junior League - available from Mike and given out already to current u14s.

d) Return to Mike with 2 passport photos by Thurs 21 July at the very latest.

Mikes number is 07901552261

2011/12 u16s Pre season training starts at Waverton on Wednesday 17 August 7-8.

Follow us on Twitter over the summer - @afcwaverton

Climbing Trees

2011-07-03T16:53:00.009+01:00

Great day at Go Ape. See everyone on Wednesday evening.

We need to get those who are staying with us signed up. If we don't get 7 players registered by 22 July we will not have a team in the League for 2011/12. We blagged our way out of only having 5 signed on by end of July last year, we will not be allowed to do so again, the League will simply throw us out. You will need to: a) complete club registration form and pay subs b) complete Wallasey League registration form including 2 new passport photos. c) hand everything to Mike. Forms will be given out on Wednesday.

More Monkey Business, Pizzas and Presentations

2011-06-29T18:56:00.004+01:00

Can those confirmed (Kate, Kiera, Ellie, Emma, Lily and Rebecca together with Rick, Lisa and Mike) please meet at Delamere at 10:15 on Sunday for Go Ape. More details below.

After the Go Ape we will have a bit of a picnic and others are welcome to join us. This will be about 1pm. Just bring some food and treats.

Pizza and Presentation night is Weds 6 July - so far only Kiera, Lily, Lucie, Rebecca and Ellie have confirmed. We cannot eat all those pizzas. Can others please confirm asap. Meet at the Ring of Bells at 7. Presentations at 8:15. Parents welcome then. We really could do with getting in registrations then too. Further details to follow but you will need two passport photos.

What time do I need to arrive?

Make your way to the Go Ape cabin and be ready to get going on your Go Ape adventure at your booked time. Late arrivals that miss their session will be charged at full price. Allow plenty of timeas it may take considerably longer than you think to drive into the forest, park and get to the Go Ape cabin, particularly on busy days when traffic queuing is more likely. At most sites you’ll have to pay for parking. This is because car parks are managed by forest owners, not us. Parking charges vary from course to course and can change at any time, so bring plenty of loose change.

What should I wear?

We suggest that you wear something you don’t mind getting grubby. Dress for the weather so bring along a mac if it’s raining! Please wear appropriate footwear with soles with good grips. No sandals or slip-off shoes. Some people recommend thin gloves. Long hair must be tied back.

Can I bring my camera/camcorder?

Yes you can! Getting a camera into the trees is straightforward. Talk to the guys at the Go Ape cabin and they’ll kit you out with a lanyard so that you and your camera are always attached – safer for everyone (Please note that lanyards are available to purchase for £2 at the Go Ape cabin).

Are there storage or changing facilities?

We don’t provide anywhere to store your belongings. There are toilets on site where you can change before and after your Go Ape experience.

What happens in bad weather?

Go Ape is an excellent wet weather activity! The course remains open in all weathers, except when it is icy, stormy or during lightning. Rain makes the course muddier than usual – which all adds to the fun! Don’t forget to dress for the weather.

Up in the Trees

How long does the course take?

The Go Ape adventure takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and that includes your safety briefing.

Is there a time limit to complete the course?

Nope, you can go at your own pace and let people ‘overtake’ if you fancy taking a little more time over an obstacle or section. If you want to reduce the chance of being held up by people in front of you, we recommend that you book an early morning slot, as there will be fewer people ahead of you.

Swinging Safety

Is it safe?

Go Ape! courses are substantial and physically testing tree-top obstacle courses. There is inevitably a risk of injury when undertaking such activities. Participants will be responsible for attaching themselves to the safety system. If you do not attach yourself to the safety system you risk falling, which could result in a serious or fatal injury. However, the courses and operating procedures are inspected annually by Jacobs (specialist engineering inspectors) and Harraway Tree Services. All participants receive a safety briefing from a trained instructor at the start and have to wear a safety harness at all times.

Is there an instructor with you on the course?

You will receive a 30 minute safety briefing and training from an instructor before you start the course. After that you’re on your own, free to swing through the trees. Of course, instructors are always on hand, regularly patrolling the forests (not in monkey suits unfortunately!)

I’m afraid of heights!

If you’re worried about your knees knocking and your arms trembling – never fear; Go Ape is here and we are proud to have helped lots of people to conquer their fear of heights. Why not give it a try – you might surprise yourself!

Do I need to be fit or strong?

Doing Go Ape does require a degree of physical fitness but if you can climb up a rope ladder you should be fine. You can always catch your breath between obstacles.

What happens if I get stuck?

Our instructors will come to your rescue! They have specialist equipment to lower you safely back to the ground.

What if I fall?

Your safety harness will catch you. Then you can regain your footing and continue having fun!

Is Go Ape insured?

Yes; Go Ape holds £10m of public liability Insurance covering all of its courses.

What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

The staff at Go Ape are not medically qualified and so are not in a position to assess the capacity of participants to undertake a course. It remains your responsibility to undertake such an assessment prior to use of the course. We advise you to visit the course prior to booking to undertake your own risk assessment. You may also wish to contact your doctor for further advice.

Monkey business, Pizzas, and Presentations

2011-06-22T20:08:00.002+01:00

Go Ape is booked for the 6 girls who confirmed - Kiera, Ellie, Kate, Emma, Rebecca and Lily. Meet at Delamere at 10:15 on Sunday 3 July. We shall have a picnic in the woods afterwards and everyone is welcome even if not go apeing including parents.

The Pizza and Presentation night at the Ring of Bells is booked for Wednesday 6 July at 7pm. All those girls who have not yet confirmed please do so as so far only the following have: Lucie, Kiera, Ellie, Rebecca and Lily.

We will be requiring girls to complete registration forms for next season. We hope everyone will sign on again.

We have been talking to the FA about putting together an u18s team to play in the brand new u18 girls Cheshire League. This looks a real possibility for 2012/13. This is for girls aged 15-18. It is possible therefore that we could keep the same team together all the way to age 18. More details to follow.

The Festival

2011-06-18T13:39:00.004+01:00

Thanks very much to all the girls and parents who supported the event this morning. It was a great turnout and we will have raised some money for the club but also shown to the other managers and the Chairman that we are a big part of this club and the girls set up is strong. This will benefit us with getting continued funding and support from the club.

In the tournament, congratulations to the orange bib side and thanks to all the girls who took part in the penalty shootout.

For some unknown reason, there was no section in the programme regarding the u14 girls, despite text being sent through. So here is what was sent to the programme editor:

AFC Waverton u14 Girls

Another good season for the u14 girls team in the 7 a side Wallasey Junior League. Because of the double age bands the team is made up of half Y8 and half Y9 girls and always takes time to gel as the composition changes every season. We've had some great games this season including a fantastic 7-7 draw with Upton in early October and a tremendous run in at the end of the season when we won at Wirral Hawks 5-1, drew with Greenleas in a thrilling 2-2 encounter and beat Ridgewood Rangers 5-4 in the last home game, a truly stunning advert for the girls game with football as good as you will see at junior level anywhere. The bad weather in the winter provided some challenging conditions but the girls stuck to the task admirably. In goal, Lucie Parkinson was a real star voted player of the match by the opposition more times than anyone else and her consistent bravery and agility showed she is clearly the best keeper in the League. Caitlin Brooks ended up leading goalscorer once again with 18 amazing since she can only play every other game and Rebecca Bower topped the most appearances table, missing just one of the 22 competitive matches all season. Lily Worden scored the goal of the season, a screaming long range effort against Upton, whilst once again squad captain Kiera Berry consistently dominated the middle of the park. Elia Williams demonstrated her tricky skills every week, Ellie Riste and Emma Harrison were solid at the back and new girls Lauren Walsh and Kate Pulford came on in leaps and bounds towards the end of the campaign. Don't let anyone believe the girls game is weak , three of our girls had to make appearances in A&E this season but all came straight back for more. They are real tough cookies. The girls have been an absolute pleasure to work with all season, have a tremendous spirit, and they should all be proud of what they have achieved.

Mike Worden and Heather Scheuber

Remember Weds 6 July is the Pizza and Presentation evening at the Ring of Bells. We're also looking at a day out before the end of term. Ideas were discussed this morning. Watch this space.

Waverton Festival This Saturday.

2011-06-15T18:27:00.005+01:00

UPDATE - To clarify:

Girls are only required 10:15-11:30 as this is when our match is. Stay on as long as you like however.
Cost is £5 per player - reasons why below
Wear your kit - this is not a training event
Support the activities outside of our game time - buy the programme, food etc
Allow time - we will have hundreds of people there during the day and you may have to park some distance away
Parent volunteers still needed

Show that the girls set up is a big part of the club and that we support the fundraising efforts that we benefit from

The Waverton Football Festival will take place this Saturday, all day on the field. There will be a series of games and events for all registered club players. The purpose is to mark the end of the season, raise money for the club and our Romanian charity and to show off our diverse nature with over 300 players turning out in yellow shirts.

Our game will take place for an hour between 10:30 and 11:30. These times are strict other teams will be on after us. Please meet at 10:15 and be warned it will be very busy. There will be BBQ, games, food and drink stalls, penalty shoot outs, raffles etc. Cost is £5 per player payable on the day. A special programme has been produced.

Confirmed are Lucie, Elia, Kate, Lauren, Ellie, Rebecca and Lily. From the u16s Sophie, Ellie and Olivia will join us.

Tournament cancelled/Festival/Presentations/the future

2011-06-11T07:10:00.004+01:00

Apologies for lack of texts over the last week and for not responding to any sent to me, but my phone was left in Wembley last Saturday. Its last ever text was 'Our u14s would not let in two soft goals like England have just done'. Would Lucie have done better than Hart? Definitely. Would Emma and Ellie watch the ball drift over their heads like Rio did? No chance.

Disappointingly the organisers have this week called off the Halesowen Tournament next Sunday (19 June) It was a great event last year and they hope to run it next season, but have had to cancel this time. We have tried to get into another tournament being run in Warrington on the same day, but that is full for our age group. We are sorry therefore that the 6 girls who had said they were on for it will be disappointed.

The annual Waverton Football Festival will go ahead next Saturday 18 June. All girls are asked to attend for a game between 10:30-11:30. Cost is £5 per player. Please meet at Waverton at 10:15, the timings are critical. The whole club will be turning out and it is vital that we show our faces and our skills to everyone. All girls are required to attend as it enables the club to keep our fees down. We have just ordered a brand new kit and training equipment for next season and these events mean we don't have to pass that cost onto you directly. Referees fees for the last year for the u14 girls have topped £200 plus we have subsidised the indoor training which cost us £24/week. This year too we will be making a donation to a Romanian Orphanage which we have a link to. Please attend and take part in the events - penalty shootout, BBQ, games, etc as well as our football match. We need a volunteer parent to do car parking duties 9-10. Any volunteers?

As a result of the tournament being cancelled, and that only 3 u14s came last week, we have cancelled this Monday (13 June) training session. That will be it for training until we start back at the end of August.

On Wednesday 6 July we have a Presentation and Pizza night at the Ring of Bells. Please let me know who is coming asap. Parents welcome. This will be the final formal club event and a way to celebrate the great season we have had.

Some of the girls have talked about a day out. Alton Towers has been mentioned, as has other places. Please let me know how much interest and support there is for such a trip, but weekends before school holidays are getting fewer.

Finally, next season. I'm trying to talk to parents regarding next season's plans. We have to register the team in the League and will need a minimum of 7 girls to have signed up before the start of the holidays for both u14 and u16. Please let me know what your thoughts and intentions are, but by the time of the Presentation night we could do with all signings sorted.

Nearly there but not quiet

2011-05-31T22:02:00.007+01:00

Nearly there, just a few more things to do before we pack up our football boots and head off to the beach for the summer.

First up is the June training sessions. Back for the first two Mondays in June, 6 and 13, 7-8 at Waverton. No messing these will be a couple of serious sessions.

On Saturday 18 June we have the Waverton Football Festival. This is when the whole club turns out to show off who we are and what we do, whilst trying to make a bit of money to keep our subs down. More details to follow, but all girls across the whole years are expected to turn out for the morning. If there is interest we can have a girls v mums game, something which has been talked about in the past.

On Sunday 19 June we have the Halas Hawks tournament which this year will be held in Stourbridge. This is a 5 a side tournament that we enjoyed last year. We will take a limited squad so to avoid players travelling a long way and then only getting a small amount of time on the field. We know some of the girls were frustrated at Sandbach and felt they should have played more minutes, but there was little we could do when we had 3 subs every 10 minute game. We therefore will only look to take 6 players, 7 max. We have 5 definites confirmed (Lucie, Kiera, Elia, Ellie and Lily) so only one more needed to make up the squad. Please let Mike know if interested asap.

Then we have two further events. We want to hold a pizza and presentation evening at the Ring of Bells one Wednesday evening before we break up. We suggest Wednesday 6 July at 6:30.

Finally the girls have talked about a day out to celebrate the end of the season. Alton Towers, Manley Mere, Go Ape and a trip to the beach have been mentioned. We need some feedback and ideas on this from girls and parents as there will be commitments relating to time and cost. We suggest either Sunday 10 or Sunday 17 July.

10 minute spells

2011-05-21T18:29:00.009+01:00

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it's the courage to continue that counts"

9 yellow shirts, 9 black shorts, 17 black socks and one sky blue sock (just explain that one to us again Ellie), descended on a Sandbach School field to enter into end of season combat with girls from Crewe and Nantwich, Halton, Manor (Wallasey) and Crossfields (absolutely no idea from where but it sounds like a builder merchants in Middlewich).

Oh it is so tricky with having to pick 6 players and 3 subs, except of course that one of the 6 will be super Lucie.

"Me!"

"It's got to be me Mike!"

"I was here first"

"I'm the tallest"

"I'm the oldest"

"I live in Waverton, you don't"

"I'll tell Mum"

With the tent up, ice creams planned and water taken on board, the first game was against the smart pink and black outfitted Crewe and Nantwich girls. The most experienced line up was sent out, Lucie, Lily, Kiera, Elia, Ellie, and Emma and what a splendid job they did. They were on top for most of the game but fell to a last minute scramble from a corner. Undeserved, but with 10 minute games we have to take our chances and not let the opponents take theirs.

The second game saw the introduction of the other players against our Wallasey League foes Manor. A fairly even game for much of the 10 minutes but 2 goals to the good for the Wirral folk at the end. In the break, Emma's little brother complained that Kiera was pushing him. All nine girls wanted to start the next match.

Next up were Halton, a game we had to win to have any chance of progressing. A very even game overall and a fair 0-0 but given its significance it felt like a defeat.

The final encounter was against Crossfields, probably the tallest girls in the competition. The team selected themselves, literally. Again very even until a late goal did for us.

And so that was it. Au revoir Sandbach. Most of the girls felt deflated but they all gave their best and were always in a fairly even encounter. It was so close such is the nature of short burst football and as a team we are no worse than any of the four teams we met today. We should be proud of how well we have developed and recognise the League we play in is very strong on the Wirral. Not a bad way to see out the last few hours of life on planet earth.

Some girls went off for an ice cream. Emma was dejected and wandered off to pack her suncream. Others helped pack the team tent up and we headed home. Good luck to the u12 girls there tomorrow.

We have an opportunity to take part in the Halesowen tournament again this year. Sunday June 19, the day after the Waverton Football Festival (again as last year). It is 5 a side and it might not be possible nor desirable to take a big squad unless players accept that they will spend time on the sidelines. More details on here soon, but we will be looking for a firm commitment.

No training for the next two Mondays, as we shall have our half term break. We shall train again on Mondays in June until the tournament and that will be our absolute end of the football season, with just the celebration event left. We're looking at Saturday 10/Sunday 11 July to do something.

2011 5-a-side Tournament Entry Form

18^th/19^th June 2011

We invite you to the 22nd annual Halas Hawks 5-a-side football competition, which will be held at Stourbridge Rugby Football Club, Bridgnorth Road, Stourbridge, DY7 6QZ. The event continues to be very popular and clubs are asked to apply early as positions will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Please note there is a fee of £25 for each team entered with all cheques made payable to Halas Hawks Junior Football Club. Age groups are as per 2010/11 season. Please complete the details below.

NB: For U7s & U8s we will be holding a round robin football festival. All participants will receive a memento of the day.

……………………………….

Those little biting things

2011-05-19T22:51:00.002+01:00

Upton 6 - AFC Waverton 0

Not the end of season game we were hoping for but at least it was great to see a joint u12/u14 team working together in black and yellow. We've seen the future. Well done to Jodie, Ellen, Charlotte and Izzy who joined Kate, Emma, Lily, Rebecca and Lauren. For the first time since the Gabi and Darcy days, two sisters played in the same Waverton team, Lily and Ellen.

The ground was hard, the pitch was small and the midges were biting. However it was far better to staying in and watching Corrie. Wow those throw ins of Emmas are something special aren't they? Think we have a game plan for Saturday. Delap Harrison bring your towel.

Player of the match - Kate for a fine goal keeping display, for Upton, Emily Sullivan.

Upton away and Sandbach

2011-05-17T22:43:00.003+01:00

This Thursday we have our final game of the season in the League, away at Upton. Kate, Emma, Lily Rebecca and possibly Lauren, will be joined by 3 u12s and Upton will also play a mixed team. Meet 6:30 for a 6:45 ko. Anybody needing a lift let Mike know on 07901552261. Take M53 to J2 go along the spur and take first slip off it, up to the junction, turn left and Overchurch School is about 1/4 mile on the left hand side.

The first of two tournaments takes place this Saturday at Sandbach. Meet at Sandbach Boys School at 12:40. Games ko at 1. It is 6 a side, we have a squad of 8 - Kate, Lily, Kiera, Emma, Ellie, Elia, Rebecca and Lucie. Anybody needing a lift or wanting to share please contact Mike. The cost of entry is £5 per player. Mike has already paid this so will collect from the girls on Saturday.

Details below. All players please study the rules as they differ from our League rules, mainly the 6 second time allowance for the goalkeepers to hold the ball- watch out Lucie and help her out team!

Your registration is 12.30pm on Saturday 21st May with the tournament commencing at 1pm prompt

The rules and team sheet for the competition are attached please complete team sheet and hand in at registration on the day of your tournament.

The address of venue is Sandbach Boys School, Crewe Road, Sandbach, CW11 3NS

Please advise all your parents and supporters the following school rules and to satisfy health and safety precautions

. There are to be no BBQ's on the site. The Club will run two official BBQ's.

. There is a strict code of no alcohol on the site.

. Toilets: Following last years tournament the school was besieged by complaints from neighbouring houses of children using the hedges. Toilets are provided so there is no excuse. Any team seen using the hedges as toilets will removed from the competition.

. Please make parents and supporters aware there will be a £2 entrance fee for a programme.

. Please refrain from erecting a gazebo in front of the admin tent. A clear line of sight is required from the admin tent over the surrounding pitches also during finals the players parade from the admin tent on to the first pitch.

Thank you again for entering the competition and hope you have an enjoyable day.

Regards
Myles Hanlon
Tournament Organiser.

SANDBACH UNITED FESTIVAL OF FOOTBALL

RULES 21st & 22nd May 2011

1. MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPETITION

The Tournament Organising Committee will adjudicate in all cases of dispute, protest and Complaint.

2. QUALIFICATION AND DECLARATION OF PLAYERS.

2a) All teams will be required to report at least thirty minutes before the start of the competition, irrespective of the schedule time of their first match. Up to ten players may be declared for each team except for under 11 & 12 boys U14 Girls where up to 9 players may be declared.

2b) All players should be bona fide amateur members of their club and should meet the required age qualification as at 1st September 2010. Should any reasonable query arise relating to a player’s age, proof of that player’s date of birth will be required. Players registered with academies or schools of excellence are not eligible to play in the tournament.

2c) Team Managers should ensure that they have a change of strip available for use in the event of a clash of colours (bibs are accepted). If this occurs the away team will be required to change.

2d) Teams MUST be affiliated to their respective County Football Association and have at least the minimum insurance requirement as dictated by their respective County Football Association.

3. PLAYERS EQUIPMENT

3a) Football boots or Trainers shall be allowed.

3b) The wearing of shin guards, covered by stockings is compulsory.

3c) The wearing of jewelry including ear-rings during a game is forbidden.

3d) For safety reasons extra footballs will not be allowed. Any footballs being used that are not part of the competition will be held by the tournament organising committee and returned at the end of the age group competition or when the team leaves the competition whichever occurs first.

4.FIELD OF PLAY

4a) Each pitch will be a maximum size 60 yards long and 40 yards wide, The pitch sizes may be within 10% of this criteria but not larger. The penalty area will be 18 yards wide and 10 yards deep.

4b) The goal size will be 12ft x 6ft.

4c) A size 3 ball will be used for under 7s & 8s and a size 4 ball for under 9s, 10s, 11s, 12s, and girls.

4d) No person other than the manager and one assistant and the players and substitutes will be allowed on the pitch side of the rope. All substitutes and substituted players must wear a different colour if they are not on the pitch playing.

5. COMPETITION

5a) There will be no competition for Under 7s & 8s all teams will play on a round robin basis with no scores recorded. Each player taking part at Under 7 & 8 will receive a medal when all fixtures are completed. A trophy will be awarded by the tournament committee to the team considered to be the most sporting and fair.

Seven players including the goalkeeper are allowed on the field of play at any one time except for Under 11 and 12 boys U14 Girls where six players including the goalkeeper are allowed on the field of play at any one time. A maximum of three substitutes can be used during the game when there is a suitable stoppage in play and with the referee’s permission. Substitutes may be made on a roll on roll off basis I.e. a player substituted may come back on to the field of play at a later point in the game.

5b) In the qualifying competition for U9, U10, U11 U12 and Girls three points will be awarded for a win, two points for a score draw and one point for a no score draw. In the event of two teams finishing with an equal number of points for a qualifying place, the qualifier will be decided by the following, in order:

1b) The result of the two affected teams, if there are 3 or more teams start with goal difference.

2b) Goal Difference

3b) Goals Scored

4b) Play Off: Each team starts with 1 player less and will loose a player every 1 minute upto a minimum of three a side until a goal is scored.

5b) Quarter Final, Semi Final and Final. Time allowance will be decided on the day of the tournament and may be different to each individual age group. Should the scores be equal at the end of normal time, then extra time will take place to rule (4) as above.

6) Any team failing to report for a match on time will forfeit that match, which will be awarded to their opponents by a 2-0 score.

6 PLAYING RULES

6a) Play will start and re-start after a goal has been scored with a centre kick which must be passed forward, the ball must be touched by another player before the person taking the centre kick can touch the ball again, opposition players must be a minimum distance of 5 yards from the centre when the kick is taken.

6b) Any player may enter the penalty area, any foul committed by the defending team in their own area will result in a penalty kick. The goalkeeper may touch the ball with their hands anywhere in the penalty area, and are permitted to take as many steps as they like with the ball in their hands in the penalty area. Any goalkeeper holding on to the ball for more than 6 seconds will result in a direct free kick being awarded on the penalty area line parallel to the goal line at the nearest point to where the offence was committed.

6c) Goalkeepers may use any method to put the ball back into play.

6d) Goal kicks are to be taken from any point within the penalty area by the defending team. All opposing players must stand outside the penalty area at least five yards away from the ball.

6e) A goalkeeper cannot pick up a back pass (except for u7 & u8) If a goalkeeper picks up a back pass a direct free kick will be awarded on the penalty area line parallel to the goal line to the nearest point to where the offence was committed.

6f) Opposing players must stand at least 5 yards from the ball at free kicks, all free kicks are direct.

6g) Penalty kicks will be taken from the goal line opposite the centre of the goal. Distance will be determined as per age group with a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 10 yards from the goal line.

6h) At corners opposing players must stand at least five yards from the ball.

6i) There is no offside.

6j) Throw ins should be over arm and within the laws of the game, referees will allow a degree of flexibility unless foul throw ins are persistently being made.

Each team manager is responsible for providing their team with a first aid kit.

ALL GAME SHOULD BE PLAYED WITHIN THE SMALL SIDED SPIRIT AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MID-CHESHIRE YOUTH LEAGUE CODE OF CONDUCT AS PROVIDED TO YOU WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

7. OFFICIALS

7a) Registered referees where possible will be appointed, at the conclusion of each game the referee shall be responsible for notifying the Tournament Organising Committee via the pitch steward of the result.

7b) Time keeping will be the sole responsibility of the Referee, time will be added on for stoppages only at the discretion of the Referee.

8. MISCONDUCT

8a) Any player receiving two cautions, dismissed from the field of play by the Referee during a match, or reported by the Referee for misconduct before or after a match, must change out of kit and will not be permitted to take any further part in the competition. Additionally the Tournament Organising Committee reserves the right to expel any team from the competition, on the event of serious misconduct of players, officials or spectators connected with that team.

8b) All cases of misconduct will be reported to the Cheshire County F A.

8c) Any player, official or spectator found to have damaged any property will be deemed to be guilty of serious misconduct and will be expelled from the competition. The club concerned may also be charged with failing to control their players/spectators.

9.TROPHIES

9a) The presentation for each competition will take place immediately after the final has been completed. All members of the winning team’s squad and runners-up squad will receive individual awards. The winning team will also receive a trophy.

9b) Any player excluded from the competition under rule 8a shall NOT be entitled to receive any award in respect of that competition.

10. PROTESTS AND COMPLAINTS.10a) All questions of eligibility, qualification of players or interpretation of the rules shall be referred to the Tournament Organising Committee, but no objection relative to the dimensions of the playing area or other appurtenances thereon shall be entertained by the Tournament Organising Committee unless a protest has been lodged with the Referee before the commencement of the game.

Happy hour again

2011-05-14T14:21:00.004+01:00

AFC Waverton 5 - Ridgewood Rangers 4

What a fantastic match to end the home season on. End to end, lots of passion, commitment and running from two teams withouts subs. The only sad thing is that it will probably be Ridgewood's last ever match, as the number of girls left playing for the club has reached such a low level that they are likely to fold.

5 girls arrived on time ready for the early 9am kick off. Where was the sixth? Waiting to hear the whistle from her bedroom? Just as we kicked off, Lauren rushed through the gate and sprinted to the game still eating her breakfast.

With ever present Lucie not present and Emma, Caitlin and Kate all away, the team was down to a bare 6. Ellie offered to start off in goal leaving Lily, Kiera, Elia, Rebecca and last minute Lauren outfield. A diamond of 1-3-1 for the tacticians.

Minutes into the game though the visitors took the lead when a ball wasn't cleared properly and the red shirted Rangers slipped into the net from close range. Elia though was playing really strongly and as she went forward her shot was challenged by a defender but it looped goalwards and into the net. 1-1 and back in it.

Lily went in the nets after another visitors goal and made some excellent saves and the team looked more solid and became more familar with only having 5 outfielders. Lauren and Rebecca were non stop runners covering the attack and defence whilst Kiera and Elia were more the play makers. Ellie in fit for the day Man City socks covered the back on her own. Kiera grabbed a goal back but Ridgewood got another goal to take a 3-2 lead into the interval.

In the second half Lily stayed on in goal before giving way to Kiera and then the dead on her feet Elia. All of the goal keepers played brilliantly and all made crucial saves. Lily , who was playing brilliantly, grabbed a goal back, then Ridgewood scored and then Ellie got another from close range despite the heroic efforts of the visitors defence. Rebecca had a brilliant shot meeting a low cross from the right perfectly but her effort was inches wide. Lauren was so close to getting on the mark too with an excellent effort.

A draw then was on the cards until the final minutes when with Waverton pressing, Kiera scored what she at the time thought was the equaliser but was in fact the winner. The final seconds were played out by 12 shattered girls but the referee blew the whistle and Waverton had won its second game in a month and extended its unbeaten run to the best ever. The girls dropped to the ground and all had given their all.

The game was played in a brilliant spirit and a fantastic way to end the home campaign.

Player of the match was once again, Elia and for Ridgewood Molly Brewster.

Lauren, Lily, Ellie and Kiera stayed on afterwards for bacon butties and to play in the u16s game v Greenleas. All made great contributions to that team with Kiera voted player of the match. Ellie hurt her ankle again in that game and will be out of the games this week.

With Ellie's injury we only have four player available for the game on Tuesday against Birkenhead Youth at the Delph. We have therefore decided to concede it, disappointing given our current run of form, but we can't play with only 4 girls. On Thursday we only have 4 girls too for our game against Upton (ko 6:45 at Overchurch School, Upton), but we are hoping to bring at least a couple of our current u12 girls along too. We will let everyone know.

In the light of the cancellation of Tuesday's game we will run with training this Monday, 7-8 at Waverton, where again some of the u16s will join us. Hopefully we will play our final League game on Thursday and then we have the Sandbach tournament on Saturday. We all need to be there for 1pm. More information on here later. Lifts offered.

Confirmed squad for Thursday - Lily, Emma, Kate, Rebecca.

Confirmed squad for Sandbach - Emma, Lucie, Lily, Ellie (subject to fitness test), Caitlin, Elia Rebecca, and Kate.

We need to start making arrangements for next season and have to put in details of our teams for 2011/12. We intend to enter u16 and u14 teams but not u12 as we are lacking in players. We will talking to all parents and girls about their intentions for next season but we hope everyone will be back playing for us next season.

We also need to think about our end of season celebration. The girls are still talking about Alton Towers!

Ridgewood Rangers game is early kick off

2011-05-13T20:24:00.003+01:00

The final home game of the season against Ridgewood Rangers will now kick off at 9:00 to enable the away team coaches to get back for a boys final at 11. Boys eh? They always mess us around don't they?

So, a bright and early start for us. Please meet at Waverton by 8:50. We are missing this season's ever present, Lucie, so we'll need to cover the goal keeping position between us.

Help appreciated with set up as at the moment its just Mike. We will leave it up at the end for the u16s but setting up is going be for us to do.

We are definitely in the Sandbach Tournament on Sat 21 May. All girls will need to be there by 1pm. More details to follow. Confirmed squad - Emma, Lucie, Lily, Rebecca, Caitlin, Elia, Ellie, Kate.

Remember to follow the girls team on twitter = @afcwaverton

Ooh, aaah, listen can you hear it?

2011-05-08T09:43:00.002+01:00

Greenleas 2 - AFC Waverton 2

The residents of the houses around St Georges School in Wallasey would have had their Saturday morning quiet punctuated by an hour of "oooh", "aaah", "go on", "yes" "no" etc, such was the excitement. One of them would have their quiet disturbed by a ball nearly hitting their window. It was a great game, another good advert for girls football, and another good encounter with Greenleas.

As the team warmed up, they sang 'Happy Birthday' to Elia, last week's player of the match missing to celebrate with her family, but not forgotten. Ellie was on the subs bench but unlikely to play given her still sore ankle.

The subs selection was done on a toss of a coin with Lily losing out. The team lined up: Lucie still angry from the non-goal last week in the goal with the hole (a big huge hole on the goal line); Kate and Emma at the back; the midfield trio of Rebecca, Kiera and Lauren and surprise visitor Caitlin up front.

Waverton took the initiative with an attack down the right and it soon led to a breakthrough with Kiera putting the ball into the net. 1-0.

Greenleas came back into it and equalised and took the lead soon after. The first was a good goal but the second was a defensive mix up which finished up with Lucie saving a close range shot, scrambling to save it on the ground, but her momentum carried her back into the net holding the ball.

Waverton continued to pepper the home end. Lauren would have scored the goal of the season connecting well from a cross from the right but her shot went over the top. Lily went close, Rebecca went close, Caitlin was inches wide, then inches over, before Kiera picked up a ball on the edge of the box and hit a high firm shot over the keeper and into the net. 2-2 and back in it. At the other end, Emma was unhappy but was doing fine. Kate was playing brilliantly, easily her best game, getting more and more confident and strong as the game went on. Some of her tackles were very well timed.

The half time talk was about keeping things simple and that the game was there for the taking. Rebecca came off with Lauren back on. Kiera had a brilliant chance when she ran through the middle and clashed with the keeper just as she was about to put the ball in the net. It was so brave and she got injured. Caitlin went close again, but too often we were having snatched shots. In training they'd have been buried.

Right to the very end it could have gone either way although it was Waverton who looked stronger. A succession of corners near the whistle put pressure on the home side, but they defended very well.

It ended even, a fair result for all girls on the pitch. If all games were like this, we'd be charging for watching.

Player of the match, Caitlin and for Greenleas Lucy Jones.

Training resumes again on Monday night. 7-8 at Waverton.

2011-05-07T11:42:00.005+01:00

Greenleas 2- AFC Waverton 2

Great game at Wallasey and so many chances. Two goals from Kiera, the second being an absolute screamer. Good display all round including an excellent defensive performance from Kate. Player of the match - Caitlin. Report to follow.

Game v Greenleas away on Saturday

2011-05-05T20:19:00.003+01:00

We hope to keep up the winning run at Greenleas this Saturday, following the fantastic performance at Victoria Park last weekend.

The game will take place at St Georges School kick off 9:30. Please meet there by 9:15 at the latest. Please can everyone let us know of availability by signing in on the right or texting 07901552261- so far confirmed are Lucie, Ellie (yeah she's ready to go again!), Rebecca, Lily and Kiera. Caitlin is away, Elia is doubtful as its her birthday. All the rest please let us know. If anybody needs a lift let Mike know.

We were only up at St Georges a few weeks ago, so the route should be familar. In case you've forgotten here is the way:

Take M53 to Junction 1. Head off left down slip road and at roundabout take first exit to Wallasey following signs A554 to New Brighton and Wallasey. Keep on this dual carriageway and ignore turn offs for Leasowe and for Wallasey. Keep on this road as it goes into a single carriageway and into the housing area of New Brighton. You will go past a big church on the right and then soon after turn right into Harrison Drive. Follow this for 200 yards and then turn left into Grove Road (there are some car showrooms at this junction). Keep on this road past the Nelson Pub on the right and just past a park on the right turn right into Claremount Road. St Georges School is 200 yards on the left. Park on this road or in Lyndhurst Avenue just before the school. If you go past the church on the right you've gone too far. The field is at the back of the school.

Net busting

2011-05-01T08:47:00.009+01:00

Wirral Hawks Girls 1 - AFC Waverton 5

When the fixtures came out, this game looked in doubt given that we could struggle to get 7 girls out on a bank holiday weekend. At 10:45 however we were so pleased that we had managed to play it, the performance was absolutely brilliant and the scoreline easily reflective of the dominance of the yellow shirts.

With football news dominated this week by El Classico, as well of course of the pizza night, we had some Spanish like sunshine and a Spanish star player in player of the match Elia.

The first 7 players arriving at Victoria Park were given the starts, with Rebecca and Kate starting on the bench. In goal was the League's number 1 Lucie, Ellie and Emma at the back, Lily in centre mid with Lauren and Elia alongside and surprise arrival Caitlin up front. Wirral Hawks won the toss and decided to play up the slope. This meant Waverton would have to capitalise on the advantage in the first 30 minutes and would have a tiring task in the second.

The ground was hard and dusty and it was going to be very difficult out there. Lots of breaks and water needed. Lucie was worried about the dust affecting her eyes and wanted to wear sunglasses.

Right from the start Waverton looked sharp. Elia ran down the left and set up a chance for Caitlin. At the back Ellie was buzzin' and was brilliant bringing the ball out. Lauren wide right was playing her best football ever and one pass forward was as inch perfect as it could be. It was brilliant to see how she has improved. Emma was calm and solid at the back and Lily was keeping things together in the centre. Bits and pieces, the centre midfield players simple task.

It was Caitlin though who gave the away side the lead and could have had many more than the 4 she did score before half time. The goals were wide and ripe for a high scoring game. At 1-0 to Waverton though, the Hawks got a goal back in bizarre circumstances. A shot at goal was handled by a yellow shirt and when it spun backwards, Lucie cleared it off the line. However, instead of giving a penalty , the ref gave a goal, explaining that it deserved a goal. Lucie was furious, she had set out this morning with a determination to keep a clean sheet and the ball had not crossed the line. She was adamant later that she would have saved the penalty.

1-1 it was but not for long as Caitlin went up the other end and restored the lead with another net buster.

Lucie made an absolute brilliant save after first misjudging the bounce of a long ball on the hard surface but got back fantastically to knock the ball out for a corner.

The football being played was first class and some of the spectators not connected to the club watching commented on how good it was. Two lads said they were impressed.

Not long before half time, Ellie challenged for a ball on the far side of the field but went over on her ankle in pain. The game was stopped and Ellie was in distress. Cold water and a compress was applied and then ice and then frozen peas from the corner shop courtesy of Mark Brooks. The hard pitch was the culprit, it is so easy to do at this time of the season. Ellie's game was over and although it hadn't swelled up too much at the time, Ellie would later have to go to A&E for a check up.

Lily dropped to the back to play alongside Emma and was superb.

At half time the team talk was just about keeping it simple and doing what the team had been doing in the first half. "Lets do it for Ellie" was the plan.

It was clear that despite having the downhill advantage, and Waverton had lost a star player who had been driving the team along, the heads of the Hawks girls were down and Waverton were managing to keep their lead.

Kate, who was unwell, was thown up front for 10 minutes whilst Caitlin was rested. Kate later almost scored a goal but hit the post following great work from Caitlin. Rebecca too nearly scored when a great cross came over but she just couldn't make it. Lucie kept out the home team with another brave dive on the hard and dusty surface right at the feet of the attackers. She's brilliant.

Caitlin made sure the game was done and dusted with a fifth goal near to the end. That puts her in an uncatchable position in the goalscoring table, impressive for someone who can only play half of the games.

The game ended to cheers from the away side. It had not only been a decisive result against a team that thrashed us 8-2 at Waverton in October, but a brilliant footballing performance. Some of the passing was excellent. Even more the conditions had been tricky with a hard and dusty surface and the heat making running around hard. Losing Ellie too unsettled the side, but they adjusted so well.

Once again Elia was given player of the match, another well deserved accolade for the tricky one. Sophie Goldtress was the Hawks player of the match.

Well done everyone and lets hope Ellie gets better soon.

Funniest bits of the day:

Geoff the referee trying to explain to our girls before the game that the players must not say 'leave it' or 'mine' when going for the ball, but put a name on it. He was bombarded with a series of questions that made him wish he hadn't started. "No, you can't say Justin Biebers"
Lucie's face when the non goal was given. You don't mess with an angry Lucie.
An unamed parent who asked if the goal still counted if the ball went through the back of the net.
Everyone willing Rebecca to dive to head the ball into the net in the second half.

2011-04-30T12:48:00.001+01:00

Wirral Hawks Girls 1 - AFC Waverton 5

Great performance from the team today at a sunny Victoria Park. 5 goals from Caitlin. Elia player of the match. Well done everyone. Report to follow.

End of season in sight

2011-04-29T08:31:00.006+01:00

Great evening on Wednesday at the Ring of Bells. It seemed everyone had a good time and nice to see some serious carbohydrate intake going on. 6 pizzas between 7 footballers is tough going.

This Saturday we are away at Wirral Hawks Girls at Sloping Pitch Park (aka Victoria Park) in Birkenhead. Directions below.

The confirmed team is :Lucie, Ellie, Emma, Kate, Lily, Elia, Rebecca and Caitlin.

Please meet there by 9:15. If anyone needs a lift please let Mike know.

The League has announced the final fixtures for the season. We have our long awaited game with Ridgewood at Waverton on 14 May but next Saturday we head up to St Georges School again to play Greenleas, who we had a great draw with last month at Waverton. The League has given us two evening fixtures on Tuesday 17 and Thursday 19 May in Wallasey and Upton respectively. Both are scheduled for 6pm ko but Upton have kindly offered to put it back to a later time to help us get there, especially coaches and parents who have work commitments. We need to know whether you are available for both or either of those evenings please.

Directions to Victoria Park:

Keep on this road for a while until you get to a funny little double mini roundabout. Take the right hand turn at the second mini roundabout onto Thornton Road. At the bottom turn left onto Borough Road and then first right onto the Wiend. Follow this through a junction and it becomes Mount Road again. Keep on this road and when you get to the end, you'll come onto a little funny roundabout. The park is on your right, but take third exit and park on the main road just after the roundabout thing or pull into Victoria Park Road on the right and park. The entrance is on the main road. If you get to the Black Horse pub on the right you've gone too far. If lost call Mike on 07901552261.

Remember updates on Twitter - @afcwaverton

Easter arrangments

2011-04-13T20:44:00.009+01:00

The holidays are here for some and nearly here for others. Here's the arrangements for the team over the next few weeks:

Sat 16 April - No game

Mon 18 April - no training. Mike at Wallasey League meeting

Sat 23 April (Easter Saturday) - game cancelled

Wed 27 April - 2 for 1 Pizza evening - Ring of Bells with u12s

Fri 29 April - somebody is getting married

Sat 30 April - Game v Wirral Hawks Girls away - confirmed team- Lucie, Elia, Emma, Ellie, Lily, Kate, Rebecca.

Wed 4 May - Parents evening - Ring of Bells 8-10

Sat 7 May - League game to be arranged

Mon 9 May - Training resumes - Waverton

Sat 14 May - League game to be arranged

Mon 16 May - Training

Sat 21 May - Sandbach six a side Tournament (if accepted) - squad - Lucie, Emma, Ellie, Ellie, Lily, Kate, Rebecca, Kiera, Caitlin

Training will resume in May. Given the experience of the last two sessions, players need to arrive on time, be focussed on learning, be willing to run around a bit and bring boots and appropriate clothing (wear socks and shin pads, bring warm clothing if chilly, no ipods, no mobile phones on the pitch, no plimsolls).

The u12s have invited us to a pizza evening at the Ring of Bells 6pm on Weds 27 April, as we did at Christmas. Who's interested?

Parents evening will be on Weds 4 May. Mike will be at the Ring of Bells in Christleton between 8 and 10 and parents are invited to drop in any time. We'd like to know for example- how do you feel the season has gone? what could we have done better?, what does you daughter say she likes/dislikes? what do you want for the 2011/12 season? and no doubt you have loads of questions for us.

Sunshine and Stars

2011-04-09T13:25:00.009+01:00

Greenleas Celtic 11- AFC Waverton 2

Well done girls for a great performance against the Greenleas A side at a hot and sunny St Georges School today. The spirit and determination in the first 10 mins and all of the second half was first class. All the girls were excellent and we saw the first goal for Kate, nicking in from a great Elia cross-shot and a brilliant strike from Kiera.

With Kate a late addition, and starting as sub, the team was Lucie in goal, Emma and Ellie at the back, Kiera, Lily and Rebecca as the midfield and Elia up front. Elia had forgotten her boots and borrowed Mike's. No stopping her now.

Straight from the start, Waverton were up for it and within a minute Lily attacked down the right and set up a chance for Kiera. This was a good sign and the dominance continued for the first 10 minutes. Our game is so much about confidence and as soon as Greenleas scored, heads went down. It goes quiet and we lose our composure making us more vulnerable to goals. Lily had another great run down the right and her hard shot was parried round the post for a corner. Emma and Ellie made some key tackles at the back and Emma had a great run forward which showed her determination. Lots of water was taken. It was needed given the Spring heat.

8-0 at half time. The ref said he'd cut short the game, but we told him not to. We'd not come 25 miles to play less than our full hour. No way. We suggested that if it got into double figures, we'd call it game to Greenleas and play a friendly by mixing up the teams. The ref was for it, our girls were mostly for it, but Greenleas were not. A 20-0 win to the home side would have really helped them wouldn't it?

Anyway our 8 little spirits decided to get on with the job and they played really well. Elia won the ball on the right really well and hit a hard cross shot which Kate rushing in just touched into the net. Kate's first goal for the club, a delighted goalscorer and our heads were lifted. Soon after Kiera hit a fantastic shot from way out, a shot which hit the inside of the cross bar and bounced down and across the line. Great goal from the captain.

Ellie was thrown forward with the intention of getting a goal and immediately she came close twice, both shots millimetres away from going in.

Despite the score this was a good performance against one of the best teams in the League. The second half score was 3-2. There were some great individual performances including another superb showing from Lucie. Her second half save from a great Celtic shot, by knocking it over the bar was as good as they come in any standard of football. Best 'keeper in the League? Absolutely no question.

Player of the match - Kiera

Training at Waverton this Monday. 7-8 on the field. All available players to attend.

Game v Greenleas Celtic away on Saturday

2011-04-05T07:49:00.006+01:00

The League has given us a cup game this Saturday, away at Greenleas Celtic ko 11.00 in Wallasey.

The game will take place at St Georges School on Claremount Road in Wallasey. Please meet at 10:40 for a warm up. Please allow enough time to get there as on the last two visits we have had to start whilst players were still on their way. Directions on here later, but the school is easy to find from Junction 1 of the M53. It will take 5 mins from the junction to the school but don't follow Satnavs, directions below.

The confirmed team is: Lucie, Ellie, Emma, Elia, Lily, Kiera, Rebecca and Kate.

Anybody needing a lift please let Mike know on 07901552261.

We have no game on 16 April as we should have been playing the now disbanded Vicars Cross team at the Rugby Club (but we will be awarded 3 points). We have a match against Wallasey Wanderers on Easter Saturday but have cancelled it because of not being able to field a team given holidays (We will lose the points). We have a game on Sat 30 April against Wirral Hawks but holidays are affecting that game too and we are awaiting confirmation of availability from some players. At the moment only Lucie, Ellie, Lily, Emma. Kate, Rebecca can play. Definitely absent are Kiera and Caitlin. I'd be grateful if the others could confirm either way asap so the League and the other team can plan.

Directions to St Georges School

Great expectations

2011-04-02T16:01:00.005+01:00

AFC Waverton 0 - Upton Rangers 11

Perhaps we all expected too much, but having played so well last week with only 6 players against Irby's 7 plus a sub, we should have really put up a good fight against Upton since we had the pick of 10 players. Just didn't work out and as soon as we went a goal down, the heads dropped and the game had gone. It hadn't really and we could have and should have then grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and stormed back into it. But we didn't and we were often second best to 50/50 balls and at times looked unfit and tired. We are a good team, have players who can match most in this league for skill, and play good passing football and should not be getting smashed 20-0 over two games in a month against Upton. Confidence goes away too easily as well as the fight and desire needed to succeed at this level. Maybe we should have started with only 6! We'll all have to work hard in training and come back next Saturday fully fit and with a determination to give it all to win for the team.

Player of the match - Elia.

We'll have a fitness focussed training session in the gym this Monday. 7-8 usual place. See you there.

We still don't know our fixtures for Saturday despite being promised them last Thursday. We're in the hands of the League but we then have run around like headless chickens arranging to get 7 players together, find a referee who is free, make sure that the pitch is booked, and talk to the other club about kick off arrangements, directions etc.

Game v Upton Rangers this Saturday

2011-03-29T22:15:00.003+01:00

We have tonight been told that we will play a home game against Upton Rangers this Saturday. Kick off is 10:45. Please meet there at 10:25 for a good warm up.

Help is required from parents for setting up. Mark Brooks has kindly offered to help.

The team confirmed so far is: Lucie, Lily, Emma, Elia, Ellie, Caitlin, Kiera. If any others are available, please sign in on the right.

The Sandbach tournament team (21 May) is : Lucie, Lily, Elia, Emma, Ellie, Kate, Kiera, Rebecca.

What have you done today to make you feel proud?

2011-03-26T21:39:00.005Z

AFC Waverton (6 players) 0 - Irby (7 players) 8

We've been here before but it still doesn't get any easier to take. With the seventh Waverton player pulling out last night for pressing and unavoidable reasons, Irby were on Friday night asked if they would consider playing 6v6. No came the answer. Would you like to lend us one of your 8 and we can play 7v7? No came the answer.

Another well known league side were similarly obsessed with on field domination in days gone by ('We've asked the girls and they would like to play with 7') and in the u12s days we came across this mission drive from an unnamed manager who had the cheek to say how at the end of an unequal 6v7 game that a spectator wouldn't have noticed we had one player less. Well mate thats not how it felt to our six who'd been flogging their legs and lungs out for an hour and consistently picking the ball out of the net. Strange though that other clubs, including our own u12s this very morning, take a contrary view in the interests of fair play. This game is about playing fairly and in the spirit of sportsmanship, not about demoralising 13 year old girls because of the win at all costs mentality of middle aged men.

Anyway. Rant over. The six yellow shirts lined up with Lucie in the nets, a back one of Emma, Kiera in the middle of the middle, Lily and Lauren in the wider middle and Elia up front. The team spirit at kick off was fantastic and the first 10 minutes arguably saw the 6 on top of the 7. Elia was unlucky not to give the home side the lead but generally Waverton's play and passing was top notch. Against the run of play though Irby scored with a low shot that beat Lucie. Soon after an incident happened that was pivotal. In diving to save from an on rushing attacker, Lucie clashed heads with her opponent and came off worse. She had a bad bump on her head and was shaken. Yet she did not want to come off. This is one tough girl. Shaken up, she did her best but some more goals went in.

At half time Lucie was not able to carry on. She felt shaken and sick and would later spend 4 hours in A&E. Kiera went in goal but in the corner of the field a solution to the impending 5v7 disparity appeared. Carlotta, Issy and Jodie were hanging around kicking a ball after their u12 game and once invited to make up the numbers they jumped at the chance. Except we had to choose two to start, so Jodie and Issy joined the 5 u14s for the restart. Touch of irony in the probability that they still had some energy left because our u12s had gone down to 6 as the opposition had only brought 6. See fair play will always win in the end.

We played so well throughout the match and were so unlucky not to score. Elia went close on numerous occasions and Lily was awesome in her trickery. Lauren took to the task really well and had a fine game. Emma was solid at the back and Kiera brilliant outfield and in goal. 'This is scary' she said of the 'keeping role. Lucie makes it look easy.

Elia fully deserved her player of the match award. She was excellent.

Lucie went to hospital as a precaution but apart from a cut, bump and a sore head, she was fine. A brave player she is. Well done to her and the other 5. Oh and the little helpers too, well done and thanks, Carlotta, Issy and Jodie. Huge thanks to Robin Parkinson for putting up the goals on his own at 9:30.

The u16s took to the stage as we left except the angry away team manager was on the verge of heading straight back up the M53 without a ball being kicked because he was arguing that the Waverton pitch wasn't big enough for 7 a side football. You couldn't make it up could you?

Training on Monday. 7-8 at the gym. Next week's fixtures out sometime soon. We hope. What a league this is eh?

Irby game this Saturday

2011-03-22T20:45:00.008Z

The Irby game will kick off at 10:30 this Saturday at Waverton. Please meet there at 10:10 for a warm up. Help very much appreciated with set up. Sadly we now only have 6 players available.: Lucie, Kiera, Elia, Lily, Lauren and Emma.

There are caravans parked on the car park, so watch out and you'll have to park on the road.

One day like this a year will see me right

2011-03-20T14:24:00.005Z

AFC Waverton 2 - Greenleas 2

A full turn out of yellow shirted girls arrived pretty much on time on a sunny Spring morning at Waverton. The grass had been cut, the pitch had been marked out (once before the cut and once afterwards, oh yes we are well organised at Waverton!), the goals set up on time by Mark and Robin, we'd had a good warm up, hugs and kisses had been had, so all the right ingredients were there for a great morning of football. And so it proved in a great end to end affair, another great advert for the game. 20 girls out giving everything they had for their teams. What more can you ask? Were you watching u12 boys? You should have been.

As promised, training attendees and early arrivals influenced the starting line up. In goal the leading player of the match Lucie, a back two of Kate and Ellie, a midfield three of Kiera, Lily and Elia and a striking one of Caitlin. On the bench were Rebecca, Emma, Emma's dog and fresh from her sleepover, Lauren.

A bad start to the game within seconds when a defensive mix up allowed Greenleas to nick the ball into the net. Heads shaken. Heads down. At least there's an hour to pull it back. However Caitlin soon sorted it going on a run and shooting past the 'keeper. 1-1. Game on.

Waverton had chance after chance. Elia was lively but couldn't score and Lauren had a great run and was inches away from connecting with what would have been a certain goal. Ellie too had a great run and shot. They scored again but so did Caitlin. 2-2 at half time.

In the second half the game was again very even. Greenleas defended well, with the goalkeeper making some fine saves. Lily was being very tricky and setting up chances. Keira was weaving this way and that way but needed some more options. Elia had a great shot from a corner, a shot that just flew over the bar but had it been 6 inches lower would have been goal of the season.. Rebecca went so close after a great run down the left. She deserves a goal as she gives everything and does it with a smile. Ellie turned another corner just wide with a great shot on the turn. Lily delivered some great corners and Caitlin was unlucky not to get a hatrick.

At the back Emma was excellent and back to her old form. On one occasion she stopped the ball going out in her own half, turned, beat the on rushing defender and set up a great pass down the wing. If that had been a Premier League move, they'd have been talking about it for ages. Not so good was the shot back to goal near the end which would have meant a quiet ride home in the car for Emma and her Dad.

Kate again learnt very well and made some good interceptions. Lucie was her usual, brave and agile self and her goal kicks are now first class.

It could have gone either way at the end, but for any of the girls to finish up as losers would have been unjust. A great advert for girls football. Well done everyone.

Player of the match - Lucie (5th time this season) and for Greenleas , Rachael Hall for her equally great goalkeeping display.

Thanks to Mark and Robin for their help with the goals and to Marissa and the others for their offers of help. Thanks to Ali for reffing a good game.

No training on Monday as Mike has to redo his FA first aid. Next game is at Waverton next Saturday v Irby. ko time to be confirmed.

Greenleas at Waverton on Saturday

2011-03-15T22:57:00.006Z

Well, we have a new training game - the Wavo Wall. Ask Kate all about it and get yourself down to training. Skill, strength, endurance, agility, eye-foot co-ordination, oh yes indeed its all there.

This Saturday we welcome Greenleas down to Waverton for the game rearranged because of the bad weather earlier in the season. Kick off is 9:30. All players are asked to meet there by 9:10 for a warm up. Starting preferences given to training attendees and early arrivals!

Help is required from parents with setting up and taking down, especially as Mike has to disappear down south on a scouting mission straight at the end of the game. Help from 8:45 will be appreciated.

Can all players please confirm availability by texting 07901552261 or signing in on the right?

Come on Waverton, we can do it!

Sticky pitch, sticky patch.

2011-03-12T15:23:00.005Z

Upton Rangers 9 - AFC Waverton 0

A disappointing result which, just like at Irby last week, didn't reflect the play in the game. For the first 15 minutes we were holding our own, but the Upton attack picked up on a loose ball, ran through and bang 1-0.

9 Waverton girls turned up on time ready for action sporting a mix of tights, hoodies, gloves and headbands. And that was just the parents.

On a sticky pitch (Mike this pitch is awful we can't play on this came the comments during the warm up) the team lined up: Lucie the cat, Emma and Ellie at the back, Lauren, Lily and Kiera in midfield and Elia up front.

The first 15 mins was very even until that first goal. Then Emma unfortunately handled in the box protecting herself from a shot, which resulted in a penalty and Lucie had no chance as the spot kick was hammered home down the middle. Waverton heads were down. Upton's were up. Kiera went close, Elia went close, but we couldn't score. 6-0 at half time.

In the second half Waverton again held their own without getting the vital goal. For the first part there were no goals scored but Waverton had the chances. Lily and Kiera produced some good neat passing work and Kiera's pass found Lily running through but her shot was just saved by the 'keeper. Elia also had a good chance and Lily delivered a couple of excellent crosses which nobody could meet. Rebecca was her usual busy self and Ellie too ran and ran. Emma defended well (and she and Ellie are getting very good with our attacking throw ins) and Lauren did very well and nearly scored. That would have been great. Kate learnt a great deal at the back alongside Emma. The final Upton goal was a great header from a corner, the goal of the game. Lucie once again made so many brave saves. She's a star.

Heads up girls.

Thanks to all who turned up early enough for us to have a good warm up which definitely paid off in our start to the game. Training at the gym 7-8 on Monday. Two home games now for the rest of March, Greenleas and Irby.

MOM for Waverton - Kiera Berry - for Upton Isobel

Upton away on Saturday

2011-03-09T20:33:00.004Z

This Saturday we are on our travels again, making the journey up to Overchurch School to play Upton Rangers.

All players are needed. Please meet there at 10:40 so we can have a decent warm up. Anybody who needs a lift please let Mike know on 07901552261.

Directions to Overchurch School:

Take the M53 to J2 and follow the link road (Moreton Spur) off the motorway to the left. Come off at the first junction and head left. This is Moreton Road. Keep on this road for about 300m when a school appears on the left. This is Overchurch School. Pull into the school entrance and park in the car park. The field is at the back of the school.

Big pitch, big goals, big hearts.

2011-03-05T14:19:00.006Z

Irby 7 - AFC Waverton 2

The girls were down to the hardcore seven today as a result of family commitments and a late night with an indie band. Didn't have this in the u12s. They were all tucked up in bed by 8:30.

With Lucie lost on the Wirral, at 11am there were only six in the warm up at Irby Mill. Caitlin talked of 'dynamic stretches' but Kiera said 'we'll do static stretches'. Top sports science debates for this team.

Fortunately Lucie made it just in time for the kick off. So the seven on show were the still puffing Lucie, Lily and Emma at the back, Kiera in the middle with Ellie and new goal machine Rebecca alongside and Caitlin leading the line up front.

The pitch was big. The goals were big. All pointing to a high scoring game and lots of action for our Lucie. From the start the girls looked comfortable and could have taken the lead. It was however the home side who took got in front and increased it to 4-0 by half time. This was undeserved as Waverton had played really well, taking nothing away from Irby of course.

Rebecca should have scored at the far post from a cross from the right. Oooh so close. Caitlin hit the post, rather her shot did. Ellie was unlucky with a run down the right that hit the side netting. Shots went wide but mainly straight at the excellent home 'keeper, just when one into the corner would have been a certain goal.

Straight from the restart, Waverton grabbed the game by the scruff of its neck. Straight from the kick off Caitlin ran all the way through from the centre and blasted the ball into the top corner. Her dad had offered her £20 for a hatrick. She should have offered the Irby 'keeper a fiver and job done.

4-1 and back in it. Irby scored again though but Ellie then thumped home a great shot from a narrow angle following a Kiera free kick. The home side grabbed a couple of other goals where Lucie stopped the ball hitting the net, but not crossing the line. Hard luck Lucie.

The only pumped up Irby ball owned was kicked into a neighbouring garden and the referee asked to borrow the Waverton ball. Don't you dare lose that one. We started with 12 balls this season and now only have 8. A Caitlin corner whizzed along the goal line and the in rushing Emma was very unlucky not to get the touch to score in successive games. A thumping Caitin free kick was well saved by Mackenzie Allen and her delight in saving it brought the best smile of the day.

With no subs to put on, the Waverton girls had tired after a full hours running. Emma was dead on her feet and struggling with a sore hamstring and Kiera, Caitlin and Ellie not far behind in the tired stakes. Water was called for. Water was given. We could have done with the fresh player. Rebecca hassled players three times her size. Lily ran and ran in both defence and midfield and Lucie was as brave as always. We got the short kicks right and used them to attack down the wide wide plains of Irby with Emma doing this job brilliantly.

The scoreline didn't reflect the game, but Irby did well. Waverton though played very well and had at least as much possession as the home side. Being a bit more clinical in front of goal would have brought us a hatful of goals. Well done girls.

We'll meet Irby again in three weeks at Waverton, following two games against Upton and Greenleas. This could be a good month for football.

Player of the match - Lucie (5th time this season) and for Irby, Mackenzie Allen

Training at the school 7-8 on Monday. See you there.

Irby away on Saturday

2011-02-28T21:57:00.010Z

Update Friday morning - Elia and Laura unavailable.Caitlin, Lily, Ellie, Emma, Rebecca, Lucie and Kiera have confirmed availabily.

Thanks to the girls who came down to training tonight. Well done Ellie who just beat Elia in the points scores in the 3 a side challenge.

The March fixtures came out tonight and we have been given an away game against Irby on Saturday with an 11:00 kick off. The game is at Irby Mill on Mill Hill Road in Irby Wirral.

Take the M53 to the Arrowe Park junction (Junction 3).

Turn left and go up to the roundabout at the top by the Arrowe Park pub. Turn left and go past Landican cemetery to a roundabout. Turn right and then soon after, opposite a block of flats, look to turn off right again along Thingwall Road towards Irby. Go along that road all the way (1 mile), and just after passing The Shippons pub you'll reach a T junction. Turn right go past the Anchor Pub on the left (starting to see a pattern here?) and then immediately right again into Manor Road. Then left at the end onto Mill Hill Road and then soon after right into the car park. If lost call 07901552261 and you'll be talked in.

The Saturday after we travel to Upton Rangers in the game that was postponed on the opening day of the season because of a downpour, before we welcome Greenleas to Waverton. At the end of the month we have the return game against Irby.

Remember to follow us on Twitter if you want up to date messages. @afcwaverton

Training resumes this Monday

2011-02-27T19:33:00.004Z

Hope everyone has enjoyed their half term break.

Training starts again this Monday evening at the High School gym, 7-8, cost £2 per player. If unable to make it, please let Mike know on 07901552261. The gym costs us £24 per session with the club making up the difference between subs and the hire cost. If we are only going to get a very small number down, we'll cancel and save our money.

March fixtures are not out yet, so we don't know who our opponents are for this Saturday, or when and where we play. As soon as we know, we'll put it on here.

There must be some people on Twitter who want to follow us @afcwaverton

Game v Wirral Hawks Girls in the cup this Saturday

2011-02-16T20:18:00.003Z

This Saturday we are away in the second round of the Cup at Wirral Hawks Girls. The game will be at Sloping Pitch Park (known as Victoria Park) in Birkenhead. Directions below. Kick off is at 9:30, please meet there at 9:10 at the latest.

Heather will be in charge of the team. If any wants lifts let Mike know on 07901552261.

The team is: Lucie, Emma (yippee she's back), Laura, Kate, Lauren, Rebecca and Kiera.

Have a good game. Emma will be Captain.

No game on Sat 26. No training Monday 21. Next training Mon 28 7pm at the school. Next game Sat 5 March.

Social networking

2011-02-12T12:42:00.008Z

AFC Waverton 2 - Manor Bullets something beyond 10.

The pitch was declared playable despite the overnight rain. With Robin the net putting up maestro on decorating duties, the setting up took a little longer than normal. The teams eventually lined up 15 mins late after a team effort to connect 2 sets of 18 plastic tubes and two string nets. Thankfully Ali the ref joined in to help as did the bloke who just went out to get a paper and his dog.

So facing the mighty Manor were Lucie in the carefully erected nets, Laura and Kate at the back, Ellie the game controller in the centre of midfield with Lily and Rebecca alongside and the tricky Elia up front on a goal mission. Lauren lost the dib dab dib dab you are out selection process (don't ask I didn't get it either), and started as the super sub. Kiera was suffering from tonsilitis but still came down to support the team. What a star. Odd to see her so quiet though.

Right from the start the Bullets were buzzin. Lucie was forced into getting dirty early and showed her bravery in diving at the feet of onrushing red people. And then they scored, carving through us like a knife through butter. And then another one. Come on Waverton lets play in the other half.

Gradually though Waverton got forward more and more and from a Lily corner, Rebecca popped up to poke the ball home. First goal of the season for her and so well deserved after her efforts all year. The smile on her face was as wide as Mersey. Ellie had a great run through the centre and one on one with the goalie, just hit her shot wide of the left post.

Elia was our best outfield player and showed some really great tricks, at one point turning two of the Bullets players in one move.

At half time the Bullets were easily dominating but in the second, as often happens, the Waverton girls came out fighting. Elia was superb, battling all the way through. Lily dropped into defence and added some experience and strength as well as a good outlet for short goal kicks for Lucie. Lucie made an absolute first class save although she didn't know much about it as the ball hit her in the face. This girl is so brave and as hard as nails. She just got on with it.

Laura made some excellent interventions and gained in confidence as the game went on. Kate too learnt more and more and made some very important tackles. Lauren never stopped running and showed how much she is improving. A great move from our defence on the left led to Elia getting the ball to Ellie who shot home. A great team goal. Soon after Ellie had an absolute rocket of a shot from outside of the box, which was whiskers away from going in.

The game may have been lost, but this team keeps battling. There was some excellent football played, just look at the two goals and the two other Ellie efforts. Elia too showed her skills and looked a class act. She threw herself into some tackles and well deserved her player of the match award.

The girls should feel proud of themselves, especially since they were without Emma, Caitlin and Kiera and both Ellie and Lily were not feeling 100%.

Training this Monday at 7. Then we will have a break from training until Monday Feb 28.

Next Saturday we are away in the cup to Wirral Hawks Girls at Sloping Pitch Park in Birkenhead. Mike will not be there, but Heather will. Some of the girls are away with it being half term including Ellie and Lily. Please let Mike know ASAP of your availability. So far we only have: Lucie, Kiera. Laura and Rebecca. Elia is doubtful. Emma may be available depending on how training goes this week. We need to hear from Caitlin, Lauren and Kate but we will need all three.

Anyone on Twitter want tweets of news? afcwaverton are on Twitter just for the u14 girls. Follow us! @afcwaverton

Manor Bullets game at home this Saturday - KO NOW 9:30

2011-02-06T22:04:00.006Z

We have brought forward the Manor Bullets home game scheduled for Feb 26 to this Saturday 12 Feb. This is because neither club had a game this Saturday and the 26 is half term when we will struggle for players. Kick off will now be 9:30 at Waverton. Please let Mike know ASAP if not available.

Help is especially needed with setting up this week as neither Lucies, Emmas, or Caitlin's dad will be there. Help from 8:45 appreciated. Girls to meet by 9:10.

Training is on Monday night at the school. The lighter evenings are coming though, and we'll be back outside in 6 weeks or so.

On 19 February we play Wirral Hawks Ladies away in the cup. Kick off is 9:30 at Victoria Park Birkenhead. Oh yes the sloping pitch. Mike is away, Heather will be there. Please let Mike know asap re availability. If we don't have enough players, we'll have to call it off. If we call it off too late, the game will be awarded to Wirral Hawks, so please let us know.

Emma is the first player in our profile series, read it all below.

Emma

2011-02-05T18:24:00.004Z

Emma is still out of action after injuring her ankle in training in November. She came back to play in a match in January but the ankle immediately caused her a problem and she came off after a few minutes. Emma is very keen to get back playing but is having to follow exercises and treatment from her doctor. She hopes to be back playing with us in a few weeks. How we have missed her.

In the meantime we have asked Emma to kick off our little player profiles and we asked her some questions. Everyone will get a turn!

Emma joined the club in 2008 and is now into her third season with us. She previously played for Vicars Cross and came to Waverton with her friend Meg who stayed with us for the successful 2008/9 season with the u12s and both players were instrumental in winning the Presidents Cup in June 2009. Emma has come on very well over the last couple of seasons and now is the rock of the defence and is always encouraging the girls on. She's absolutely sick not to be able to playing at the moment and can't wait to get back. We've missed the cries of 'Dot' from her dad on the touchline. I think its a long story.

How long have you been playing football for?

Since I was 6

How did you get into football?

My uncle got me into it.

Why did you join Waverton?

We joined the club because we used to play against them when we were at Vicars Cross and we knew they were a good team with good players (strange that she didn't mention good coaches, she must have forgotten)

What is your favourite position?

Right side of defence

What is the best goal that you have ever scored?

It was a goal that I scored last season, a volley from just outside of the box.

What do you have for breakfast on match days?

I have chocolate spread, but perhaps I shouldn't.

Who is the maddest player at Waverton?

Kiera. She's completely mad but a brilliant player at the same time.

Game v Ridgewood Rangers this Saturday OFF

2011-02-01T12:56:00.005Z

UPDATE - GAME OFF ON SATURDAY AS RIDGEWOOD CAN'T GET ENOUGH PLAYERS TOGETHER BECAUSE OF A CROSS COUNTRY EVENT. WE'VE DECIDED NOT TO TRAIN THIS SATURDAY BECAUSE OF THE GOOD ATTENDANCES AT MONDAY TRAINING BUT WILL PROBABLY TRAIN ON SAT 12 FEB AT UPTON. MORE INFO LATER

The February fixtures finally spilled out of the Wallasey League's 20 year old computer this morning and threw up an away game for us on Saturday. The good news is that is against Ridgewood Rangers, a great little team well managed by Graham Moore. The downside is that it is a 12:30 kick off in Pensby on the Wirral.

We can offer lifts, but need to know as a matter of urgency if any of the players will not be able to make it. We have no control over the kick off times for away games and it is disappointing that once again the fixtures have come out so late. However, as my boss used to say everytime he realised he'd made a mistake, 'we are where we are', and so we have to live with this for the moment.

We have no game planned for 12 February but games for the 19 and 26, both Saturdays either side of half term week. We have some difficulties with coaching cover then, but again can you please let Mike know of your availability for those Saturdays.

Looking ahead we are considering entering the Sandbach Girls Tournament on 21 May. More details later but it looks like a good one.

Frozen off

2011-01-29T10:14:00.004Z

The Birkenhead Youth game has been called off and we apologise to those who had set off.

Given the frost in Chester we checked with the manager at 8am as to whether the Delph would be playable. He advised that he thought it would be but would go down. At 8:15 we called off the u12s game at Waverton because of the frost to stop the other team from travelling from the Wirral. At 8:30 we set off and then at 8:50 we got the apologetic call from the Birkenhead manager to say the Delph was unplayable because of the frost. We believe that a decision should have been taken earlier, as we had done with our pitches, but there was nothing we could do about it. We managed to contact everyone en route but still we should have known earlier.

The February fixtures are still not known, again another disappointing position which makes it very difficult for us to find a referee and book the pitch, let alone for the parents and girls to make plans. We will have a game somewhere next Saturday.

Enjoy the weekend. See everyone at training on Monday.

Coming up on the website soon - player profiles.

Birkenhead Youth game this Saturday

2011-01-27T20:52:00.004Z

The final game of the month sees us head up to Wallasey to play Birkenhead Youth. Kick off is 9:30 at the Delph. Can all girls please meet there by 9:10?

We do not have any subs as Kiera and Lucie are away this weekend, Caitlin is not available and Emma is still another month off returning to match action. So the team will be Lily, Laura, Lauren, Kate, Elia, Rebecca, and Ellie. Please confirm on the poll on the right that you are available. Please let Mike know straight away on 07901552261 if not available or if anyone needs a lift.

Directions to the Delph:

Take M53 to end following signs for 'All Docks' not Liverpool (DO NOT GO DOWN THE TUNNEL ENTRANCE). Follow link road down to roundabout making sure you get in the right hand lane signedposted 'Docks', as the left one takes you back down to the Tunnel entrance. Turn left at the roundabout following signs to Wallasey (just in front of the big Tate and Lyle tank). This is Mill Lane. Go straight through lights at the Pool Inn pub (on the right) and follow road over the M53/tunnel link road below to Liscard Village centre. Follow the one way road system left then get in the right hand lane to head right at the junction following a sign for New Brighton.

Keep straight on through the shopping area and onto Rake Lane following the New Brighton B5143 signs. Go past the Liscard Chippy and the Vauxhall Garage. The Delph is behind the houses on the right soon after the Vauxhall Garage. Park on the main road just before New Brighton Bowling/Cricket Club and take the path on the right hand side of the road through to the Delph. If you get to the Cemetery, you've gone too far. If lost call 07901552261.

Well done against Greenleas Celtic/training on/away on this Saturday

2011-01-24T07:36:00.003Z

Well done everyone for a great first half performance against what is arguably the best team in the League. Lots of chances.

Training at the school gym tonight 7-8.

We are away this Saturday to Birkenhead Youth. More details later in the week.

Game v Greenleas Celtic on Saturday

2011-01-19T21:24:00.003Z

We are back in League action this Saturday when we welcome Greenleas Celtic down to Waverton. Kick off is 9:30 and all girls are asked to be at the field by 9:10 at the latest.

Help will be required from parents to get the pitch set up. Mike is away and Heather will be in charge. Please let Mike know on 07901552261 if anybody cannot make it.

Greenleas Celtic are a good team, but then we seem to be playing all the good teams recently.

Will Lucie get yet another MOM award? Will Caitlin score a hatrick? Will Ellie score another cracking goal? Will Rebecca get on the score sheet? Will Kiera put in another captain's performance? Will Elia be dead tricky? Will Laura make those important defensice interceptions? Will Lauren keep smiling? Will Kate make it?

Have a good game and enjoy it!

Training on tonight

2011-01-17T09:52:00.001Z

Training is on tonight - 7-8 at the High School gym. See you there.

Thanks to the girls who came down on Saturday.

Saturday training?/5 a side v u16s?

2011-01-12T22:29:00.003Z

UPDATE - TRAINING IS ON - 10-11 AT UPTON COUNTY OFFICERS

CONFIRMED - LILY, LUCIE, REBECCA, KIERA, ELIA, LAURA, ELIA

We are seeing who is interested in a training session this Saturday morning at Upton. Please let Mike know asap - thanks to those already confirmed.

Its possible we might take on the u16s there in a short 5 a side game if their cup game is called off. We'll wait and see how many we get and what happens to their game.

Keep an eye on this page!

Training tonight is on

2011-01-10T13:40:00.001Z

Christleton High School has confirmed that the gym will be open for us tonight, so training is on 7-8.

See everyone there.

Stuck in the middle with you

2011-01-08T18:49:00.005Z

2011 got off to a muddy start at Waverton with the visit of Wirral Hawks Ladies to a heavy Queens Field. The pitch was shortened to avoid the boggy areas meaning the game would be tight with plenty of goalscoring chances. No surprise therefore that Lucie won player of the match for her goal-keeping exploits.

With Lily away with school and Kate AWOL, the squad was 9 strong. With Lauren and Ellie volunteering to start as subs, the starting team was Lucie in the nets, the returning Emma and Laura in defence, Kiera, Elia and Rebecca in the middle and Caitlin up front.

It was great to see Emma back after her injury but the poor girl didn't last very long and sadly hobbled off after a few minutes with her ankle hurting her. Ellie came into the defence alongside Laura. Elia came off soon after and Lauren went into midfield.

The Hawks dominated the first half and scored some good goals. Lucie made some fantastic saves and Caitlin scored a great goal at 2-0, but at half time the goal advantage to the Wirral outfit was clear.

In the second half though things were much better for Waverton and much more evenly balanced. We played some good football on a tricky pitch and scored two great goals from Caitlin and one from a run from Ellie down the left from where she then cut in a slipped the ball into the net. Elia was unlucky not to score, likewise Kiera who had a great game, and there were other chances. At the other end, Lucie was so brave in diving at the feet of the on rushing Hawkites. Laura grew in confidence in the second half, Rebecca was always buzzing, Lauren did really well again and is such a great team member in encouraging and supporting the rest, and Caitlin could have had a bagful of goals today.

Not so bad as the scoreline suggests. Indeed the second half was a very good display and quite even.

MOM - Lucie - excellent goalkeeping and well deserved.

thanks to:

All of the girls who came on a cold wet day and never gave up right up until the end
The parents who all helped with setting up and taking down - much appreciated. This morning wasn't helped by finding the combination lock for the store had been replaced by a key lock and a frantic set of calls to find out who had a key. Thanks Robin for dashing off to collect one from Littleton, without it we'd have been completely stuck.

Kiera - I have your elastic band thing

Emma - so sorry that your ankle went again. I'm sure with rest it'll get better properly and you'll be back playing with your usual commitment and effort. We've missed you.

Training - a few of the parents and girls said at the end they'd like a training session next Saturday when we have no game. We'll try to get a pitch at Upton.

Game on

2011-01-08T08:20:00.002Z

This morning's game v Wirral Hawks is on. Girls please meet 9:10 at the latest. Help required with set up from 9.

Confirmed players: Lucie, Laura, Lauren, Caitlin, Ellie, Emma, Rebecca

Happy New Year - Back in action this Saturday!

2011-01-01T10:08:00.004Z

Happy New Year to all the girls and their families. May 2011 bring us lots of goals and laughs.

The January fixtures have just been published. We start 2011 with a home game against Wirral Hawks Ladies this Saturday (Jan 8) at 9:30. Then we do not have a game on 15 January as we have a bye in the cup. This means we are straight through to the second round! If every round was this easy. We will probably train that day or see if we can get a friendly. Then the following Saturday on 22 January we are at home to Greenleas Celtic. Mike is away so we'll have to sort out coaching cover. Finally we are away to Birkenhead Youth Ladies on Saturday 29 January with a 9:30 game at the Delph in Wallasey.

Emma is now fit and can't wait to get back into action. It'll be great to see her back playing again after her ankle injury.

Training will continue on Monday nights at the school gym from January 10 but we will need to seek a commitment from everyone who can to support it so the club doesn't have to keep subsidising it unduly. It costs us £24 a session and whilst the sponsorship we got last year can help subsidise it a little, we do need to have a good number of players down each week or know when people can't make it so we can cancel if there are only a few girls available. One of the January sessions will have to be cancelled as there is an exam and the gym is closed. We'll let you know.

Have a good Christmas

2010-12-18T22:12:00.007Z

Hope everyone enjoyed the Pizza night. Hope one day we will be allowed back. No names!

Best wishes for Christmas to all the girls and their families from Mike and Heather

Training this Sat anyone?/Pizzas

2010-12-06T22:09:00.004Z

UPDATE SAT - NO TRAINING THIS SATURDAY.

FINAL TRAINING FOR 2010 ON MONDAY.

Thanks to those who have confirmed their attendance at the Pizza night on 15 December. Can any others please let Mike know asap. 5:30 at Ring of Bells. Details and menus below.

No training this Saturday as not enough players have confirmed to make it viable.

Training next Monday then that is it till 2011.

Saturday training off/Monday training on/Pizzas

2010-12-03T21:12:00.007Z

All weather pitches eh? At Upton they aren't. The snow and ice has meant the training has also had to be cancelled so have a great weekend and we'll see everyone who can make it down in the nice warm gym on Monday evening.

We don't have any more games until 2011. Training will continue on Mondays for now. u16s challenge game is off because of their other commitments. Will be in New Year.

On Weds 15th December all of the girls teams are invited to the Ring of Bells for a 2 for 1 pizza special as a Christmas event. Please let Mike know if interested on 07901552261. 6pm start. Menu below.

Children

Kid’s Cheese & Tomato Pizza 4.25

Roasted Gammon, Fried Egg, Handcut Chips 4.95

Kids Fish & Chips 5.95

Penne Bolognese 4.25

Kid’s Roast (Sunday Only) 4.95

Kids Ham Sandwich 2.95

Kids Cheese & Ham or Tomato Toastie 2.95

Sandwiches

Served from 12 noon until 3pm Monday to Friday & 12 noon

until 6pm on Saturday & Sunday

All served with house coleslaw

Roast Beef, Horseradish, Rocket 5.95

Steak & Blue Cheese Melt on Ciabatta 6.50

The Bells’ Club Sandwich 6.50

Pork, Stilton & Chive Sausage 5.95

Toasted Buffalo Mozzarella, Tomato & Pesto Ciabatta 5.95

Prawn Marie Rose on Brown 5.95

Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese 6.50

Salsa Chicken & Smoked Cheddar Wrap 5.95

Roasted Med Veg & Feta Wrap 5.95

Desserts

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Ice Cream 5.25

Orange & Stem Ginger Crème Brulee 5.25

Rum n Raisin Cheesecake 5.25

Glazed Lemon Tart, Ice Cream, Berry Coulis 5.25

Bread & Butter Pudding & Vanilla Custard 5.25

The Bells’ Cheeseboard - Applewood Smoked Cheddar, Brie,

Stilton, Oatcakes & Seasonal Chutney 7.25

Sides

Hand Cut Chips 2.95

Bread & Olives 2.95

Savoy Cabbage & Bacon 2.95

Rocket & Parmesan Salad 2.95

The Bells’ House Salad 2.95

Coleslaw 1.25

Garlic Pizza Bread (add Mozzarella for 80p) 2.95

Roast Tomato & Flat Mushroom 2.50

Peppercorn Sauce 1.50

Sunday Roasts

Every Sunday from 12 noon

All served with Roast Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables & Gravy

Topside of Welsh Black Beef & Yorkshire Pudding 9.95

Guest Meat – Roast Lamb, Pork, Chicken or Turkey 9.95

Please ask your waiter or waitress for this week’s guest meat

The Bells Duo – Beef & Guest Meat 9.95

Vegetarian Nut Roast 7.95

Bar Snacks

Locally Made Pork Pie with Piccalilli 3.50

Battered Chicken Goujons, Sweet Chilli Dipping Sauce 3.50

½ Dozen Chicken Wings – Chinese or American Hot 3.95

Nacho’s, Sour Cream, Salsa, Grated Cheese 2.95

Bruschetta topped with Tomato Salsa & Fresh Basil 2.95

Starters

Soup of the Day 3.95

Prawn Cocktail 5.50

Traditional Smoked Salmon 6.95

Carpaccio of Finest Beef Fillet, Chilli Oil, Rocket, Parmesan 6.95

Ham Hock Terrine ‘En Presse’ with Pickled Red Cabbage & Truffle Oil Vinaigrette 6.95

Crab Tian, Chicory Salad 6.95

Chicken Liver Pate, Piccalilli, Toast 5.25

Goat’s Cheese & Med Veg Bruschetta with Pesto 5.95

The Bells’ Favourites

Beer Battered Haddock, Handcut Chips, Pea Puree & Tartare Sauce 11.95

The Bells’ Steakburger & Hand Cut Chips 9.95

Home Roasted Gammon Loin, Egg / Pineapple & Handcut Chips 10.95

The Bells’ Pie of the Day, Mash, Peas & Gravy 8.95

All our homemade pies are 2 4 1 every Monday

The Bells’ Caesar Salad (Griddled Chicken, Pancetta, Gem Lettuce,

Marinated Anchovies, Parmesan Shavings, Boiled Egg & Croutons) 10.50

Crispy Bacon, Spinach, Blue Cheese & Avocado Salad 8.50

Stockton & Stratton Steak 10oz Rump or 8oz Sirloin,

Handcut Chips, Peppercorn Sauce 16.95

* 25p from the sale of each Burger goes to Children Today, our chosen charity

Something Special

Butter Roasted Turkey Medallions, Smoked Cheddar Mash,

Savoy Cabbage, Thyme Jus 11.95

Gressingham Duck Breast, Roasted Leek & Butternut Squash,

Shitake Mushrooms 17.00

Gloucester Old Spot Pork Chop, Bubble & Squeak 13.50

Smoked Haddock & Leek Risotto, Crisp Parma Ham, Poached Egg 10.95

Moroccan Lamb Shank, Cous Cous 16.50

Pork, Stilton & Chive Sausages, Mustard Mash, Onion Gravy 9.95

Vegetable & Bean Tagine, Cous Cous 9.50

Stone Baked Pizza

Margherita - Tomato, Mozzarella, Fresh Basil 7.00

Cotto - Tomato, Mozzarella, Ham, Black Olives 7.95

Vedura - Tomato, Mozzarella, Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables 7.75

Salsa Chicken Pizza - Tomato, Mozzarella, Salsa Chicken,

Peppers, Onions, Chilli‘s 8.75

Piccante - Tomato, Mozzarella, Chorizo, Hot Chillis 8.75

Leigh’s Duck Pizza- Tomato, Mozzarella, Duck, Spring Onion,

Cucumber, Hoisin Sauce 8.95

Rustique - Tomato, Mozzarella, Parma Ham, Shaved Parmesan, Rocket 8.75

Polpetta - Tomato, Mozzarella, Meatballs, Peppers 8.75

Unico Specialico - Tomato, Mozzarella, Goats’ Cheese, Mixed Peppers,

Cherry Tomatoes & Rocket* 8.75

* Created by Beth Errington winner of the Ring O’ Bells & Christleton Primary School’s Pizza Idol competition

All our fantastic stone baked pizzas are 2 4 1 all day every Wednesday

Saturday's game off - training?

2010-12-01T21:29:00.002Z

We have tonight made a decision to call off Saturday's home game v Ridgewood Rangers. The pitch is very frozen and no immediate thaw is in sight. A thaw by Saturday would also make the ground very wet and so the club has decided to postpone the match. This is disappointing as we were looking forward to an even game against our friends from Ridgewood, but we hope you all appreciate the certainty.

If there is interest we will run a training session at Upton (10-11) if we can get it. We will however need to cover our costs (£17.50) so we need to have decent numbers down. Please sign in opposite or text Mike on 07901552261 asap.

Home game on Saturday v Ridgewood

2010-11-30T20:23:00.003Z

The Fixture Committee of the Wallasey Junior League finally finished their debating this afternoon and published the December fixtures. We have been given a home game this Saturday against Ridgewood (we can see Ellie going yeeeeeeeeeeeeees at last), ko time to be agreed. Mike has to be away early (scouting mission) so we are hoping for a 10:30 ko at the latest.

We have no game on 11 December as we were due to play Vicars Cross away who have withdrawn from the League and no game on 18 December. We might have a quick training session at Upton on one of these days if we have enough interest.

Keep watching this page

Shot with Bullets

2010-11-27T16:57:00.007Z

Manor Bullets 10+ AFC Waverton 0

Just one of those days. Don't worry about it. We'll come back and play better against better teams. The early goal deflated us before we had a kick and our heads went down straight away.

But look at how well Kate came on during the game especially during the second half. She learned a great deal and it was great to see her smiling at the end.

First game for Laura and she did really well despite not feeling well and being in bed all week. Kate and Laura in defence was something completely new and they both learnt much.

Lily was not well either and came off in the second half because she had a bad headache but her experience showed in the second period.

Lauren is learning and showed she is gaining confidence.

Rebecca was a buzz of energy and nearly scored and it was brilliant to see her automatically coming back to cover.

Lucie was dazzled by the sun in the first half but was superb in the second half.

Ellie was not her usual energetic self and Kiera was down due to the defeat, but she shouldn't be she was the player of the match and played some great passes forward.

Caitlin tried hard but couldn't find the net.

And Emma came to cheer everyone on. We missed her and Elia today!

MOM for Waverton - Kiera, for Manor Katie Beatty

Training this Monday - 7-8 at Christleton School.

Emma - get better soon/Late game v the Bullets Saturday

2010-11-21T16:33:00.012Z

UPDATE SATURDAY 10:45 - u12s GAME IS ON. JUST SPOKE TO PAUL FROM OUR U12S WHO SAYS THE PITCH IS PLAYABLE. NOT RUTTED AND WILL TAKE A STUD. OUR U12 PARENTS ARE OK WITH IT SO WE SHALL GO UP THERE AND PLAY! SO GAME ON.

Emma fell awkwardly on her ankle in training on Monday night and was in alot of pain. Her ankle is swollen and bruised but thankfully nothing broken and it is getting better. We all hope she is back playing football very soon.

On Saturday we have a late kick off with a game at 12:30 against Manor Bullets at Poulton Vic ground in Wallasey. Please let Mike know of any difficulty in being able to make this game. If anybody needs a lift please let Mike know asap. This will be Laura's debut for Waverton, so we wish her good luck.

We haven't played Manor Bullets since July 2009 when we met in the final of the Vicars Cross tournament at u12 level. This was the tournament when we went through our group and then beat Vicars Cross and a team from North Wales to reach the final, losing unluckily.

Our 12s are there for the game before us, so if arriving early cheer them on.

The ground is quite historic and was home to the famous Poulton Vics FC, a well known former West Cheshire League side. Poulton Vics was the strongest non league club on the Wirral at one point and current Chester FC manager Neil Young used to manage them.

Directions

Take the M53 to J1 and go past junction. Stay on the motorway and follow signs to All Docks A5139. Then immediately take slip road off to the left signed All Docks A5139. Move to right hand lane following signs to All Docks A5139. At roundabout turn left and then immediately right in Limekiln Lane (watch it as the turning is very soon after the roundabout). Follow this road passing the Tate and Lyle tanks on the right down to The Eagle Arms pub (you can't go past here it is no entry), turn left into Rankin Road, go down to the end and turn right onto Clayton Road and into the entrance to Poulton Vic ground. Postcode is CH44 5TB

If lost call Mike on 07901552261. If asking a local be careful they don't send you to the Poulton Vics social club which is by the roundabout you should have passed at the end of the M53.

Training this Monday

2010-11-14T19:10:00.008Z

Thanks to all the girls who came to Saturday's training at Upton.

The next training is this Monday 7-8 at Christleton School Gym. £2/player.

On Saturday from 10 to 11, we are having a squad session with the u12s and u16s at Old Hall Leisure on Aldford Road, Huntington. Address is Aldford Rd, Huntington, Chester, CH3 6EA.

Take the Farndon Road out of Huntington, go over the by pass and it will be found on the right hand side. Take the track down and we're on the the astroturf pitches. Wear trainers or hard ground (astro) boots. Cost £1/player. All girls are required to attend. We should have more than 25 girls there so we can show the others just how good the u14s are. Please let Mike know if you can't attend or need a lift.

Training this Saturday

2010-11-09T21:35:00.004Z

UPDATE - TRAINING VENUE CONFIRMED AT UPTON - COST £2/player

Overwhelming demand means that we will have a training session again this Saturday (13 November). It's great that so many of the girls want to play. Venue to be confirmed, but will probably be Upton again. We will update the website once this is confirmed. The session will be from 10-11.

Hey Ellie talk us through that attempted volley which resulted in missing the ball but your boot flying through the air!

See you there!

Greenleas game off/training instead- IMPORTANT

2010-11-05T17:19:00.000Z

We have this afternoon had to call off tomorrows game at home to Greenleas. The pitches are very wet and more rain forecast overnight means we had no real option.

We will however train instead and as the pitches are all unplayable we shall train on the AstroTurf at the County Officers Club at Upton from 10-11. There will be a charge of £2 per player to cover the cost of hire. Please wear trainers or Astro boots. See you there!

Game v Greenleas at home on Saturday

2010-11-02T20:56:00.003Z

Thanks to all the girls who came down on Monday for the first Winter training session of the season. We had a good work out. Ellie in the Sin Bin how many times?

Kiera and Rebecca were there in spirit and we are sorry you couldn't make it.

This Saturday we are playing Greenleas (we played the A team last Sat, now the B team this week) at home. Kick off is 11am. Please meet at 10:40 at the latest.

Help as always is required with set up and is much appreciated.

No training next Monday eve (8 November) as the gym is being used for an exam.

We have no game on 13 or 20 November. We propose to have a complete break on Saturday 13 but train with the whole Waverton girls squad (u12/14/16) on Saturday 20. There is some sort of community event going on in Waverton that day (bet Kiera is involved somehow) so we shall have to find somewhere else, but neither the u12s or u16s have a game and so we thought we have a squad morning.

See you Saturday!

Another kind of green

2010-10-30T22:00:00.006+01:00

Greenleas Celtic 10 - AFC Waverton 2

Oh dear. Disappointment. Heads up.

Ah well look at the positives-

Great goals from Elia and Caitlin
Great performance from Lucie again in goal
Some good defending and passing
Kate and Lauren coming on strong
Greenleas Celtic are a very good team and we have now played 3 of the top league teams in succession
Rebecca didn't get totally lost and miss all of the game
Emma's Dad didn't break his ankle when falling into the hole beside the pitch
It was sunny and the sea looked nice

What do we need to learn from today?

Need to tackle effectively even if the girls are bigger than us
Belief that we can win that 50-50 ball.

We'll work on these in training over the next couple of weeks.

Training this Monday (1 November) with Heather and Mike at Christleton School Gym (not the sports centre - go through the school entrance - call Mike on 07901552261 if uncertain) 7pm-8pm. Cost £2

Robbie is running u16s training on Weds at Old Hall Leisure 6-7 and any u14s who want to pop down to train with Robbie are welcome to. £2/session.

Game v Greenleas Celtic away on Saturday

2010-10-26T20:06:00.005+01:00

How's the half term going?

This Saturday we play Greenleas Celtic away at St Georges School in Wallasey with a 9:30 kick off. Come on girls, we'll bounce back from Saturdays disappointment. Play like we did on Saturday and we will do well this week.

Directions below. Don't go to the wrong school (there are two - it is Claremount Road) and be careful with those SatNavs they have caught people out on this one before for some reason.

Meet there at 9:10. Lifts offered as usual. Text or tel Mike on 07901552261. Please let us know if unavailable asap.

No training this week. Too flippin' dark. Indoor training with Heather and Mike starts on Monday 1 November at the Christleton School Gym, 7-8. £2 per session.



8.	Follow M53	19.0 mi
9.	At junction 1, take the A554 exit toWallasey/Birkenhead	0.2 mi
10.	At the roundabout, take the 1st exit ontoA554/N Wallasey Approach Rdheading toNew Brighton/Wallasey/A551 Continue to follow A554	1.0 mi
11.	Continue onto Bayswater Rd	0.3 mi
12.	Turn right at B5477/Harrison Dr Go past Windsors garage and turn left onto Grove Road.	0.4 mi
13.	Go past the Nelson pub and then a field on the right then turn into Claremount Road:	0.3 mi
14	Claremount Rd SCHOOL IS ON THE LEFT UP THE HILL. WE PARK ON CLAREMOUNT ROAD OR LYNDHURST ROAD JUST BEFORE THE SCHOOL ON THE LEFT

(I am always touched) by your presence dear

2010-10-23T11:56:00.012+01:00

AFC Waverton 2 - Birkenhead Youth Ladies 4

Something in my consciousness told me you'd appear
Now I'm always touched by your presence dear
You can read my hand, I've got no defence
When you sent your messages whispered loud and clear
I am always touched by your presence dear

We saw things today we'd never seen before. We heard things today we'd never heard before.

Great performance from the team today, but unlucky to lose to a physically strong side. Two brilliant goals from Ellie and some great play all round from everyone else. Well done to Kate for making her debut in a difficult match. Well done to Lucie for another MOM award.

It went black and the heavens opened just as we were setting up, forcing a race to the shelter of the lock up. A bad omen for a dark physical presence, which later came and stood beside us.

The Birkenhead Youth minibus got stuck in the rain (must have been some serious rain) on the M53 allowing more time for us to practise and more time for Emma and Ellie to hug the whole team again and again. This is a bit of a new thing isn't it?

With debutant Kate and the learning Lauren starting as subs, the team lined up in regular fashion. Lucie (who said she fancied getting muddy) in goal; Emma and Ellie at the back; Kiera in the centre of the middle with the Lilster and the Beckster outwide; and Elia up front.

A good start from the home side with some good pressure and Kiera was unlucky not to score. Then Elia too had a great chance and was unlucky not to open the account. Ellie though made sure when she got near goal with a great effort and that was it, we were 1-0 up. The dark presence amongst us said 'we're still in the van'.

And so that was how it continued. Waverton on top but the Yoofies looking like they could get one back. We have Lucie though and she doesn't let things go past her easily. Especially the ball.

Lauren replaced Elia who had run out of breath. Kate came on for her first game in 3 years. She looked to pass the ball to the twins, but realised after 5 minutes that they left the club years ago. Just stay in the centre we said. And so she did.

1-0 at half time. The dark presence was no longer with us. The game could be ours, or it could be lost. Guaranteed there would be more goals in the next 30 minutes.

At the start of the second half things were ok, but then after 5 mins a double disaster. Two goals within 3 minutes gave the Yoofies the lead. The first was a brilliant shot from the left which crashed into the top of the net past poor Lucie.

The yellow shirts came back though and Ellie ran through and chased a loose ball, just beating the 'keeper to it by a whisker whilst the whole field winced. Ellie's determination was fantastic and we were back in it at 2-3. The brave goalkeeper looked injured and Ellie checked up on her, but she was fine. Just a spot of the Ristey treatment.

Further efforts followed. Lily did really well to put over a decent cross from the right, Elia was unlucky, Kiera shot wide, Rebecca just couldn't connect, and Ellie shot too early. Somewhere in that lot we nearly scored from a corner too. Unlucky girls. Then the Yoofies go and score a fourth. Game over? Well not really but heads went down a bit. The chance had gone. It was ours for a few minutes but it went.

We have never seen players deliberately trying to block Lucie at corners in this League before, but we saw it today. She's too flippin' good you see. Instructions to block her had been sent out from the dark side and instructions must be obeyed. What is the FA's key message about Junior football coaching? 'Let the game be the teacher'. Quite.

MOM Lucie for Waverton, Charley Jo Williams for Birkenhead Youth. Apologies to Blondie.

Birkenhead Youth game this Saturday

2010-10-21T19:54:00.002+01:00

This Saturday we welcome Birkenhead Youth Ladies down to Waverton. Kick off is 9:30 and again help from parents with setting up the goals and pitch from 9:00 will be needed. The girls are asked to be there by 9:10 at the latest for a decent warm up.

Despite half term we will have a strong team out and welcome Kate for her first game for the Club since 2008.

Lets see if we can get back to winning ways. See you there!

Park Life

2010-10-16T13:31:00.004+01:00

Wirral Hawks Ladies 7 - AFC Waverton 0

Right that's it, we're not playing Wirral Hawks again. No way. Girls team, Ladies team, even their Old Age Persons team, not again. That's nothing against the Hawks players who are a good set of girls, nor Tommy and Glen who look after them and who we have a lot of time for, it's just that we do not get any luck. Don't do the lottery on the days we play them.

Anyway, back to the game. Nice sunny Autumn morning with nice views down across Victoria Park to the Mersey. The girls decided to use a novel warming up method. Play on the children's playground. Why bother stretching and jogging when you can swing on the monkey bars?

The team lined up with the ever impressive Lucie in goal and captain for the day; Ellie (wearing baby sized boots) and Emma at the back; Lily, Rebecca and Kiera in the middle; with the Wiltshire Wonder Caitlin up front. Elia and Lauren took their turns to start as subs this week.

Lucie won the toss and decided to kick up the slope for the first half. The team had decided that that was the best course of action hoping that the Hawks would be tired in the second half. Last season we decided the opposite hoping that we could bag a hatful in the first half and defend the lead in the second (that plan lasted 10 minutes).

And so the game kicked off with our girls kicking up the hill and it was all fine for a while. The trouble was that we couldn't get out of our own half and when we got the ball to Caitlin the support wasn't there. The Hawks got a goal and then another and then another. We had some great chances though and we tried to play the ball forward. Lily made a brilliant run and was given the ball from the left but was unable to beat the 'keeper. Elia had a definite penalty appeal when she was brilliantly through on the 'keeper but was brought down. The ref apologised that he didn't see it.

5-0 at half time but the advice was to press like mad for 10 minutes and try to get a goal back. The second idea was for Emma and Ellie to swap boots with Emma now wearing the size 2s.

The plan worked and we were awarded a penalty in the first few minutes of the restart following great pressure. Kiera bravely stepped up to take it but unfortunately hit her shot at the keeper. Kiera's head went down after that but she is an inspiration to the team and should let that miss affect her.

Lucie was in fine form again diving bravely at the feet of strikers and making a string of fine saves. Emma too was defending brilliantly making some last ditch tackles and setting off attacke with some great long throws. Rebecca was playing well in her wide position, making players twice her size uncomfortable with her persistence to win the ball.

Later Caitlin's bullet shot hit the post from a long way out with the keeper completely beaten. Ellie Riste had a couple of great runs from the back right into the heart of the opponents box but couldn't make her shots count and Caitlin on another break screwed her shot wide. Lauren put in an improved performance for only her second ever game and her enthusisam is infectious.

So we have to look forward to next week when we welcome Birkenhead Ladies (noooo nooo not another Ladies team) to Waverton for a 9:30 ko.

The final outdoor training session is this Wednesday 5:30-6:30 at Waverton with Heather.

See you there!

MOM - Kiera

Saturday at the Hawks

2010-10-11T20:14:00.008+01:00

We seem to be getting familar with Wirral Hawks since we play their 'Ladies' team this Saturday after playing their girls team last Saturday. Surely they don't really mean their "Ladies' team do they? I think we shall be checking out their player passports very carefully!

Saturdays game kicks off at 11. Meet at Victoria Park (oh no its the pitch with the huge slope!) in Birkenhead at 10:40. Lifts offered as usual. Directions below.

Caitlin should be back. Lily has recovered from being ill. Lauren is available but we haven't been able to sort out Kate or Molly's league registrations yet so they will not be eligible this week.

Victoria Park is a really nice park near to Tranmere Rovers ground.

One of those days

2010-10-09T13:47:00.003+01:00

AFC Waverton 2 - Wirral Hawks Girls 8

Ah well, it was just one of those days. After the drama of last Saturday against a very good Upton side, today's performance was low key. Goals from Kiera and Captain Ellie (brilliant header from a corner) couldn't stop a heavy home defeat. Well done Lucie for MOM for brilliant keeping and a special well done to Lauren playing her first ever football game and only given an hours notice to step in for the sick Lily. Well done all the girls!

Report to follow

Training Thursday/Game Sat

2010-10-05T20:58:00.002+01:00

Everybody recovered from Saturday?

Training is Thursday this week. 5:30-6:30 at Waverton.

We have another home game on Saturday when we welcome Wirral Hawks Girls to Waverton. Kick off again is 9:30 and all girls are asked to meet by 9:10 at the latest. The help of parents in setting up and taking down this season has been brilliant and we will need it again this Saturday. If helpers could get there about 8:45 that would be great.

Wow!

2010-10-02T11:26:00.007+01:00

AFC Waverton 7 - Upton JFC 7

Whatever happens this season, this game will be remembered as one of the best displays of the whole year as it had everything and was a brilliant advert for girls football. A win for either side would have been unjust given the effort, skill, bravery and determination put in by all of the girls on both sides.

Waverton lined up in a usual formation with Lucie in the nets; Kiera, Elia and Rebecca in the middle and Caitlin up front. Lily volunteered to start on the bench. Upton included former Wallasey League's player of the year Aira Templeman, who has played very well against us in the past.

A good start from the home side could have resulted in an early goal but it Upton who got the advantage when an unmarked player poked the ball past Lucie into the net. A great response from the home side though when immediately Elia equalised. The rest of the game was end to end stuff but in the second half Waverton took a clear advantage and looked to have the game sealed going up to 5-3 at one point. Lily scored a fantastic goal just after the interval, definite candidate for the goal of the season following great work from the team. Lily picked up the ball in the centre of midfield and hit a strong high shot into the net from way out. Her goal celebration was a joy to behold. Caitlin completed her hatrick with a lovely tap into the right corner at the end of another attack.

Upton had other ideas and not only came back to equalise, they nicked the lead with just minutes left to take it to 6-7 as the home side tired. Lucie made a brilliant save to keep another goal out and she is getting better and better every week.

With the clock ticking to full time, Caitlin picked up the ball wide left and tried to pass it beyond the defender. Caitlin though was taken out by the defender winning a free kick on the wide left. With Mike looking at the stopwatch and only seconds left, he sent all outfield players up into the attack, leaving two Upton players puzzled as they remained up front. Kiera took the kick and Ellie got onto the end of it and poked the ball home sending the home girls into celebration.

Great game. All played really well and the team is really geling together. The new girls Elia, Lucie and Rebecca are all improving so fast. Rebecca was excellent in putting herself around today and was very unlucky not to score. It's a great team and we have a great season to look forward to with one win, one draw and one defeat so far this campaign. We have Lauren, Molly and Kate to come into the squad as well.

Aira from Upton got hurt in a tackle and was taken to hospital afterwards but she was checked over and no damage was found. She'll need a rest for a couple of weeks but we hope to see her get back on the pitch as soon as possible.

Player of the match - for Waverton Kiera, and for Upton Emily Sullivan who had a great game wide on the right.

Training this Tursday instead of Wednesday. Apologies but it's to do with coaches availability. If you can't make it don't worry.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Well deserved.

Training Wednesday/Game at home Saturday/Half term already?

2010-09-26T21:09:00.008+01:00

Match report on Saturday's game against Wallasey Wanderers below this post. Lucie was man of the match but you all were very good.

Training this Wednesday, 5:30 - 6:30 at Waverton.

This Saturday we are at home to Upton FC. Kick off is 9:30. All girls please meet there at 9:10 at the latest so we can have a good warm up.

The October fixtures have now been released and are set out to the right of this post> . We have been given games on 23 Oct and 30 Oct which are half term weekends. Please let Mike know ASAP if you are away and cannot play on those dates. Thanks

Other news -

We hope to get a whole new kit. The existing one has been around since we started the girls team. Watch this space.

Training after half term will be in Christleton High School Gym on Mondays 7-8. It's been a nightmare trying to find somewhere and this the best we have been able to sort out that isn't too late and doesn't cost a fortune.

We'll take orders for Winter Training Tops now. Any player who would like one please see Mike. Cost is about £30.

See you all this week!

Some might say

2010-09-25T21:41:00.004+01:00

Wallasey Wanderers something - AFC Waverton 2

What is it about us, The Delph and September? Not a good mix.

Despite losing heavily this game was much more even than a cursory look at the score would have you believe. Indeed forgetting the goals for a moment, this was a fairly even game. Alright, it's a bit daft, but thats how it feels.

With Caitlin down south and Molly awaiting FA clearance (getting FA clearance for a Brazillian third division player would be easier than the red tape that is the Wallasey League - oops there's another £20 fine), the Waverton crew was 7 strong. In goal the impressive Lucie was up for it; Ellie and Emma, the two dependables, stood strong at the back; Lily, Kiera and Rebecca were the engine room in midfield; and Elia was the goal grabber up front.

Waverton started the brighter side and had a couple of shots that could have given us the lead, including a great chance from Elia. The home side scored one though and then another from a great flick on header. However, from a Wanderers goal kick, Kiera picked up the ball in the centre and ran straight at goal and let fly from the edge of the box. The ball zoomed past the 'keeper into the net and was a clear candidate for goal of the season. For that time we had 'em. We had 'em. Oh yes Capt Mainwaring we had 'em. Oh how they were worried.

With our girls trying to be here, there and everywhere, Wanderers took control and added to their lead. In the second half some great pressure resulted in an own goal for us.

Lucie was awesome and justified her player of the match award. The goals at the Delph were huge and Lucie showed just how great she is in pulling off some fantastic saves including bravely diving at the feet of on rushing players. Rebecca never stopped running and challenging all game and Elia showed how she is improving her way back into playing competitive football after a year out and was unlucky not to score. Elia also showed how she can tackle, with some crunching interceptions.

Ellie was brilliant and scared the living daylights out of some of her opponents with her tacking. Emma was so strong and well placed in defence and Lily too played superbly in defence when asked to drop back in the second half and was adept at passing the ball out to midfield. Kiera scored that brilliant goal and time after time showed her pallete of silky skills to dodge around players.

So girls, don't be down. You played very well, probably better than last week and remember Wallasey Wanderers are a good, strong, older and experienced side. They also had subs whereas we have to get our rests when the ball when out of play.

Heads up. Won one, lost one. Not a bad start to the season. Bring it on.

MOM Lucie for AFC Waverton, Georgia Fairclough for Wallasey Wanderers.

Wallasey Wanderers game details

2010-09-20T22:27:00.006+01:00

On Saturday we play Wallasey Wanderers away at the Delph in Wallasey. Ko is 9:30. Meet there at 9:10 for a warm up. We can offer lifts just let Mike know - 07901552261.

Wanderers are a decent side and we have some good games in the past with them. Still lets try to keep the winning run going!

Directions to the Delph:

Take M53 to end following signs for 'All Docks' not Liverpool (DO NOT GO DOWN THE TUNNEL ENTRANCE). Follow link road down to roundabout making sure you get in the right hand lane signedposted 'Docks', as the left one takes you back down to the Tunnel entrance. Turn left at the roundabout following signs to Wallasey (just in front of the big Tate and Lyle tank). This is Mill Lane. Go straight through lights at the Pool Inn pub (on the right) and follow road over the M53/tunnel link road below to Liscard Village centre. Follow the one way road system left then get in the right hand lane to head right at the junction following a sign for New Brighton.

Keep straight on through the shopping area and onto Rake Lane following the New Brighton B5143 signs. Go past the Liscard Chippy and the Vauxhall Garage. The Delph is behind the houses on the right soon after the Vauxhall Garage. Park on the main road just before New Brighton Bowling/Cricket Club and take the path on the right hand side of the road through to the Delph. If you get to the Cemetery, you've gone too far. If lost call 07901552261.

Magnificent Seven

2010-09-18T11:47:00.007+01:00

AFC Waverton 7 - Vicars Cross 1

The new season kicked off in style as the girls beat local rivals Vicars Cross 7-1 at Waverton. Caitlin signaled her intention to top the goalscorers league by sticking 4 in the net including a real screamer from way out. Ellie popped up from the back with 2 and Kiera finished off a great move to grab some of the glory too.

After their difficult Summer it was great to see 10 Vicars Cross girls turnout at the Queen Field. Waverton had 9 girls ready to do battle, a mixture of last years u14s, last year's u12s and a couple of old friends.

Lucie returned after a season off to keep goal and looked like she'd never been away, Ellie and Emma resumed their partnership in defence, Lily and Rebecca played alongside Captain Berry in midfield and Caitlin led the line. Elia and Molly started on the bench.

Waverton started brightly and camped in the visitors half. Caitlin and Rebecca had great chances to open the season account but the bar and fine heroics from the Vicars Cross 'keeper frustrated the home team. After about 10 minutes though the breakthrough came when Caitlin despatched a low shot into the corner. The visitors however soon got back into it, capitilising on a defensive mix up to put the ball past the grounded Lucie. 1-1 and all to play for.

The yellow shirts started to create a few more chances, although Vicars Cross always looked dangerous on the breakaway. Molly was replicating her u12s form and looked very lively on the left when she came on and Elia worked hard too in her first game for a year. Ellie got a goal from close range before Caitlin despatched a brilliant header from Kiera's corner into the net. A real bullet header and a great goal.

3-1 at half time and the girls were advised to play more of the same in the second half, play for each other, keep it simple and pass the ball between them. Elia moved up front to see if her tricky skills could produce a goal. Rebecca was battling very well in midfield.

The play was pretty much all Waverton and it was borne out as Caitlin and Ellie grabbed two more goals. Lily was putting some great passes through from midfield and it would be only a matter of time before more goals would come. Kiera finished off a great passing move to poke the ball into the corner of net before Caitlin finished off the scoring with a thunderbolt shot from distance which threatened to break the new Samba nets.

So well done girls. A great start to the season and as many of the spectators said, some great football played. It was great to welcome Elia and Lucie back and brilliant to see Rebecca and Molly coping very well with u14 level following the step up from last season. All looks well for a great season!

MOM - Caitlin, for Vicars Cross - Sian Roszich for great first half goal-keeping

Thanks to Robin, Mark, Rick, Lisa and John for the help with setting up and taking down. Much appreciated.

TRAINING THIS THURSDAY 5:30 INSTEAD OF WEDNESDAY - APOLOGIES - Heather is not available this weds.

Here's to next week!

Free Girls football courses

2010-09-18T08:08:00.001+01:00

HQ, the coaching company that Heather works for are running FREE football courses for girls. These are based on the Wirral and are starting soon. Anybody interested see Heather.

Girls Football Competitions

The HQ Coaching Centre are running weekly football competitions for girls only at two

centres across Wirral. Each week girls aged 11–16 yrs are invited to attend 2 hour ses-

sions where they will be coached football, play tournaments and will have the opportu-

nity to see how fast their shot is against other girls of similar ages.

The courses are FREE and run for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks, awards will be

given out to the players with the fastest shot at the Wallasey and Birkenhead Centres by a

female England player.

Birkenhead

Where: Birkenhead Youth Club, Watson St

When: Wednesdays Starts 22ndSeptember

Time: 5.30pm –7.30pm

Ages: 11 –16 years

Wallasey

Where: Leasowe Recreation Centre, Twickenham Drive

When: Tuesdays Starts 21st September

Time: 5.00pm –7.00pm

Ages: 11 –16 years

To add your name to the popular courses please ring 0151 632 4150

New signings/Training Weds /Vicars Cross Saturday

2010-09-12T09:32:00.003+01:00

Can we get started please?

Training this Wednesday with Heather. 5:30-6:30 on the Waverton field.

On Saturday we play Vicars Cross at home. kick off is 9:30. Please can everyone meet at Waverton at 9. This is our first Wallasey League encounter with Vicars Cross although we have played them many times at u12 level. It's great to see another Chester side in the Wallasey League which means we will have one easy away trip later in the season when we play them at the Rugby club. The Littleton girls can walk there!

We will need help to set up the pitch and goals for the game on Saturday. We cannot kick off on time if we don't have a support team to do this, so parents help will be very much needed.

Great news this week that we have almost secured the signings of three new players. Molly Attwoood played for our u12s with Rebecca last year and knows many of the girls. Jess Mort and Jade Dodd have also agreed to join us from Wirral Hawks and will bring experience and strength to our side. We'd like to welcome all three girls to the u14s team and a special welcome to Jade and Jess to AFC Waverton. We hope you all enjoy the season.

Training Weds/Game Sat/England Ladies Sunday

2010-09-05T18:06:00.006+01:00

STOP PRESS 10AM - GAME OFF

We heard at 9:55 that the game had been called off and spoke directly to the manager and the ref. The earlier game at Overchurch School had been abandoned because of a major downpour and he decided to call off the 11:00 game as well because of the water on the pitch. The Upton Manager described it as an absolute flood. Fortunately everyone was contacted just before they set off.

________________________________________________________

Great to see so many girls down for a good pre season workout on Saturday, including Caitlin and Ellie who had both travelled some distance to make it. Hope everyone enjoyed it. Training this Wednesday evening. 5:30-6:30 at Waverton with Heather.

On Saturday we play Upton Rangers away. Caitlin is unavailable. The game will take place at Overchurch School in Upton. Take the M53 to J2 and follow the link road (Moreton Spur) off the motorway to the left. Come off at the first junction and head left. This is Moreton Road. Keep on this road for about 300m when a school appears on the left. This is Overchurch School. Pull into the school entrance and park in the car park. The field is at the back of the school. Please meet there at 10:40 so we can warm up before the 11:00 ko.

We can offer lifts. Please let Mike (07901552261) know if anyone would like a lift there, back or both.

On Sunday evening England Ladies play Switzerland at Shrewsbury Town FC. As an FA Charter Standard club we get up to 25 complimentary tickets free. We are thinking of taking a trip there. Please let Mike know before Saturday if you are interested and are wanting a lift or offering a lift.

Ready for the season?

2010-09-04T07:51:00.002+01:00

Time to get out the Wirral A-Z and look forward to a few months of hope, anguish and frustration. And that's just the parents.

The season kicks off in anger next Saturday (11 September) when we travel up to Overchurch School to play Upton. We then meet our very local rivals Vicars Cross who have joined the Wallasey League for the first time. Many of the girls will know each other and we have had some great games against the Dynamoes at u12 level in the past, so that'll be one to really look forward to. The final September fixture sees us travelling up to the Delph to take on Wallasey Wanderers, a team who we had a fantastic encounter with back in March when we took the lead but lost very narrowly.

Our squad is now coming together and the girls who have been pre season training with Heather all look sharp. We welcome back Lucie and Elia, two great players from the season before last plus Rebecca who starred for the u12s last year and who has been around the girls set up at the club since the start. Caitlin, Emma, Kiera, Ellie and Lily all remain from last years u14s and so we have lots of experience. We hope to ~~twist a few arms~~ persuade some more girls to join us and will be going into Christleton, Bishops and maybe Upton high schools in the next few weeks.

We will continue to train at Waverton until mid October from 5:30-6:30 which Heather will take. We have been trying to find a suitable venue for the winter and provisionally have Christleton Sports Centre Hall booked 7-8 on a Tuesday. We will be talking to parents about this as we need commitment as there is a cost of hiring the Hall which we have to pay for. So please let us know whether this is something you can support both time and a cost of maybe £2/£2.50 a week.

Training Thursday and Saturday/Mums v Girls game

2010-08-31T21:33:00.004+01:00

We have moved training from this Wednesday to Thursday. Meet at Waverton at 5:30 for an hour's session with Heather. Don't worry if you can't make it because..............

We will also train at Waverton on Saturday morning. Meet at 10am for an hour's training, followed by a Mums v Girls game if we can get enough players. Heather will play for the mums. Lisa Berry is Captain.

Come on girls you've been challenged! Mums come down and join in the fun. Trainers ok. No high heels or walking boots.

No training this week

2010-08-24T21:48:00.002+01:00

No training this week as Heather is unavailable on Weds and a number of girls are away this week on other days.

So we'll see you all next week fingers crossed.

Pre season underway

2010-08-18T21:41:00.002+01:00

Pre season training started tonight at Waverton. Thanks to Lily, Kiera, Rebecca and Ellie for coming. We'll be there every Wednesday at 5:30 for the next few weeks so we hope to see a few more down soon.

The League has confirmed our registration. Our League season kicks off on Saturday September 11. The fixtures for September will be out next week and as soon as we get them, we'll put them on here.

We hope to get a pre-season game fixed up for early September and a Mums v Girls game too.

The club has been awarded an FA grant to form links with local schools to get new girls into football. From September we will be running after school sessions in Christleton High, Bishops and hopefully Upton, and in Waverton and Christleton primary schools. We need more squad players so encourage your friends to come and join us!

Pre-season training starts this Wednesday (18 August)

2010-08-15T10:29:00.002+01:00

Time to get out the football training kit and get into shape for the new season!

Pre season training will start this Wednesday. Meet at Waverton at 5:30 prompt for an hour's session with Heather.

Training for now will continue every Wednesday evening at 5:30 on the field.

See everyone there!

Pre season starts Wed 18 August- need to register

2010-07-26T07:18:00.004+01:00

Pre season training will start on Wednesday August 18 at 5:30 on the field at Waverton. Be ready for an enjoyable session with Heather!

We need to get everyone registered for the club and the Wallasey League as a matter of urgency otherwise we are in danger of not being able to take part in the September fixtures. All the u12s and u16s are registered. So far we only have 3 players registered. Please see earlier message for details or call/text Mike on 07901552261.

Bowling for Pizza

2010-07-12T19:38:00.007+01:00

Hope all the girls who turned up on Friday enjoyed the end of season night out.

Star of the bowling was Nicola who obviously was used to knocking down the pins. Funniest moment goes to Kiera when she went to bowl but it spun backwards and ended up heading away from the lane.

We need to get all of the u14s signed up for next season - Lily, Emma, Kiera, Caitlin and Ellie R.

You will need to:

1 Complete an AFC Waverton registration form (available on this website via the homepage) and forward to Mike with a cheque for the amount

2 Complete a Wallasey League registration form (the pink form from Mike). This will need to be returned to Mike with 2 passport photos.

Any problems give Mike a call on 07901552261.

End of season night out - this Friday (July 9)- details

2010-07-05T20:55:00.003+01:00

The end of season night out has been confirmed for this Friday.

It will be at Cheshire Oaks and will be a bowling followed by a pizza or whatever at Frankie and Bennys. Meet 6:30 at Ten Pin Cheshire Oaks, pick up 9:30 at Frankie and Bennys.

All girls are going with exception of Caitlin who can't make it. We have two games of bowling each. Heather says she'll beat everyone. Cost to be finalised but in the order of £9 for bowling and then food.

If anybody requires a lift contact Mike on 07901552261.

End of season night out - Friday July 9

2010-06-27T12:18:00.003+01:00

The end of season night out is being planned for the evening of Friday July 9 and will be bowling followed by a pizza. Venue and times to be sorted out so watch this space.

Thanks to those who have confirmed, can others please do so asap - 07901552261.

Fantastic end to the season

2010-06-20T21:27:00.007+01:00

The Halas Hawks tournament turned out to be a fantastic end to the season, with the team losing only one of the group games and just missing out on the semi-final by one goal difference from Halas Hawks. Great football great weather, nice ground. Good way to spend a Sunday.

The girls were absolutely brilliant and drew praise from the manager of group winners Penn Colts who said we played great passing football and that in his view our players were better than those in Wolves Academy. Laura was in top form scoring three including the winner in the stressful final group game. Sadly though the second goal needed to take us above Halas Hawks B in goal difference just couldn't be found and the girls season drew to a close. Great day though and you should all be proud of what you have achieved today and all through the season.

The record was:

v Halas Hawks B - won 1-0 (Caitlin pen)

v Pershore Town A - won 2-0 (Laura 2)

v Penn Colts - lost 2-0

v Halas Hawks D - drew 0-0

v Netherton - won 1-0 (Laura)

So well done to all girls and a great way to end the season.

End of season night out coming up soon. Seems to be a view for bowling rather than Laser Quest and a Friday night. Watch this space.

Who left a pair of sunglasses on the field? Mike has them.

Tournament update - updated

2010-06-18T22:27:00.003+01:00

The confirmed team is:

Kiera, Lily, Ellie R, Laura, Emma, Caitlin.

Like Fabio I have no idea who will start in goal, nor will I be announcing the team more than two hours before kick off. Unlike England though, we will be able to pass to each other, run, look lively, and have a shot on target. We will also be bringing our own match ball full of Waverton air, so we will know exactly how it will perform.

Please meet there by 9am at the latest as this is when we have been told the u14s section starts. We have to hand in team sheet by 8:30. We have no details of the kick off times yet. Suggest that you leave Chester by 7. We should be finished by 1pm. The tournament is one of the biggest in the West Midlands.

All girls have said they can make their own way there. However, if anyone wants to share please let me know. Kiera grandad has 3 spaces as does Caitlin's dad.

We'll try and set up the AFC Waverton Team HQ as soon as possible.

Please wear full Waverton kit and bring wet weather tops too. We should be finished by lunch but bring some food and a drink. Refreshments will be available we understand.

It is a 5 a side tournament and rules are different to those operating in the 7 a side Wallasey League. Notably:

Only the goalkeeper is allowed in the area (it's a penalty if a defender goes in or goalkeepers ball if a striker goes in).
Goalkeepers must stay in their area at all times (except at the end of the game of course)
Goalkeepers must throw underarm only.
No back passing to goalkeeper
No corners - corners will thrown underarm
Throw ins - underarm only
No offsides
No head height rules (that is kick it as high into the Birmingham sky as you want)

Please let Mike know of any problems with anything - 07901552261.

Halesowen Tournament Sunday 20 June

2010-06-12T17:21:00.006+01:00

We have received some further details of next Sunday's tournament in Halesowen. It will take place at Old Halesonians Rugby Football Club on Wassell Grove Lane in Hagley. We've had a look on streetview and it looks a really nice ground in countryside.

The easiest way is to go via the M5 to Junction 3 and then take the A456 west towards Hagley. This is Manor Road. Keep on this road for a couple of miles and once you pass the country park on the right turn into Wassell Grove Lane and the club is 100 yards down on the right.

The bad news is it is an early start. Our age group is set to commence at 9am, but we are awaiting confirmation of the fixtures. Our team sheet has to be in at 8:30!. Our age group will finish by 1 so we'll be home mid/late afternoon.

Please let me (07901552261) know:

1 Who is intending to make their own way there and if so are you prepared to offer lifts?
2 Who needs a lift?
3 Whether you want to travel there on your own or meet at Waverton and travel together?

Further information and photos of the Halas Hawks girls teams are on: www.halashawks.co.uk.

UPDATE - SUNDAY 13 JUNE

Kiera - 3 spaces offered

Halas Hawks 5 a side tournament is all too much for one young player

Halas Hawks u14s - the host team

New Tournament confirmed

2010-06-05T04:00:00.002+01:00

We have now confirmed with Halas Hawks JFC that we can enter their tournament on 20 June in place of the cancelled Poynton sixes tournament. The event is a 5 a side tournament and is one of the biggest football tournaments in the West Midlands. It will take place at Halesown rugby club. More details to follow.

We can nominate a squad of up to 8 players. Confirmed players are:

Kiera
Laura
Lily
Emma
Ellie R
Caitlin

The date for the night out to be circulated this week.

Poynton Tournament cancelled/Alternative

2010-05-28T23:48:00.002+01:00

Bad news - Poynton JFC told us on Thursday 27 May that due to lack of entries the organisers had decided to cancel the Festival this year.

Good news - there is an alternative tournament in the West Midlands on the same day, Sunday 20 June. It is a combined u13/14 age group, is 5 a side and we can get there and back in a day. We'll contact everyone, but we think we should go for this. Views please to Mike on 07901552261 ASAP.

What happens next?

2010-05-26T22:07:00.002+01:00

Back on line after a week in an interweb black hole thanks to sorting out a faulty ADSL connection. So here is the news:

Thanks to everyone who supported the Festival on Saturday. We raised over £2000 so well done!

It was great to see so many girls out playing football on a glorious day. The presentation was made by a local care home who are sponsoring the club to the tune of £1300. Some of the funding will be used for new kits and equipment, for sponsoring one of the boys team and for contributing to coaching fees for the u16 girls.

Training for the u14s has now ended, but we will get together for training sessions in June prior to the Poynton Tournament on Sunday 20 June. Mike will need £5 from all who have said they can go.

Robbie Mills will be contacting Nicola, Laura, Ellie M, Olivia and Cara directly over the next week to arrange training dates for the 2010/11 u16s.

We will need to get all players signed back on for next season and signed on with the Wallasey League. Lucie has agreed to join the u14s next season and Rebecca Bower has too, so we have two experienced players already committed to the u14s for next season. Heather will be running some pre-season training during August for girls who are around in the summer.

We will be having an end of season Laser Quest/pizza night out in June for all the 2009/10 u14s. Date to follow shortly.

It has been suggested that we have a Mums v Girls match, so we'll get that sorted. Captain of the Mums team looks like being Lisa Berry. What do the Dads do then?

Finally congratulations to Cara who missed the Festival to travel down to Wembley to see Blackpool promoted to the Premier League. Well done the Seasiders and hope it was a good day.

Festival and other dates

2010-05-16T19:20:00.004+01:00

The League may be over but there are a few more activities planned before you can all get out the Factor 20 and head off on your holidays. These start this Saturday with the Waverton Festival. This has two purposes really.

Firstly it is a club celebration of being awarded FA Chartermark status in March, a tremendous achievement for the which is the result of years of hard work getting the right structure in place, coaches qualified etc. This puts us up there as one of the top junior clubs in the Chester area and potentially will mean we can attract more funding.

Secondly the Festival is chance to bring some money into the club with the aim of being able to keep subs for next season realistic. The costs of running this club are high and we need to have a good level of income to ensure we have kit, equipment, can hire pitches and pay for referees, can insure our girls and pay fees to the FA and the Leagues. For example each home referee for this season costs us nearly £2 per Waverton player and over a season it all adds up. The u16s and u12s girls squads are supported by professional coaches who are paid by the club for their services. Fortunately we don't have to incur those costs as Mike and Heather don't take a penny not even expenses, but for the girls set up as a whole there are significant costs.

The Festival will take place over the whole day, but all the girls will play together in mixed sides from 10:30 to 11:30. Please be there by 10:00 am. Olivia is away but all other girls are required to attend. Cost will be £5 each. For those girls who haven't paid yet, Mike will collect on Saturday. Even if you have to pull out for some reason, the club as a whole still expects a £5 contribution from each player.

We will run a mixed training session this Wednesday - 6pm at Waverton, where we will decide on the teams for Saturday.

Once the Festival is over, the key dates are:

Wednesdays in early June - Training for the 2009/10 u14s 6-7 leading into:

Sunday 20 June Poynton Tournament (£5 per player required)

End of Season night out for the u14s- a Friday night in June at Laser Quest and then a pizza. Date to be confirmed.

Robbie will be contacting Laura, Ellie M, Olivia, Nicola and Cara separately in the next few days about training sessions for next seasons u16s.

2010/11 pre-season training will start in August lead by Heather.

This is not a level playing field

2010-05-10T21:13:00.008+01:00

Wirral Hawks 5 - AFC Waverton 3

A long and enjoyable League season came to a close in Victoria Park Birkenhead on Saturday. Sadly it was a defeat that marked the final game, but one in which the Waverton girls fought very well and were very much in contention for most of the game.

On a sloping pitch that would have been a great sledging spot in January, the Wavertonites lined up with a strapped up Cara in goal, a back two of Emma and Ellie R, a midfield of Kiera, Lily and Laura and Nicola up front. On the imaginary bench were Ellie M and Olivia.

Waverton took their place on the upper side of the pitch, kicking down towards the Mersey, whilst the Hawks played uphill. Our plan was to tire them out and get a 5-0 lead at half time thereby destroying their ambition to win. Sadly things didn't go to plan, but they started off brightly as it was the yellow shirts who grabbed the game by the scruff of its slopey neck.

Within the first couple of minutes a ball in the box found Lily in the centre and she was unlucky not to score, getting winded in the process. A short while later though it was Nicola who stormed through and smashed the ball home to take her to equal place with Caitlin in the leading goalscorers. Nicola had a great chance again when she broke through but her high shot was last seen heading into the Mersey. Cara was awesome in the Waverton goal and her strong kicks were setting us up each time. Emma was brilliant at the back alongside both Ellie R and Ellie M in turn. The Hawks though got one back but Nicola grabbed another before the home team got two more before half time including a well iffy 'did it really cross the line?' goal. 3-2 at the break and time for Ellie Riste's inspirational chocolate brownies.

Playing up hill in the second half didn't daunt our girls as Nicola once again got a goal to make it 3-3 scoring an amazing 22 goals and knocking Caitlin off the top spot by a clear two goals. Game on.

The Hawks took advantage of the slope and Cara was powerless to prevent one of the goals and unlucky to let the other go under her, but given the reduced mobility in her wrists, she is blameless. At the other end, a number of other players had great chances including Ellie R who ran the whole length of the pitch but just couldn't get the final killer shot in. Olivia too had a great mazy run but just couldn't finish it. Emma and Ellie M were solid at the back, Kiera was leading from midfield and Lily and Laura were excellent with their running and sublime passing. Laura took a knock and lay on the floor only for the concerned referee to find her laughing as the supporters laughed at the fist aid bag carrying coach running to her aid. We'll get you back Laura.

Finally Ref Bill Downey blew his whistle and the 2009/10 League season ended. 5 hours later and 70 miles away, Mike witnessed a similar referee's whistle blow the end on 99 years of football league history, but that is a more personal issue.

The waiting lads moved onto the pitch. The Hawks voted Cara as MOM which was even more special as she had played with bandages on both wrists following a fall whilst out walking with her dogs on Friday. She is so brave and well deserved the accolade. Cara has been fantastic in goal in recent weeks and today she was a star.

Although she couldn't play on Saturday, we have to give praise to Caitlin who has only played 9 times but has scored a staggering 20 goals. Thats a better goal to game ratio than Drogba, Rooney and Torres all put together.

Well played girls. You have been a delight to coach all season. It's a shame the team has to be broken up again but we'll all meet again the season after next in the u16s. We have the Waverton Festival on 22 May then finally finishing the season at Poynton on Sunday 20 June.

Watch this space for details of our training schedule. Plus review of the season and news!

The final game of the season!

2010-05-06T21:03:00.003+01:00

On Saturday we play our final game of the season, away at Wirral Hawks. It's been a great season too with some fantastic football played and some great moments. We'll be having a feature on the season soon on the website.

Will Nicola get the one goal she needs to catch up Caitlin as leading goal scorer? Will she score 2 and claim the top place?

So we're kicking off at 11:00 in Victoria Park Birkenhead. Please meet there at 10:40. Anybody who needs a lift call Mike on 07901552261.

Victoria Park is a really nice park near to Tranmere Rovers ground.

Take the M53 to the Clatterbridge junction (J4). Go up to the roundabout over the motorway and take first left. This is Mount Road the B5151. Follow this through Storeton past the Travellers Rest pub. Do you know this is where the stone for Chester Cathedral came from? Keep on this road for a while until you get to a funny little double mini roundabout. Take the right hand turn at the second mini roundabout onto Thornton Road. At the bottom turn left onto Borough Road and then first right onto the Wiend. Follow this through a junction and it becomes Mount Road again. Keep on this road and when you get to the end, you'll come onto a little funny roundabout. The park is on your right, but take third exit and park on the main road just after the roundabout thing or pull into Victoria Park Road on the right and park. The entrance is on the main road. If you get to the Black Horse pub on the right you've gone too far. If lost call Mike on 07901552261.

Training this Wednesday, final game on Saturday

2010-05-04T23:08:00.001+01:00

Training with Heather and Mike this Wednesday 5 May 6-7. Final game away at Wirral Hawks this Saturday ko 11. more to follow.

Training Wednesday, no game Saturday

2010-04-26T21:51:00.002+01:00

Training this Wednesday at Waverton, 6-7 with Mike and Heather.

The League have confirmed that our final game v Wirral Hawks will go ahead on Saturday May 8 or Saturday May 15 but certainly not this weekend. So NO GAME THIS SATURDAY.

Enjoy your Saturday off!

Red morning light

2010-04-24T14:43:00.011+01:00

Wallasey Wanderers Red 4 - AFC Waverton 3

Football is like a religion to me. I worship the ball, and I treat it like a god. Too many players think of a football as something to kick. They should be taught to caress it and to treat it like a precious gem. Pele

8 Wavertonites downed their Weetabix and made the early morning journey up the M53 to Wallasey along with a number of parents, supporters and Emma's dogs. No complaints to UEFA from us about kick off times or travel arrangements.

The Delph was the scene of the first away game in the league back in September against Wanderers' other team and it took a few weeks to recover from the shock of that heavy defeat. Against the Reds though there was more hope give the close encounter at Waverton in the Autumn. Kiera took charge of the warm up and what an excellent job she did of it too with running, stretching and shooting routines all organised.

Waverton lined up with Cara in expansive Delph nets, a back two of Emma and Ellie M, Nicola in centre of midfield with Lily and Kiera alongside and Little Laura up front in the hope of bagging another couple of goals like she did last week. Ellie R was the super sub. The ground was very hard, especially in the centre, following the recent dry spell.

Straight from the start, unusually, the Waverton girls looked up for it. Cara looked bang on form with her goal kicks and it was from a long kick by Cara that the ball came to Kiera on the left who fired a great shot home. 1-0. Nosebleed time.

Wallasey weren't going to lie down easily and grabbed one back to make it 1-1. Nicola was using her strength in the middle and Kiera and Lily were proving to be very tricky alongside. Ellie was looking very classy at the back bringing out the ball from the defence comfortably, whilst Emma was solid as a rock alongside her. Laura looked lively but just needed the ball on the ground to go forward. Wanderers got another goal and then another. Two decent free kick chances were given to Waverton, one given after Nicola was brought down in full attacking flow injuring her wrist, but in either case Nicola couldn't make it count.

Ellie R was thrown onto the left wing to use her speed and then other changes took place as the team was rotated. In the second half Kiera had a chance in front of goal but hit it at the keeper and then did it again soon after. Another chance looked like the same outcome except that the keeper lost control of the ball and it wobbled through her legs into the net just as Kiera had turned away angry with missing the chance. Nicola had a number of chances but just couldn't find the target and Ellie R deceptive shot was inches wide of the left post. Kiera completed her hattrick in brilliant fashion when excellent work by Nicola resulted in her shot being parried by the keeper but the captain was there to thrash the ball home. By that time Wanderers had scored a fourth and the last 5 minutes saw Waverton pressure to get the equaliser, but despite trying, it just couldn't come. Just before the end, Nicola banged her head with another player in a challenge and was a bit dazed but bravely carried on.

A good game all round, a great performance and one that deserved at least a point. There were so many positives, particularly at the back where Cara was a relevation in goal and Emma and Ellie M were as good as any defensive pairing in the League this season. It gets better with each game and it's a shame that this team only has one more League game to play before it is broken up.

MOM - Nicola Jones and for Wanderers Natasha Kearney.

Training this Wednesday evening 6-7 with Mike and Heather.

UPDATE - NO GAME ON SATURDAY MAY 1 BUT OUR ONE REMAINING GAME AGAINST WIRRAL HAWKS IS LIKELY TO BE PLAYED ON SATURDAY MAY 8TH.

Game v Wallasey Wanderers Red on Sat

2010-04-21T21:57:00.005+01:00

Update Friday Evening-

Confirmed players are:

Cara, Nicola, Emma, Lily, Laura, Ellie R, Ellie M.

Directions -

_____________________________________________________________

This Saturday we play against Wallasey Wanderers Red at the Delph in Wallasey. The Reds lie just above us in the League.

Kick off is 9:30 and please meet there by 9:10 as we will need to warm up properly before the game and as the pitch is required for 2 games after us, we have to kick off on time.

Directions to follow later. If anybody needs a lift let Mike know on 07901552261.

Festival May 22 - We are assuming all of our girls, except Olivia who is away, will attend. Cost is £5 each player. We had a planning meeting on Tuesday and we just need a parent from u14 girls to volunteer to help with car parking duties 9-10. Our games will kick off at 10:30, but we this is the only slot that we have to fulfill. Parents from other age groups have volunteered to cover the other parking duties, set up the penalty shoot out, and do the catering. So we have got off lightly and need a parent to come forward to help with this important event. Mike and the other coaches will be down there from 8am setting things up so we can't do it! Volunteers please let Mike know on 07901552261 and he'll pass on your details to the Head of Car Parking, Andrew Thompson.

New nets bring the home curtain down

2010-04-17T16:17:00.005+01:00

AFC Waverton 4 - Irby 10

Sunshine. Sunglasses. Short sleeves. Not a cloud or volcanic ash trail in the sky. Yes the end of the season marching band is coming over the hill playing its final tune and this was the last home game before two away fixtures up in Wirral land.

With two new regulation sized maxi Samba goals delivered from the League by Sir David Harker at 10am, and put up in a record time of 50 mins thanks to the Harker numbering system, it all looked a bit different. This was the cunning plan to stop those pesky Irby people knocking the ball into the static goals designed really for large teenage boys. Make the goals narrower and bring them closer together so that we can save energy and Cara's goal kicks will also get further than the 6 yard box.

And something else was different. The ref had aged a bit hadn't he? Nice shades and a unique cool flow system on the track suit bottoms to boot.

Waverton lined up in the usual 2-3-1 formation, with the starters selected on the basis of appearance at training on Wednesday and for being early. So Cara was between the new shiny sticks, the Ellie twins at the back, El Capitan Kiera in the middle with Lily and the Wiltshire Wonder Caitlin alongside and Nicola (has anyone got any suncream?) leading the line. With Olivia's messenger pigeon despatched to Waverton with a tale of woe, Laura and Emma were the sole bench warmers.

It was a bright start too to match the morning and it could have been Waverton who took the lead against the high flying Irby girls. However the back looked a bit suspect and after about 8 minutes the visitors did take the lead. Not to be undone though a Kiera corner on the right was delivered straight to the in running Nicola and although she couldn't connect head with ball, she did enough to force the ball home. This was a great example of how to time a run into a corner routine. 1-1. Game on Motty.

Irby fought back and Cara made some tremendous saves, inspired by the size of the new area she had to defend. She was brilliant at stopping shot after shot, but was powerless to prevent Irby taking the lead and capitalising on it. One of the goals was a cruel deflection but one was a very well taken goal from a low corner delivered into the danger area and turned home.

4-1 at half time and still all to play for. In the second half Irby extended their lead but then a brilliant fightback commenced when Laura was thown up front. Caitlin scored a cracker thumping home into the new netting following great work from the team and then Laura grabbed two herself from close range seriously worrying her dad who false rumours claimed was going to dip into his pocket if Laura scored three. Lily, who had been excellent in the centre of midfield, took a nasty knock in the face and came off for a rest. Emma played very well in defence alongside the very dependable Ellie M. Ellie R ran and ran and Kiera out in another excellent performance.

Not a bad way to end the home campaign, with some good football played. Just two more games to go both away. Irby are all year 9 girls and very strong so this was a good performance all round.

Irby went off to the Crocky Trail for the day out they had to postpone in November. Some of our girls then suggested that we have a day out too at the end of the season. More of that soon.

Another match ball disappeared at the end of the game. It's becoming a bit expensive and we'll only bring one out of the the car next time. Has anyone seen the Waverton ball thief? Shall we call the Police? Next time we'll fit one of the ball alarms.

Thanks to the parents who helped with set up and take down. Appreciated.

MOM - Cara Grime (it had to be - she was awesome today) and Hannah Roberts for Irby.

Mike and Heather are unavailable for training this Wednesday so Robbie will take a joint u16/u14 session on the field from 6-7. Next Saturday we are away at Wallasey Wanderers Red. More details to follow in the week.

Have a good weekend. Enjoy the sunshine.

Training Wednesday, game Saturday, festival soon

2010-04-13T07:55:00.003+01:00

Training this Wednesday 6-7 at Waverton. All players are expected, if anybody cannot make it please let Mike know on 07901552261.

Game this Saturday against Irby kick off at 11:00. Please meet at 10:40. Priority for starting given to early arrivals and those training on Wednesday.

Waverton Festival is on 22 May. This is a fun morning session for the whole club followed by a BBQ. Cost is £5 per player to raise funds for the club and celebrate FA chartermark. We expect all of the girls to take part. We will mix up all of the u12, u14, and u16 girls and play some fun football. More details to follow.

Fun in the sun

2010-04-10T13:19:00.003+01:00

Irby Colts v Afc Waverton - Away Win

A glorious Spring morning, ideal for a football match. Except that poor old Irby Colts could only muster 3 players at 9:30 although another wandered in just after. So the 8 waverton girls were split up and the Irby girls too to form a six v six training game. Waverton will be awarded the points. Apologies for all the girls and parents who had got up early to drive to Irby, rest assured that we were told on Thursday that they had got a team together.

So the teams were:

Emma's team
Emma, Lily, Ellie, Cara, Molly Amber

Kieras team
Kiera, Nicola, Olivia, Laura, Corel, the late girl.

Score was 8-7 to Kieras team.

Waverton mom Lily
Irby mom Amber

Quotes of the day:

"Its too hot, can we stop playing now." Cara lying down in the goalmouth innthe first half

" I don't know which boots to wear, I gave two pairs"
"why have you got two?"
"one is too big and one too small"
"are you right footed or left footed"
"right"
"well put the bigger one on the right foot and the smaller one on the left foot and you'll score more goals"
"really? I'll try it"
Two unnamed players talking before the game but who you can probably work out.

" oh you muppet" an unnamed parent on seeing their daughter hit the post from two inches out.

Have a good weekend.

Training this Wednesday 6-7 at Waverton