26/04/2026
🥈U9 LIGHTNING: WESTFIELDS TOURNAMENT RUNNERS-UP🥈
Coaches Report: With the league season finishing on Saturday, Lightning had little rest before tournament season starting, the very next day, at Westfields.
Lightning faced some tough opponents in the group stages, coming away with with some positive results through determination and teamwork, from some incredibly competitive matches. Topping the group with one game to go, a draw being enough to progress. Lightning took the lead before being pegged back. A free kick given as the claxon sounded, was allowed to be taken and Lightning fell behind with the last kick. Despite the team's collective disappointment, there was still a chance on progressing if results went their way.
Luck was with Lightning, meaning that they would face Wellington in the semi-final. Lightning showed such resilience and perseverance to come back from being 2-0 down, taking the game to a 'dreaded' penalty shootout. It was a real moment of pride when asking who felt confident to take one, that every player put their hand up. The confidence showed in the penalties taken and scored, with Reubs pulling off a save that would see Lightning face Belmont Bulls in the final.
This was a new experience for Lightning, having never made a final of any sort before. Chances came and went at each end, until Bulls took a lead. Lightning attempted to come back, but time ran out and Bulls took the victory.
As a coach it was wonderful to see how, despite disappointment, the team were able to take pride in their own performance, whilst celebrating the success of the victors. Couldn't be prouder of this lot. ⚽🥈⚡
Coaches PoM: Every single one of them.
Thanks to Westfields FC Juniors for a fantastically run tournament, the parents and supporters that cheered the team on, and of course our sponsors Herefordshire Fire Protection Services Ltd, Fire and Risk Management Services Ltd and Mark 'Billy' Billingham MBE.