Cringleford U9 Lions JFC

The Lions with their new rain jackets courtesy of Thompson Hall Retreat

Arrived just in time for the deluge! ☔

Thank you!

While this is Essex focused, it's a similar set up in Norfolk and I thought this could be a useful summary.

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First match in their new away kit. Looking very smart!

Huge thanks to Thompson Hall Retreat for sponsoring. Really appreciate it.

https://www.thompsonhallretreat.co.uk/

Go-ahead for Cringleford Cup expansion A major expansion of the Cringleford Cup is on the cards following the outstanding success

Some player (and parent) fun away from the football field yesterday.

Thank you Anglia Karting Centre for an adrenalin fuelled afternoon.

First game of the new season for this amazing team

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The Lions in action at the August Cringleford International Cup.

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High fives at smash-hit tournament Cringleford FC’s giant international youth football tournament has been declared a winner and looks odds-on

It was a pleasure to host the U9s New Routes Eagles today, a team from the Middle East who we played as part of their preparation for 3/4 August international tournament.

A game played in excellent spirit. Well done all.

Love these guys. So proud.

💛💛💛🦁 🦁 🦁

The Lions ventured to the Norwich City FC Colney training centre yesterday for an invitational match vs the NCFC U7 academy.

The Lions did the club proud in a energetic encounter which pitted them against the region's finest in 4 x 20 minute matches.

The players had new rules to adapt to, with heading permitted, no retreat rule in place, and dribble/kick ins instead of throw ins l the latter rule being adopted for all U11 teans across the country next season).

The Lions ran out 1-1, 4-1, 3-1 and 4-0 winners showing fantastic team work throughout. The pick of the goals were Denver's free kick to level game one in the final seconds of the match, and Ollie's bullet header from the middle of the penalty area following Denver's corner. Goals aside, every play played their part, with patient well timed tackling, committed blocks/saves, and beautiful free flowing passing against a quick, strong and talented NCFC team.

The Lions should be incredibly proud of their attitude, team work and overall performance.

A huge thanks to NCFC for the opportunity. We must have done something right as we've been invited back to play again in September!

So proud of this amazing team.

Cr7ngleford Cup 8 June winners!

Yes, winning is a fantastic achievement. It's the positive attitude and team work that's most impressive. A privilege and joy to both coach and watch. Such great memories.

A huge thanks to the parents for all your help with the running of the tournament. Brilliant feedback received from participating coaches and parents. The tournament wouldn't have been possible without you.

We present up you our 2023/24 Lions. It's a privilege to be your coach.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended our end of season party yesterday, showing your support for the players and helping to raise funds for the team.

Moore Madness - Children's Entertainment kicked off the evening with hilarious party games.

The Mason family were victorious winners in the quiz taking home 6 superb bottles of wine supplied by Harper Wells Ber Street.

Lee Guyton won the heads and tails game, kindly donating his winnings to the players.

25 people picked up fantastic raffle prizes (plus a Lynx Africa gift set! 😉 ) donated by the parents and local businesses (thank you!).

tuya, Richard Lilley and Peter Mason picked up their referee hero presents... Personalised whistles (thank you ZM Sports) and a few bottles of wine.

Long John Hill Fish Bar provided the fuel for the evening, with Anne Good kindly baking 80 cupcakes to perfectly finish off the meal.

A raucous crowd cheered on their runners during the horse racing part of the evening. Thank you Lee and Anne for running that. Karaoke followed (thank you Aimee Mann) , with the dads absolutely nailing "you've lost that loving feeling!"

Then there were the awards themselves. Huge congratulations to the four winners - players' player, parents' player, manager's player and most improved player. Such an amazing group of humans who all support each other and make the coaches proud every time you walk on the pitch.

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Here's a copy of the little poem we ended the presentation with:

In Cringleford village, where the fields stretch wide,
The U8 Lions roared with pride.
With Coach at the helm, bibs unfurled,
Our under-eights played up, challenging the world.

First, there's Ben with his clever play,
A gust of wind stole one away.
Yet his brain for football, none can deny,
Outwitting foes with a tactical eye.

Then Seb dashes fast, a blur on the grass,
His laughter and shouts enliven each pass.
A heart full of joy, legs quick as the breeze,
He dispossesses the opposition with the greatest of ease.

And Stan, oh brave Stan, not a bit undersized,
Against towering rivals, he boldly defies.
With a fearless spirit, he charges ahead,
Turning the pitch to his own stage instead.

Zach, with a sprint, down the flanks he flies,
His crosses and shots a delightful surprise.
From corner to goal, he maps out his runs,
A true Lion in spirit, eclipsed only by suns.

Kit’s tireless energy, a sight to behold,
Scoring goals after goals, bold and gold.
Whether stuck in a scrape or in full flight,
He’s added left-footed wonder, to his scoring sight.

Toby, the phoenix, from ground he would rise,
Against Norwich City, his goal a sweet prize.
Even 'rising from dead' to shoot one more,
Proving each game, he's at the core.

Ollie, versatile, a jewel so rare,
Thriving in every position with flair.
From defense to attack, he'd smoothly transition,
Each role played perfectly, a true football magician.

Harris scores goals with a poacher's finesse,
Finding the net, amidst the press.
A striker's instinct, so keen and so bright,
Turning our cheers to joyous delight.

George, with each strike, brings fans to their feet,
His fantastic goals, both swift and sweet.
A knack for the dramatic, his shots pure and true,
A hero in yellow, through and through.

Ethan’s mazy runs, a dizzying sight,
Dodging and darting with all his might.
A midfield marauder, through gaps he'd weave,
Crafting chances that you must believe.

Shahveer's support, the strongest of shields,
His passion and cheering, it never yields.
A teammate in essence, in spirit, in all,
Standing with Lions, I’d just wish he’d call!

Pablo plays best when his dad's in view,
His efforts redoubled, his zeal anew.
But there’s steeliness and passion in eyes,
Supported by strength and flair, he always tries.

And don’t forget Ollie’s granddad’s renown,
With a look of Colonel Mustard, but never a frown.
A sideline fixture in his striking attire,
Adding to our matches an extra fire.

Our parents on sidelines, a sight to see,
Especially the envy for Sohaib’s VIP seat.
In luxury he watches, as if from a throne,
While others on blankets, or hard chairs, moan.

And the dads, oh the dads, with voices so keen,
Singing from Top Gun, a sight to be seen.
"You've lost that loving feeling," they croon and they call,
Uniting us all, as we laugh and we bawl.

To the Cringleford Lions, each name here recited,
Your coach is so proud, our team united.
Through challenges, victories, moments so bold,
Here’s to our Lions, with hearts of gold!

Today we gather, congratulate and cheer,
Celebrating our season, with those we hold dear.
To Cringleford Lions, strong, brave, and keen,
Forever in yellow, a formidable team!