Our season so far has been great.
Coming into our season there was some uncertainty, as we did not have a goalie. I knew my team could score going into the season -- it was the defending part I was uncertain about. As well, we had three very strong second-year U-14 players move up early to U-16.
We started very early in April and worked on the fundamentals before we progressed to any formation or tactics. After we got the fundamentals down, we focused on a defending. We didn't even shoot a ball for the first three practices as defending and passing was more of a priority.
Co-coach Jennifer Irving has been great, connecting with players on a personal level and provides balance on the team. The players have caught on early to the defensive formation we use and have really adapted just as well on the offensive side.
We went 8-0 in the regular season, scoring 53 goals and allowing 10. We had 12 different goalies this year as we don't have a permanent one.
On our team of 16 players, we've had 11 different goal scorers, which is good to see: Abi Irving, 12; Rebecca Fear, 10; Kaliese Bullock, eight; Emily Lutz, seven; Maeve Van't Klooster, six; Zoe Cullen, three; Kallie Clouston and Allana Rinsma, two each; Emily Martinez, Jennifer Conway and Lauren Mertens with one each.
Heading into Districts as the No.1 seed, we plan to keep practising and have our foot on the ball as well as some controlled scrimmages versus the U-14 boys' team to keep us sharp, as we have a 10-day layoff without a game before districts.
The players are focused on playing like they have all season. Our commitment has been excellent this year and we are committed to a “team-first” concept. It is not how many we score, it's how many goals and chances we don't allow.
Focusing on one game at a time is a major key to our success. With 12 of our 16 players moving up to U-16 next year, we feel this is our best shot at provincials in a while.
Brian Cook is the Olds Minor Soccer Club's U-14 girls coach and assistant coach of the Olds College Broncos men's and women's teams.
