HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY TAFC GIRLS !!

Almost 4 years to the day, the TAFC girls pionneer were getting together for their first EVER game as a girls team under Teddington Athletics Football Club - the girls have grown up and we now have 2 girls teams (hopefully 3 soon)  and have created many great memories together but one can never forget where it all started! big THANK YOU to you all

Then....

Now....

Last game before Xmas !! let's have it!

Girls - I know most of you were disappointing with the result on Sunday against Woking but I am very proud of how hard you fought to try and win this - 5-6 was the final result and we spent so much time in their half that we should have been well ahead ....the cold, the wind and rain didn't help but nothing you toughies can't handle! onwards now....

So let's dust ourselves off and get out to Sunbury to WIN 

Please find below information regarding Sunday's match:

Date: 14^th December   

Kick off time: 12.30pm Meet at 12 LATEST! 

Address:   STAINES RUGBY CLUB, THE REEVES, SNAKEY LANE, FELTHAM, MIDDLESEX, TW13 7NB

On arrival at the Rugby Club, please enter through the hedges and turn right, following the outside of the rugby pitch and follow the path to the right and will find the football pitch at the far end.

 Referee: Aaron Billett

 Kit Colours: Black and yellow

Sunday 7th december details

Guys

I am still in total awe of your performance on sunday!!

• The clean sheet : brilliant defending from the back 4, played the off side, challenged everything that came their way, building from the back with the ball firmly on the ground to allow great passing. And of course great work from our goalie ruling her box and asserting herself against the opposition attempts to get close to her
• 8 goals: fantastic work from the midfielders, playing fast (2-3 touches) looking to play wide and move forward or pass back when needed - clever passing and moving
• Awesome finish from our 2 strikers, intuitive, powerful and skillfull - standing their grounds, both selfish and selfless at the right time 

ABSOLUTELY LOVED watching this game!!! beautiful and efficient football

Same again this time against Woking so that we can set a comfortable lead at #2 spot

KO : 1pm
St Mary's college picth

Rushmoor awaysunday 30th november

Kick off : 2:00 pm

> Ref : TBC

> Venue :

> King George v playing fields

> Sycamore Road

> Farnbrough

> Hants

> Gu14 6rq

> Facilties: toilets and changing rooms on site

> Kit: we play in green and white hoops and green shorts

XMAS celebrations for the U14 at the Anglers

Dear all

After training on the 19th of December I propose that we meet at the Anglers (down the road from teddington school) from 7.30pm onwards for Xmas celebrations. 

It would be nice if all kids and parents could make it but I appreciate it may not be possible but if you can pop in for drinks and/or food or just say "merry xmas all" for 15min then it would be great!! 

So no pressure :-) I will deffo be there and may well pay the first round ;-) hint hint....

Look forward to seeing you there

So Proud of you all!! We gave them a good game

Well done to all who played this Sunday. QPR were always going to be a tough team to take on, but we proved we have NOTHING to be scared of!

Playing a new tactic, with a revised formation, you raised your game and took them on.
OK.. So we conceded two soppy goals in the first half, but they were accidents. The scoreline at half time DID NOT reflect the game we were playing. Indeed, their managers were overheard saying how good we were, with Kathryn getting specific praise for her hard work and 'presence' in the box.

Our strength at the back cut out nearly all of QPRs pressure, making our opponents really work to threaten us! Control in mid field, and speed up front, gave us several opportunities to score, with some narrow misses,  even hitting the wood work at one point.

It wasn't easy though... by any means.
No subs left us tired, and QPR took advantage of this. But only just.

They eventually scored 5 (although QPR filed a result of 3-1. Presumably what they thought would have been a more realistic result..). 2 from set pieces with great volleys.. difficult to keep out in anyones book, and one from a devastating run from their strongest player, with a deadly left foot.

We talked after the game about what to do next, and hopefully you all understand what we need to work on these coming months, but what we have to take from this game is that we are a great squad, and can comfortably take on anyone in our league. Your hard work in training is clearly paying off, and Christelle and I would like to thank each and every one of you for your on going commitment this season.

A few things to think about moving forward...

:Pace - The tougher opponents so far have out done us on pace/speed. Lets work on this.
:1st touch - Quicker passes, to well placed players who are finding space to offer support, will reduce the amount of  running we do. Less running = stronger for longer
:Playing back - One of QPR's strengths was calm support at the back when we pushed forward. They were not afraid to pass backwards to quick thinking mid fielders who were dropping to help out. This bought them time to re organise, get back in to their positions and keep possession. 
:Up Front - Apply the pressure! Very few goalies are as good as our Kathryn. Pile on the pressure in the box.. Overwhelm them. Follow your shots in for poor keeping or rebounds. Don't be afraid to shoot! (at the 'open' bit of the goal.. not straight at the keeper ;)


I hope you're all looking forward to the weekend. The sleep over at Lola's gran's house is all arranged, then its off to Wembley on the Sunday.

I'd just like to congratulate Sharna on her 100% record so far. 2 games.. 2 goals. Keep it up

Jennifer, our latest squad member who has been at training for the last few weeks, is now fully registered and will make her debut on the 30th. I trust you will all make her very welcome.

T... E... DOUBLE  D...  I.N.G.T...  O. N

change of VENUE and TIME for sunday 16th PLEASE READ

dear all

the game will now take place at the hawker center at 12.30 - please be there at 12h

Hawker YMCA Centre

(11 aside) Lower Ham Road Kingston, Surrey  KT2 5BH 
View Google Map

Our sponsors 'Vet4Life' take delivery of their fine TAFC shirt. Thanks guys for your continuing support.

Confirmation for Cup game - 16th November

The details of the 16/11/14 Capital Girls U14 QF Teddington Ath v QPR are:

ko 1pm - meet no later than 12.30

Ref: Kieran Hickey

Venue:

St Mary's University College, Teddington Lock Sports Campus

Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9BE (can be used for sat nav)

Parking on site or in nearby (but not immediately close) local roads.

Last week was a good lesson for us that at the level of Croydon or even QPR we need to increase speed in transitioning the ball from a player to another and more importantly from a line to the other (2 touches on the ball that means control -1- and then pass -2-). Defense need to be tighter and force themselves to play the offside by "stepping up" (if that is not understood please come to me or Ed and we'll explain). Midfield must look for opportunities to spread the game or pass thru or above the opposition - and we need to take more shots....on target :-)

I was very encouraged tho by your resilience and hard work... more of the same this sunday ...we will change our formation once more.

Training Videos. Please watch.

A little bit of light viewing. Regardless of where you normally play, please watch these clips


http://youtu.be/ZqDfqIDid8I - defending position
http://youtu.be/D72gPqw3ILA - staying compact
http://youtu.be/T5rltwMD6Ho - tightening up defense
http://youtu.be/6K1pum718b8 - defending checklist
http://youtu.be/5uczW42zDIk?list=PLtID39bsFiZQoA9nyqDOsVdCqPa1FjVUx - defensive midfielder
http://youtu.be/z44RQnx0V30?list=PLtID39bsFiZQoA9nyqDOsVdCqPa1FjVUx - transitioning in midfield
http://youtu.be/XoyvzM6VxxQ - receiving the ball under pressure
http://youtu.be/rHM22GEbO-8?list=PLurhXqA_cB7mqqzsvpTkZdeEdMAQ1bNuY - how to use the centre midfielder
http://youtu.be/bX-Tg6_z-W8 - set piece: corner

Very silly...
http://youtu.be/-yT5GPW-ggw?list=PLB8cGZUsIX7putgtJGkzcZnz_ORLXId8q - yeah , quite creative

DETAILS for the sleepover 22/11

The girls sleep over is booked for sat 22nd so not long now.

Pretty much the same set up as last year.

Address,has been sent via email 

Drop off 5.30- 6pm on the 22nd.

Pick up 11.30/12 but absolutely no later than 12 please on the 23rd.

(No match on 23rd as it's the Wembley trip.)

A charge of £6 payable on drop off please will cover dinner, drinks, breakfast and some sweets.

Please can each girl bring, sleeping bag/duvet, pillow and roll out of blow up mattress. Also Any DVDs the girls would like to watch.

We have two spare bedrooms if any other parent would like to help Christelle and I out please just let me know.

There will be a talent show again this year so if the girls can get thinking about what they would like to perform that would be great. (think pitch perfect - get together as a group be creative)

On collection from the sleepover Christelle will give out the tickets for the Wembley match.

Can the girls please wear new hoodies to the Wembley match on the 23rd.

PILATES - PLEASE READ

Dear all

I just wanted to bring to your attention that Narelle has to pre book the studio for 6 weeks and the payment for this is due within the next two days. 

The girls all stayed on for the class as I witnessed yesterday which is great - and I would like this to continue as it is a well spent 30min.  Please can you let me know that you are still ok with your daughter attending Pilates ? time is now 6.40-7.10pm so the girls get a full half hour - 

Please send me an email if there is an issue with this. £6 will have to be paid in advance

Many thanks

Christelle

PLEASE BE ON THE PITCH FOR 12.15 on the 9th

guys as discussed tonight I need some time to talk you thru a bit of tactics as we are going to change things around in our formation. You will love it :-)

Lets pick up where we left off!!

After a break of a couple of weeks, we are right back into it this weekend with our Cup game against Croydon Borough.

Its getting colder, so please make sure you have a themal/base layer on, along with the correct footwear and shin pads.(Lola!!!!)

Also, please make sure you welcome our latest squad addition, Sharna Davison. Sharna is now registered and will be playing her debut game this sunday.

Parents.. If you could please provide a cheque payable to Edward Jones for £18.73 for the new hoodies which I now have, as well as our new away kit.

We are currently third in the league, but we should take note that leaders Ascot have been beaten by Woking, and we have proved ourselves against them already this season. The title is still very much an achievable goal, providing we continue working hard and playing the football we are capable of.

See you all tomorrow night.

Back to teddington lock 9th november

Dear all

Hope you had a great half term break - and that you managed to keep fit and play some football!! This sunday we are back in business against Croydon at home and I want you guys 110%  - I look forward to seeing you all :-)

·         Kick Off : 1pm KO

·         Referee is Ed Morley

  

Venue:

St Mary's Uni Teddington Lock Sports Campus

Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9BE - Map of pitch layout
View Google Map 

Footy over half term - stay tuned for extra sessions

Guys

We have a game on the 19th of October then no game till the 9th of November!! we are in great form at the moment and I don't want to loose our momentum as such stay tuned as I will be organising sessions over half term for fitness and tactics.

Christelle

At home against Mitcham on the 19th

Girls what a fantastic result on sunday and thank you for fighting till the last second to win us the game and leave with 3 points  which puts us at the #2 spot in the league behind Ascot (and I do have a plan to beat Ascot!!!)
Girls awesome attitude from you and you should go from strength to strength!

Scorers - Elin X2, Ruby X2, Lola (with the cheekiest goal of the season so far... Keep up the good work Ms French!!!)

Sunday 19th we are at hope against Mitcham! now we know that this team tries to get on our nerves to throw us off our game! keep your focus and just ignore the chatting and comments - let them loose control, don't get sucked in their way and their game...keep playing your football the way you know how. NOTE : do not argue with opposition managers or ref, it's not for you to worry about and please ignore anything else that is going around you outside of the boundaries of the pitch.
                     

·         Kick Off : 1pm KO -  meet 12.30 

·         Referee is Ed Morley

Our colours: Blue and red strips (Barcelona shirt)

Venue:

St Mary's Uni Teddington Lock Sports Campus

Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9BE - Map of pitch layout
View Google Map 

A week end of fun and entertainment for the squad - 22+23/11

Dear All

I am pleased to confirm that we will have our sleepover on the 22/11 from 6pm onwards. Details and plan will be posted soon.

Good news : the girls can have a bit of a lie in as the league has decided to cancel all games on the 23rd of november so that we can attend the England vs Germany game at Wembley 3pm Kick off HOWEVER we need to make our way to wembley quite early to avoid traffic...around noon.

Parents: you don't all have to be present - we have plenty of space to drive the girls there otherwise we may take a tube there to avoid traffic chaos and car parking. TBC with you all.

Ed will be finalizing numbers of attendees as I am away for the next 2 weeks as we need to submit our request to the FA asap,  so for now we have 27 tickets request (me included):

Penney *4

Morley *2

Jones *4

King*3
Del Rio *4
Laus *1 
Dillamore * 1
French * 1
Zanarotti * 1
Swaine * 2
Sartori * 1
Willis * 2

12/10 : Home Game Kick off 1pm - meet 12.30

I am pleased to confirm our fixture  for Sunday 12/10:                         

·         Kick Off : 1pm KO meet 12.30

·         Referee is Ed Morley

We are playing Rushmoor - totally new to me , never seen them play before so assume they are very good and prepare accordingly!

If we can have the same mindset as our 8-1 win over Mitcham and the fighting spirit that we all witnessed last sunday I have no doubt we will go away with our 3 points! I won't be there for the next 2 sundays but will be there in spirit.

Venue:

St Mary's Uni Teddington Lock Sports Campus

Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9BE - Map of pitch layout
View Google Map 

it's away to Mictham this sunday 5th and we are going out there TO WIN! period.

THREE KINGS PIECE, COMMONSIDE WEST, MITCHAM, SURREY CR4 4HP

I have pleasure in confirming the following Surrey Women & Girls League fixture:

MITCHAM PARK FC (U14 Diamonds)      V         TEDDINGTON FC

DATE:                                     Sunday, 5^th October 2014     

KICK OFF TIME:                             10:00am – Pitch 2

VENUE:  THREE KINGS PIECE, COMMONSIDE WEST, MITCHAM, SURREY CR4 4HA

We have limited parking spaces available outside our changing rooms, but there is ample free parking for supporters directly across the road in The Canons Leisure Centre which you access from Madeira Road.

Can I ask you to make your visiting managers, assistants and supporters aware of the following facilities?

Male and female Toilets, disabled toilet, home and away changing rooms.

We also have available to purchase tea, coffee, soft drinks, bacon rolls, hotdogs and a selection of snacks.

Please note that we have no grounds-men and we will only be able to inspect the pitch on the morning of the game to determine its suitability to play.   We will endeavour to do this as early as possible on the day.

Sunday 28th September away to Woking cougars - 10am KO

After a tough game last week - let brush ourselves off and get out to woking cougars with determination and learn from last week's experience!

10 am KO

Meet at 9am

Please find a link to directions below. Lion Park - church lane -Bisley - GU24 9DR

http://www.wokingcougars.com/#Directions%20Lion%20Sports%20Ground%20(Bisley)

Home Game : 21st September 1pm KO

4-4, down to 10 players, no subs, biased referee : I am Sooooo proud of the girls for their hard work and resilience showed last week - Ed and I were absolutely blown away by everyone's determination to do well and support each other.

Scorers - Lola, Ciara, Ruby X2

After a fantastic performance against Ashtead last week let's show what we are capable of this sunday against Ascot

·         Kick Off : 1pm KO - Meet at 12

Venue:

St Mary's Uni Teddington Lock Sports Campus

Broom Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 9BE - Map of pitch layout
View Google Map 

Friday training sessions extended with PILATES

Girls

you are all expected to be at the pilates session after training on fridays (45/60min £1 to pay). this is part of the squad request to extend training - Pilates is KEY to core strength and will only improve your fitness level. You will have all felt what strain that a full 11-a-side game with no sub can bring to each of you so Pilate will help reduce the pain ;-)

Be on your best behaviors for Narell please - Julie Penney and Sarah Del Rio will also be there to help

Your coach
Christelle

2014-2015 Campaign Kicks off against ASHTEAD away this sunday 14th

Please find here details for our upcoming fixture on Sunday 14th September.

Kick off time is 11:30am.  The venue is Therfield School, Dilston Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7NZ.

Meet 10.30

Any Parent who'd like to volunteer to write the match report? 

See you sunday - early night, weetabix brekky and a winning mindset

Our sponsor, VET4LIFE, is holding The Doggy Olympics on October 7th

Click here to find out more.

a week end of football : Keep the 6th and 7th september FREE -

Dear all

Hope you all had a great break! We are getting back in the swing of things (1st game on the 14th) so let's start with a reminder:
This year we (TAFC U14) are looking to WIN the league - I will soon bribe you with a curry night to explain what that entails and how you can help the girls achieve this goal.

To kick off our campaign, 2 dates for your calendar:

6th September: Training Camp - rec broom road - meet 9am - Program to follow soon

• bring lunch, drinks, a football, white shirts + TAFC shirts, check the weather and bring the right clothes
• we'll end the day with a Pizza at Cantanapoli around 6pm after a friendly vs the U13

7th September : Friendly against the 2013 league winners Barnes, away 10am KO meet at 9am

Admin 

1. Our sponsor Vet4Life is organising a Doggy Olympics on the 7th and has asked for as many  girls as possible to come in and demonstrate some of their skills and pet the dogs (wearing their kit of course). THEREFORE the ENTIRE SQUAD will be heading to the doggy Olympics straight after the game! like the pro we have to keep our sponsors happy :-)
2. You will all have noticed emails coming from a tool called "doodle" - I would be VERY grateful if you could all go on the tool as and when required so that I know who is available for events/games/training etc.... it's meant to make life easier for everyone but it can only work if you all contribute - thank

GIRLS OUTING : Keep the date 23rd November - England Vs Germany world cup qualifier

England v Germany

Women's international
Wembley Stadium
Sunday 23 November 2014
Fixture subject to Germany's World Cup qualification

Read more at http://www.thefa.com/news/england/womens/2014/aug/england-women-to-play-at-wembley-stadium#BXjSzatyGl9WvwSj.99

Pre-season training with Tony starts 20/8

Pre-season will run for 3 weeks. The venue will be the same as last pre/ post season TEDDINGTON REC, this is the playing field next to Teddington school.

http://www.richmond.gov.uk/home/services/leisure_and_culture/parks_and_open_spaces/park_details.htm?parkId=156

4-5pm  Wednesdays

CANCELLED 3 summer footy training (not fitness) dates for your diary

Dear all

Unless you are away on holidays please make sure you attend the following sessions:
August 2nd, August 9th, August 30th
meet at 10.30 at broom road rec 
session will finish by 12.

Announcing weekly fitness session as of 27/07

Girls

As of Sunday 27th We will be running a fitness session Every Sunday at broom road rec kick off 10am (ie be there before !) with the u13 Unless you are on holiday I expect to see all of you there (remember your objectives : get fit and win the league!). The session is not in lieu of the program but is part of it - so fitness program still applies

11-a-side - Understanding our 4-3-3 formation - MUST WATCH 5min video

On this clip you will see how the team is meant to be moving together as a 4-3-3 formation which is how we will start our 11-a-side campaign - please watch this video ready for black board session in september

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXWq34XByjc

Match your number with the ones on the video :
#1 = Kathryn
#5 = Sophia
#6 = HR
#3 + #2 = Alice/Sarah/Bella/Yasmine
#4= Lottie/Ciara
#10= Ruby
#8= Ciara/Lottie
#7 = Sadie
#9 = Elin
#11 =  Lola / Amelia

Chelsea Ladies v Man City is on the 20th July with a 2pm kick off

two top ladies teams playing each other locally. Chelsea v Man City is on the 20th July with a 2pm kick off at Staines FC. This is a chance to see several England womens team ( mostly from Man City) play at the top level of womens football. 

See as many of you as possible there

pre-season training POSTPONED - to Friday 18th July 5pm broom road

Sorry but due to 5k run in broom road (feel free to attend!) I have to reschedule this fitness session for next Friday (by then week one of training would be well underway ;-))))

Tournament 14th June - DETAILS

Meet for 8/8.30 to have time for a “wake-me-up” warm-up session :)) - I won’t be there but Ed will.

KICK OFF 9am

Denham United Ladies F.C.

The Den

Oxford Road

New Denham

Uxbridge

Middlesex

UB9 4DW

www.denhamunitedlfc.com

end of year Camping :Penneys from Heaven

Penneys from Heaven - Keith Maple

Late because of bad traffic caused by oval ball followers, we left the cycle-infested lanes of Surrey to make our way down the rutted track that led to the paradise that is Penney Fields.

The sun was at last showing its face as we were greeted by the sight of the Teddington Girls having tractor rides around the fields, dangling on tree swings, kicking balls or soaking up the rays.  A line of tents, a log fire, buttercups in the field and the mooing of cows - we felt like extras in an Enid Blyton book. 

A game of rounders was followed by the challenge…”Football - Girls against the Adults”.

The adults rose (slowly) as one. The chance to recreate those lost days of youth, the opportunity to show those young upstarts how football was “back in the day”. No Premier League, “proper” tackles, overweight goalkeepers and men called “Chopper” and “the Vulture”. Ably supported by Christelle, and Louis (Bella’s brother), the mums and dads forgo warm ups and drills, put down their alcohol and lined up to face the enemy. Kicking downhill towards the Stinging Nettle End. the adults were 1-0 up after two minutes. Good work from Charlotje, Lola and Bella and it’s 1-1. The game was literally in tents as one move saw the ball and player pass through the open canvas.  

Then, as if touched by the “Ghost of Matches past”, the adults began to play sublime football. The wing skills of Christelle, the leadership of Mick, the vision of Julian and the defending of Simon “the hatchet” Attoe supplemented by Lorraine’s movement nearly off the ball and our resident Dutchman’s magnificent positioning, the adults scored again and again as the Nettle End goal net billowed.  As the game reached a climax, the girl’s defence crumbled as did the bones of the adults, but as they say form is temporary and class is permanent and the adults just wiped the floor with our beleaguered heroines…… “Your girls took a hell of a beating”.

A magnificent BBQ followed as the adults limped their way to the drinks table and the girls, without wi-fi, phones or TV, played in the great outdoors, tended the fire and had a thoroughly good time.  As the sun set, the festivities continued until late into the night and it was with some regret that I had to leave to pick up my other daughter from Brighton.  If ever there was an example of heaven and hell, then I left the former and entered the latter before quickly escaping back to the Teddington bubble.  My sleep was only disturbed by a strange noise in the night. This turned out to be Ed's snoring, seventeen odd miles away in heaven.

Returning to the farm next day, everyone was surprisingly chipper as once again the sun shown brightly, girls continued playing, tents came down and bacon and egg sandwiches were consumed. As the weather grew hotter, it was inevitable that water would enter the fray and Carlos “the heckle” became Carlos “the kettle “ as he threw water over an assortment of “our finest”.  Then, and I am sure, not for the first time in his life, he was chased across a field by a cavalcade of young women trying to catch him. They did.  So everyone departed, slightly wetter than they had arrived, but with lots more memories from yet another leg of our incredible journey with TAFC.

Our mixture of nationalities from the British and Emerald Isles, France, Holland and Brazil joined together in a pre World Cup celebration and a celebration of a great season and a great team. Words cannot do justice to how well the Penney’s looked after us and a massive thank you comes from us all.

Here’s to the next event (assuming I am not being held captive in a Brazilian jail).

THINKING AHEAD : Get fitter on your own (all of you need to do this)

http://www.thefa.com/GetIntoFootball/Players/PreSeasonTraining/SixWeekProgramme.aspx

This six-week plan is designed to be followed as individual - We will, as a team, organise fitness session but please ALL OF YOU should want to get a head start and do this, at the very least 3 weeks before we start our program

WEEK ONE 
In Week One you want to take it quite easy. The temptation is to really go for it after a long lay-off, but if you overdo it now you will injure yourself or burn yourself out.

Session One

Find a football pitch, ideally somewhere that takes you five minutes to jog to for the perfect warm-up. Then, after a stretch, you need to do some intensive running work. There is a myth that you need to go on long, slow runs to get rid of fat and get fit. In fact, short bursts of intensive work are far better, and ideal for football. Fitness for football is basically all about being able to sprint in short bursts, recover, then sprint again.

• Five-minute jog to park
• Stretch
• Five three-quarter pace sprints from one touchline to the other and back, with 30-second recovery rests between each sprint 
• Two-and-a-half minute recovery (jog on the spot or kick a football about) 
• Repeat the above 
• Five-minute jog home

If possible try to find a training partner, it's great for motivation and you'll get much more out of the programme.

Session Two

One set of press-up/squat circuit.

These circuits kill two birds with one stone. As well as working on your fitness, your heart and lungs, at the same time they strengthen the muscles that you specifically use for football.

WEEK TWO

Session One"Now we can build up the work gradually. By repeating last week's running exercise but shortening the recovery time between sprints, you will see immediate progress."

• Five-minute jog to park 
• Stretch 
• Five three-quarter pace sprints from one touchline to the other and back, with 20-second recovery rests between each sprint 
• Two-minute recovery  
• Repeat the above 
• Five-minute jog home

Session Two

• Two sets of the press-up/lunge circuit.

Session ThreeAgain using the football pitch you will need a stopwatch for this one. Timing yourself is a great way to keep yourself motivated, especially if you are training on your own.

• Five-minute jog to park 
• Stretch 
• One lap of full-size football pitch  
• One lap jog for recovery (kick a ball as you go) 
• Repeat the fast and slow laps four more times, on each fast lap attempting to match the time of the first 
• Five-minute jog home

When you are training, you should be replacing fluids all the time. You need fluids so that you can sweat, and you need to sweat to cool the body down. If you start feeling thirsty while you train it's too late; it will take you 24 hours to re-hydrate properly.

Most people will lose a minimum of a kilo when they are training, and for each kilo you lose you need to drink one and a half litres of fluid. Isotonic drinks (like Lucozade Sport) are better than water as they hydrate you quicker as well as replacing the electrolytes and carbohydrates you lose in sweat.

WEEK THREEIn weeks Three and Four we will really build it up, bringing the training to a peak before winding down in weeks Five and Six to allow the body to recover so that it is ready for the new season.

Session One

• Five-minute jog to park 
• Stretch 
• Five sprints across the pitch and back, with 30 seconds recovery between each. 
• Two-and-a-half minutes rest 
• Four sprints across the pitch and back, with 15 seconds recovery between each 
• Two-and-a-half minutes rest 
• Three timed sprints across the pitch and back, aiming for 30 seconds or less each time. The recovery time allowed between sprints depends on the time recorded (whatever is left out of the 30 seconds). So, a 24-second sprint earns six seconds recovery, a 30-second (or more) sprint earns no recovery. 
• Two-and-a-half minutes rest 
• Five minutes jog home

Session Two 

• Three sets of super circuit.

Session Three 

• Five-minute jog to park 
• Stretch 
• One fast lap of the pitch, timed (aim to improve the pace from the previous week) 
• One lap of jogging for recovery (with ball) 
• Repeat four more times, aiming on each fast lap to maintain the speed of the first 
• Five-minute jog home

Session Four 

• Three sets of either press-up/squat or press-up/lunge circuits.

When you are training it is crucial to eat properly. Often, people try to combine this kind of work with losing weight that they have put on during the close-season; so they train more but eat less. This can leave them without enough energy for the work, and they can easily end up injuring themselves.

During pre-season you should actually increase your portions of food. This applies especially to carbohydrates like pasta, rice and potatoes, which should make up half of what's on your plate.

WEEK FOURWeek Four should be a repetition of Week Three, although you can mix up the order of running and circuit training to suit your schedule.

Typical Week

Saturday - run
Sunday - circuit
Monday - rest
Tuesday - run
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - circuit
Friday - rest

At this stage rest is crucial. You must allow your body to recuperate. If you carried on increasing the workload there would come a point where your body wouldn't be able to cope. Even in the professional game, over-training in pre-season is common.

Listen to your body. If you start to stiffen up don't force it, take a couple of days off. If you don't you will pick up an injury, or over-stress the immune system and start picking up colds and viruses much more easily than you would do naturally.

WEEK FIVEWith two weeks to go until the start of the season, now you need to bring your training down to a level which will leave you feeling fresh and ready to cope with the shock of the start of the season.

Session One

• Five-minute jog to park 
• Stretch 
• Five-minute run around the edge of a full size pitch. Jog along one touchline, then skip, side-step or zig-zag (any movement you would use in football) along the goal-line, sprint down the next touchline, and at the final goal-line repeat the movement you did previously but backwards. 
• Repeat the laps, varying the goal-line movements, for five minutes.
• Two minutes recovery. 
• Repeat as above, twice more 
• Five-minute jog home

Session Two 

• Three sets of press-up/squat circuit. 

Session Three 

• Five-minute jog to park
• Strech
• Five timed sprints across the pitch and back, with 30 seconds allowed for each. Recovery time is whatever is left out of the 30 seconds after each sprint.
• Two-and-a-half minutes rest 
• Repeat twice
• Five-minute jog home

WEEK SIX

Session One 

• Three sets of press-up/lunge circuit.

Session Two 

• Five-minute jog to park 
• Stretch 
• Five-minute run around the edge of a full size pitch. Jog along one touchline, then skip, side-step or zig-zag (any movement you would use in football) along the goal-line, sprint down the next touchline, and at the final goal-line repeat the movement you did previously but backwards. 
• Repeat the laps, varying the goal-line movements, for five minutes.  
• Two minutes recovery. 
• Repeat as above, twice more 
• Five-minute jog home

Session Three 

• Three sets of super circuit.

If you have completed this programme, you should now be able to sprint at a high intensity, recover and repeat it. Plus, by doing regular bodyweight circuits you have improved the strength and endurance of the specific muscles that you need for football.

31st May Camping - Message from the Penney's

Dear Parents & Family of U13 Girls,

Just to remind you, you are all invited to our fields in Westcott, Dorking on Saturday 31^st May 2014. The address is Westlees Farm, Logmore Lane, Westcott, RH4 3JN . It’s about a 35/40 minute drive from Teddington. Let me know if you need a printed map and I can email it over.

Rough Itinerary for Saturday 31^st May/Sunday 1^st June

Saturday

12:30/1:00 –        Arrive at Penney Fields & those of you staying need to put up your tents.

2:00+                     Afternoon of team games, tractor ride and of course a  football match.

5:00ish –               BBQ (Christelle & I are organising food for evening & breakfast which we will split between families). Could each person bring a pudding or salad & obviously drink if you so wish.

Evening –            Bonfire & marshmallows.

Sunday

Communal breakfast of bacon sandwiches cooked over the fire.

Probably leaving between 1/2pm.

If it’s OK with everyone, could one member of each family let me know by email how many adults & children are coming & if you have any special food requirements,  so that Christelle and i can organise food for the BBQ & breakfast.

Don’t forget your wellies (incase of bad weather) & get the kids to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting muddy & definitely a change of clothes for them too! It can get cold in the evening so bring some warm clothing.

We would really like you all to come and stay if you wish. If you are not a camper we would still love you to come as camping is not compulsory.

We will arrange a port-a-loo for the weekend and there is a barn should the weather turn bad but unfortunately it’s not big enough to sleep in. Really looking forward to it, hope you can all come.

Kind regards

Stewart & Julie Penney

Teddington U13G Blogger of the year awardee strikes again :-) last masterpiece of the season

Awards Night

Carlos the “heckle” in balloon-bursting drama

Oh what a fantastic season. Top three and a great tour. The great and the good of TAFC Girls Under 13’s gathered at the Bushy Park Big Top on Friday for the Annual Awards ceremony. After their triumphant European campaign, the girls were in celebratory mood, though the planned open top bus parade had to be cancelled because the park gates closed at 20.15. We entered the tent to the strains of “We love you Teddington, we do” much to the chagrin of the boys teams who had earlier endured much more sedate ceremonies. Christelle took to the floor and delivered an impassioned speech to much applause. It has been a great season, it could have been better and next year it will be if we keep our concentration and get fitter in body and in mind (and that is just the parents).

The awards then followed with :

• Players Player of the Year going to Lola;
• Coaches Player of the Year to Sophia; 
• Managers Player of the Year to Charlotje.

All three thoroughly deserved their awards. The whole squad then received their own trophies, which on closer inspection seemed to have the bottom half of a man and the top half of a woman (or maybe just a homage to Andy Carroll). Time to thank Christelle, Ed and Mairead for all of their efforts and once more a song before leaving the marquee. Carlos caught up in the emotion of the moment then encouraged our team to take the balloons home, not realizing that they were needed for a similar, albeit quieter, ceremony planned for the following day. After being chastised by ‘someone important’, the balloons were hastily put back, all except one deflated one - our bubble had at last been burst, but it took a Brazilian to do it. 

Have a great summer 

Tournament 17th May confirmed

Thatcham Town Ladies and Girls F. C.    Six-a-Side Tournament

To be held at Thatcham Town F.C. Waterside Park, Crookham Road,

Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4PA

Saturday 17^th May 2014

Meet at 1pm for those that have been asked to attend (you will receive an email to that effect today) - as we can only take 8 players 

There is another tournament for the 14th of June so those not attending the 17th may will attend the 14th of june

some pictures from holland.............and a video link from our Houlten's friends https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-G_BfFhhR0

Awards night - details

The awards will start at 6.30pm and each team will have a 30 minute slot, meaning we will complete the awards by 9pm. The U13 are scheduled for 8.30pm

The BBQ will  be serving food from 7.00-9.00pm.(open to all)

See you all there!

“When its spring again we’ll sing again, we won in Amsterdam”

Keith Maple's great attempt at summarizing a wonderful, eventful, memorable, fun and sporty bank holiday week end in Holland  for the "Girls do it better" football tour.

Our first foray into Europe and so much to say. From the funny to the suspicious and the skillful to the downright bizarre this is my take on the events that transpired in some corner of a foreign field. 

The Prologue

Long coach journey, chirpy driver, “glad we flew”, Duingalows, flumes & swimming, roller coasters, early night, early start, back on the coach, drive to the tournament, pictures with the flags “which pitch” “who are we playing? “Are we awake?”

The Tournament

Freezing cold, boiling hot, flags a flying, the Group of Death, Sadie’s goals (2), 4 clean sheets, Lola scores, Elin scores, making friends with Delta girls, the Macarena on the pitch, yellows, blues and black and whites, chips and toasties, gravy scotch eggs, good 5 minutes, poor 10 minutes, wilting in the heat, great goal by Hannah R, Kathryn’s save when 0-0, 3 wins, fifth place play off, penalty shoot out, Net makes a save, Teddington girls out.

The Next day

Proper ground, up in the stand, dressing rooms, national anthems, superb play, Lola’s Cruyff turn, Sadie goal, Sophia at the back, Elin’s miss, Elin’s wonder goal, error at the back, Elin scores again, hurricane winds, win 3-1, photos of the teams, drinks with the ref, Champions of Holland.

The Scandals

Chip gate               Slowing down the food queue so our chips arrived late

Pizza gate              Poisoning Robert with a Dutch pizza

Revenge gate       Diesel jumping out of the coach all over the driver

Penalty gate          The net keeping out our winning goal

The Referees

The Good – the one who shared a beer with us after Sunday’s game

The Bad – the one who believed a net could defy the laws of physics

The Ugly – the one who stopped the game on the other pitch because a coach told him what he thought.

The Lessons

Find out what rules we are playing before we kick off

-Short corners, easier goal kicks, and no back pass rule

Its penalties not a cross bar challenge

Dutch goal nets are made of steel

Chips two minutes before a game may not be the best way forward

When Keith shouts “don’t shoot” always do – Great goal Hannah

When those corners come across run towards them not away

The Memorable

The warmth of the hosts

Mikes luminous tracksuit

Spreading the word that we were Tottenham Hotspur

Ed challenging the girls to try to hit the cross bar (they failed)

The Macarena with the girls from Delta

Sundays “Battle of the near to airports” Heathrow 3 Rotterdam 1

The stadium with our flags flying and parents proud

The girls lining up for the National Anthem

The Dutch girls running across with massive smiles after seeing their grandparents on the sidelines

The girls playing football at the ferry port
The Team Anthem sing-along "we love you teddington we do...."

Winning four, drawing two and only losing one game.

4 clean sheets, 8 scored 5 conceded (3 due to chips)

Above all we had a fantastic time, the locals could not have been friendlier and seeing the girls line up for the national anthem brought a lump to the throat (even to those Irish amongst us). The girls played brilliantly and the way they embraced the whole experience was exemplary.

Ed and Christelle should be both pleased and congratulated.  Without them none of this would have been possible. Third in the League  this year and Champions of Holland.

The motto of the trip

The only chips in football should be those over the goalkeeper