2014 Chelsea Training & Annual Presentation Day

A great day was had by all on Saturday at the annual Chelsea Training and Forest Glade presentation event. The kids all turned up early and excited ready for what was due to be a long day of football. The weather forecast wasn't great and sure enough 10 minutes into the Chelsea training and the heavens opened up with some quite dramatic thunder and lightning which brought all the training to a grinding halt - not too dissimilar from England Vs Honduras on Friday night!

 

During the bad weather interval the kids all seeked shelter under the gazebos where the Chelsea coaches taught the children the "YaYa Toure" chant. This is one of those really annoying chants that just sticks in your head and repeats over and over again all day long. By Sunday I thought I had heard the last of it until I then heard some of our boys chanting it at the Rayleigh tournament (aaaargh!).

 

Anyway once the rain storm blew over the training commenced and the boys spent about an hour and a half predominantly on dribbling drills. After a short lunch break the World Cup was on as the Under 6's were split into Italy, Spain, Holland, England, Argentina and Brazil for a round robin of matches. With the games all concluded the boys were marched over to the presentation tent ready to receive their annual awards. The under 6's have been so committed and dedicated throughout the last year. They have trained and played in all kinds of extreme weather conditions and have given up multiple weekends with training on Saturday and matches on Sunday. The progress over the last year has been unbelievable and it is a pleasure to watch the teams playing. These annual trophies are very well deserved for such a hard years work.

 

George leads out the Lions for their annual trophy presentation.

 

Gaffa Stuart presents Samuel his trophy.

Lenny gets his award as coach Steve directs the photo opportunity.

Goal keeper Ellis who has really stepped up to the plate in the Lions.

 

The Lions with proud coaches Stuart and Steve.

 

Next up is the Tigers led out by Joshua.

Coach Jason presents Joshua with his annual trophy.

Ryan was next....

Then Alfie.....

Then Ethan.....

Then coach Lee presents the trophy to his boy, Max.

Next was Lorne.....

And last but not least our little pocket rocket centre forward, Alex.

 

Coach Lee and Jason with the Tigers.

Finally it was time for the Leopards led out by Riley.

Next up was Charlie......

Followed by the other Charlie.....

Next up Mantos.....

Then Ben....

Next was Jamie (arguably one of the most improved players of the year)....

And last but not least Mick's son Owen.

Proud coach Mick getting his bald head sun burnt as he poses with the Leopards.

 

A great picture of the coaches with all of the Under 6's. Well done boys, you make us all proud.

Tigers playing up to the camera.

 

The pictures in this blog are a bit back to front as I have started with the presentation day and then shown the Chelsea training. Anyway here are some action pictures for your enjoyment from the Chelsea training event (pictures courtesy of our very own Tigers Paparazzi - Nikola Webb.

 

 

Seeking shelter under the gazebos during thunder and lightning.

Joshua and Ethan preferred to take some risks with the lightning bolts!!!

Evan taking on Jamie.

Ryan under pressure from George.

Ryan shoots at goal.

Chelsea coaches giving feedback after each round robin game.

Charlie makes a great save.

Ryan on one of his runs down the wing.

Jamie in action.

Charlie trying to muscle in on Joshua.

George takes a long shot past Lorne.

Joe and Evan have a tangle.

Alfie tries to get a ball through.

Mantos and Charlie watch on as Italy put one in the back of the net.

Ryan showing the Chelsea coaches his footwork.

Owen, Jamie and Josh try and stop Alex from scoring.

Alex gets his break as Lorne goes down.

Lorne and Owen trying to close down on a very fast Mason.