Spotlight on youth football

NORWICH CITY FC/FITC Ability Counts Easter Respite Courses: Working in conjunction with Short Breaks Pathfinder, Norwich City FC/Football in the Community through their Aviva Ability Counts coaching team will be providing a series of four-day multi-sport respite camps for children with physical or learning disabilities.

Parents/carers whose children attend this course will have 16 hours respite over a four day period whilst their children enjoy sporting activity consisting of football, basketball, tennis, tri-golf, hockey to name but a few. The course which would normally cost within the region of �80 has been 75 percent funded by Short Breaks Pathfinder with parents/carers only needing to pay a �20 for four days.

The sports sessions will be delivered by fully qualified FITC coaches who have experience in working with children with disabilities. Whilst individual care will be provided by Cross Roads Care an organisation that provide support for children with complex needs.

Norwich City FC/Football in the Community is a not for profit organisation based at Norwich City Football Club the charity aims to improve the health, social esteem, and skills of children and adults of all abilities across Norfolk and north Suffolk.

Thursday, April to Friday, April 16, 10am to 2pm at Lynn Grove High School, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth. To book call 01603 761122.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U15 were at home to Scole in the cup semi-finals. Scole defended deep and in numbers. From a good corner Chloe leapt high to head home and despite several other good efforts Bohs were unable to extend their lead. In the second half Chloe doubled the lead with a good finish following good work by Natalie, who was devastating second half and put countless good crosses in. Scole hit back after a mistimed clearance. However a good ball from Megan found Neneh who burst clear and fired home from just inside the area, she has been one of the most consistent players all season. There were other good performances most notably from Sophie, a model of consistency all season, Sasha who is so dependable and reliable in defence and Chloe who is in superb form. Praise must be given to all the girls who are playing up a year in a very tough league. Thanks to Libby, Sasha and Sophie for sharing the goalkeeping, Steve for lining and Andy who refereed superbly. PoM: Neneh and Chloe followed very closely by Natalie and Sasha. Next match, Saturday, away to North Walsham, meeting times to be confirmed. Sunday at home to Swanton Herons, meet 9.45am at Cliff Park High School.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U10 faced table topping Gorleston Rangers who had not dropped a point all season. Bruna gave Bohs the lead inside the first five minutes. The Rangers keeper made two great saves but Rangers became stronger and deservedly equalised from a well-taken corner. A Bohs' chance went narrowly wide before they conceded a soft goal just before half-time which was hard on Georgina who volunteered to go in goal. Bruna started in goal second half and this was the best 20 minutes of the season thus far and for an U10s game their was skill of a very high standard from some of the Rangers girls and great tenacity and commitment from the Bohs girls, in particular Georgia, and to see the improvement from this girl in such a short space of time is amazing. With less than five minutes ago Bruna got the equaliser. Daisy saw a rasping shot miss by inches. PoM: Millie who ran her heart out up front but all of the girls were superb. Thanks to Charlotte for refereeing.

BOHEMIANS GIRLS U16 away to North Walsham knew three points would put them in pole position for the title. They were ahead within five minutes following great work from Dayna and Charlotte H with Charlotte Eaton firing home. Megan added a second with a powerful header from corner by Chelsea and a change of tactics just before half-time saw Libby assume a striker's role and score a third with a tenacious effort following a good cross from Chelsea. Second half was very even and NW reduced the arrears with a really good goal. Charlotte Eastwood saw a terrific long-range effort hit the bar before an even better effort from Chelsea also thudded back off of the bar. Charlotte Eaton finished things off with a fourth 10 minutes from time and Charlotte H went very close with two good efforts. Remy is the best goalkeeper the side has had and Becks played despite having a broken toe from the previous weeks match and stayed on until 10 minutes to go as there were no subs. Charlotte Eastwood and Megan were both outstanding second half and Libby showed much more application.

BOHEMIANS U11 GIRLS found Sprowston Girls tough opponents, having already lost to them earlier in the season. The Bohs started brightly with Millie smashing the ball at the goalie who spilled the ball for Antonia to poke it home. Indianna then hit the post. Sprowston scored the equaliser when Bohs were caught by a lucky toe punt creeping into the far corner. At 1-1 the Bohs looked the stronger team. Demi, Ella and Rhianna were tireless against a physically bigger team. The Sprowston forwards began arguing as they found the Bohs midfield too much to handle. Lauren found herself bouncing off the Sprowston defenders but never backed off. Emily, in goal, positioned herself well making some decent saves. Sprowston had the run of the ball as they scored from a corner, and then scored again as the ball bounced off the back of their forward looping into the net. Olivia came on playing some deft touches but could not turn the game around. Jordan played a captain's game, rarely putting a foot wrong . Conceding again in the last few minutes the Bohs were defeated 4-1 but played so well it seemed like a victory. PoM: Ella for her tireless performance and last-ditch tackling.

BOHEMIANS U12 played the cup semi-finals against Scole Girls. The girls were up for the game and went onto the pitch with a positive attitude. In the first half the girls were all passing and receiving the ball, keeping it on the floor and under control. Bohs were winning 4-0 by the end of first half, goals scored by Molly, Martha, Zoe and Leanne. In the second half the girls were struggling while playing in different positions. Scole seemed to be more organised and the goalkeeper was outstanding. Bohs were unable to score any goals in the second half but again we did not concede any either with a good defence and goalkeeping. Bring on the final!

CAISTER U9B travelled to play Kirkley and Pakefield B, and for the first time this season played well below their usual hard-working displays. Two first half goals, both through mistakes, gave Kirkley a deserved 2-0 half-time lead. An improved performance in the second half saw more fight and better passing all round made the game more even. Reece (man of the match) worked hard and once again Alfie was solid at the back, Will tried as he always does and Harry is getting better with every game but as a team Caister were well below par and a final result of Kirkley and Pakefield B 2, Caister U9B 0 was a fair scoreline.

COBHOLM BOYS U12 played Swindell. After a good win last week, they slipped back to their old ways of not tackling and allowing too much room on the ball. The keeper made some good saves but the defence failed to clear and they were soon three goals down. Things did not improve in the second half, with some of the team not giving 100 per cent, and Cobholm lost 8-0. MoM Joshua (the keeper). Training 10am on Saturday.

COBHOLM BOYS U9 played their last game of the season away to Sole Bay and finished with a 3-0 win. Goals came from Jacob and Will F (2). Cobholm started with Owen in goal, who pulled off some good saves, earning him MoM. Jordan started with Shaun in defence and both were strong throughout. Will F started in midfield with Jacob and Mazie up front. Will M and Keanan came on as subs, and spread the ball well, with Will M going into goal and Shaun moving up front for the last 10 minutes. All in all, the boys and Mazie have had an excellent season, fully deserving their place at the Ocean Rooms as champions. Training on Saturday at 11.30am.

COBHOLM BOYS U8 played Blundeston Magpies and started slowly, not switching on for the first five minutes. When they did, they played very well, with good tackling and, as the game progressed, the passing got a lot better. Riley had another good game, as did the rest of the team, but MoM went to Kieran for a good all-round display. Thanks to Jordan for refereeing.

GORLESTON RANGERS U13A in their final league game travelled to Halvergate to face Bohemians. Rangers knew they could seriously dent Bohs title hopes with a victory and got off to a great start, Cameron Brooks playing a delightful through ball for Jay Turner to finish exquisitely after 45 seconds. Bohs drew level soon after, then took control to score twice in quick succession to lead at half-time 3-1. Rangers made a good start to the second half. Dan Deag scored with an excellent left-foot half-volley to give Rangers a glimmer of getting back into the game. However, Bohs again seized the initiative and while Rangers pushed men forward Bohs eased their way to a 5-2 victory, scoring twice late on in the game. Man of the match: Ben George, another decent display and centre back. Rangers can now look forward to the semi-final of the League Cup this Sunday. Next match against Bungay at Bungay FC, kick-off 2pm, meet ground 1.30pm. Problems call Steve 01493 669241.

GORLESTON RANGERS U10D lost 2-1 away against Swindell on Sunday in a fast-paced game. Making his Rangers debut, Liam had two strikes on goal in the first few minutes which were saved. Dan in centre midfield was making some awesome tackles and distributing the ball well. William made some fine saves in the first half. Josh S showed his skill and commitment, turning players and making some great runs with the ball. Although there were chances for both sides, the first half ended 0-0. Callum made a fantastic pass to Liam, who struck it well, but wide. Dan went back into defence with Josh B at his side and both boys made some good tackles. Michael was tracking back and making some good runs with the ball and Mohammed made his presence felt all over the pitch. Callum had a chance which went wide, and then with a fantastic piece of individual skill and determination, Josh S found the back of the net, putting Rangers in front. But within minutes Swindell got the equaliser and then went on to score again. William had his best game to date, making double and triple saves, showing brilliant agility and awareness.

HEMSBY HORNETS U9 STINGERS were away to St Benets in the league. Hemsby started cautiously but composed and confident. From the outset every player seemed comfortable in their positions with the ball being passed around quickly and accurately. Hemsby managed to get a few early chances which eventually led to a goal from Archie S. Tom had a few good shots on goal which were kept out by some good defending and goalkeeping. The defence began with Kahn and Ben while Jim was brought on midway through the first half letting others move further forward. Archie G had a fairly quiet game in goal but did make crucial saves when needed and showed yet more improvement in his distribution and communications. The second half continued in a similar pattern with Hemsby just about in control of the match. Calum had another excellent game with some fantastic wing play and again great speed which was rewarded with a couple of great opportunities in front of goal which he took with style. At the final whistle the score ended 3-0 to Hemsby and every player had a great game. MoM: Kahn who made a solid performance throughout the game.

HEMSBY HORNETS U10B entertainedan unbeaten Kirkley & Pakefield and came away with a well-earned point. The first 10 minutes K&P put the Hornets under pressure but with Harlen in goal, Connor and Cain at the back, the defence was superb. Hornets weathered the storm and had the better chances in front of goal. Regan, Jacob, Kristian , Louis and Jack produced a midfield which battled, defended and created chances with good football and should all be proud of their performances. The Hornets' goal was a solo effort from Kristain who started at the halfway line with a mazy run past numerous K&P players and finished with an excellent goal earning him the man of match award by the parents. Another great result. Next game away to Gorleston FC A, ko 10.30am. Training Saturday morning as usual.

HEMSBY HORNETS U10A played Gorleston FCA on Sunday and put behind last week's disappointments with a very good display against a quality side. They got their game flowing with some good moves that were started from the back by Brady. Brennan hit a lovely effort just over the bar and Sam and Hadley had half-chances. Hornets fell behind when an error allowed the striker time to run at goal. Hornetswent straight back at them and were rewarded with two goals in two minutes. A throw in went to Sam just inside their area and he brilliantly placed his shot across goal and gave the keeper no chance. The boys attacked from the kick-off, won the ball and with a move involving Hadley, Sam and Dominic the ball was played out wide to man of the match Brennan who cut in from the left and hit a cross-shot into the far corner for a 2-1 lead. Second half was much the same with both teams attacking well, but finding the defences on top. The team welcomed Josh, who eventually got to make his debut, and settled in really well with an excellent game. Midway through the second half GFC got an equaliser through a lapse at the back and Josh was faced with three players who passed the ball well to equalise. The game was played in the right spirit throughout and refereed well.

SHRUBLANDS U10B came out of the blocks flying Saturday morning against third-placed Harleston, moving the ball and creating several openings. Harleston cleared two attempts off their line and their keeper made numerous saves. Owin finally broke the deadlock midway through the half with a cracking drive that flew in off the angle. The rest of the half continued with Shrublands pressing forward looking to extend their lead. The second half started with the midfield dominating possession. Lee finally found the net with an unstoppable 20-yard drive. The game was sealed when Adam scored for his sixth match in a row for a well deserved victory and another clean sheet.

SHRUBLANDS U10B met Kirkley & Pakefield F. Two goals in the first minute, a solo run from Owin straight from Kirkley's kick-off, was followed up by Adam, and an absolute screamer from Lee again from the restart set them on their way to a comprehensive victory. Goals followed from Shane (three) and another from Adam rounding off another excellent display and another clean sheet. A thoroughly deserved man of the match display for Courtney for a composed performance. Every one at the club wishes Christian a speedy recovery. Next game Waveney A away, 1pm, meet at the common. Training Saturday as usual.

SWINDELL GIRLS U17 were on the winning trail again, comfortable 3-0 victory against a hard working St Benets outfit. They welcomed Amy back in goal, with everyone back in their right full place. First half was dull, the only bright bits Lissa's control of the midfield and Mag's tireless running. One excellent chance fell to Mags who put it the wrong side of the upright. Second half saw a, lot more attitude. Mag's quality shot sailed in. Smudge in an eye-catching performance played a one-two with Mags before drilling home. Mags got her second and Swindell's third with another cool finish. Opportunities fell to Gabi, Porsha and Bet, all over or past the woodwork. Defence, Meg, Gab and P looked unruffled. Last 10 minutes Swindell produced slick, exciting football. PoM: Lissa closely followed by Mags.

GREAT YARMOUTH TOWN U10 travelled to a good strong Oulton Mariners on Sunday in the league. In previous meetings the games have been very close, however Yarmouth controlled this match for very long periods and were very unlucky not to come away with a victory instead of a draw. Yarmouth where excellent all over the park with Swanston in goal having a excellent game with two fantastic saves, Haylock and Saywer were awesome at the back as was defensive midfielder Sims who had a great game, Wallis, Aizlewood, Jex, Wright and Rodwell did a fantastic job in the midfield and Hunter was superb up top. Yarmouth broke the deadlock midway through the second half when Sims scored what was probably the goal of the season so far from inside his own half cracked an unstoppable shot which lobbed the keeper into the roof of the net. Yarmouth had chances to extend their lead and were unlucky not to do so. Mariners equalised with four minutes remaining to set up a frantic finish. A great team performance. Final score 1-1. MoM Sims and Sawyer.

BLUNDESTON MAGPIES U12 won 1-0 after extra time at Caister in the U12 shield. This was an epic contest between two evenly matched and sporting teams. The first half saw Magpies attack down the slope with the wind behind them. There was concern whether Magpies could then hold out against this excellent home side who attacked downhill in the second half. However, Magpies played their best football in this period with the best collective display by the defence all season. Stints was the general at centre back with his partner Cam putting in a colossal match-winning performance. On the occasions that Caister broke through Fletch was equal to everything with a match saving display that just pipped Cam to the MoM award. After an hour the two groups still couldn't be separated. In extra time Magpies slowly got a grip on the game and when Chopper floated in a high corner Cam was on the spot with a towering header to win the game and cap a fine individual and team performance. All 13 lads played a great part in reaching the final.

GORLESTON FC U7B entertained a well-organised Waveney A side. It was a close even match throughout with both teams creating several chances. The boys showed how they are continuing to develop as a team with improved passing of the ball around the pitch. Man of the match this week was Finley McFarlane for some superb goalkeeping.

GORLESTON RANGERS GIRLS U10 played the re-formed Bohemians, away at Cliff Park. Bohemians forced an early save from Kelsey. From a long throw in Bohs capitalised on defensive hesitancy to go 1-0 up. From the restart Jane and Jess combine well to attack. Megan, Jess and Jane combined well with some good passing to push Bohemians back into their own half. Jane won us a corner which Jess finishes into the far corner: 1-1. Good defending from Jade, Caitlin and Clarissa and another good save by Kelsey, keptthe scores level. With only a couple of minutes of the first half remaining Jane went down the right and crossed. The ball came off of the keeper's boot and nestled in the back of the net: 2-1. Second half Gorleston shots go close but none end up where they need to as the Bohemians goal leads a charmed life. Jade, Jess and Megan all go close. On only their second attack and with only five minutes to go, Bohemians threw their players forward and got a shot on goal which is saved by Kelsey, but she was helpless to save the follow up:. 2-2. Probably the sternest test of the season so far. GoM: Jane.

GORLESTON RANGERS GIRLS U11 were at home to Horsford with Hannah C in goal, Beth and Hannah S defending, Jess and Mary midfield, Gemma and Neve up front. Horsford were first to everything and Rangers found themselves under pressure for most of the first half. It was only the brilliance of Hannah C that prevented Horsford from taking the lead. Even the introduction of Aimee up front for Jess failed to motivate Rangers. Beth and Hannah S were strong in the tackle and Gemma is growing stronger. A rare attack for Rangers saw a trademark throw in from Mary that the visitors' keeper failed to deal with and could only palm the ball into her own net. Aimee latched onto to a delightful pass from Neve to slot home from close range. Half time 2-0. The second half saw a free-kick awarded to the visitors just outside the box which produced another stunning save from Hannah C. Mary took a free-kick following a handball some 20 yards out and thundered the ball into the back of the net for 3-0. GoM: Hannah C, confident, authoritative and inspirational. No match next week.