How has the season gone for the boys?

It has been an unbelievable season and a remarkable achievement for the boys. Despite a gruelling fixture build up towards the end of the season and inevitable fatigue for the boys, these young footballers battled on to win 3 finals in 7 days, including the prestigious Middlesex FA Under 12 Cup! They also achieved an amazing 49 game winning streak which has seen them claim the Quintuple - Watford Friendly League Red, Watford Friendly League Cup, Watford Friendly Challenge Cup, Middlesex FA Under 12 Cup and AFA County Cup.

When did the winning run start and were there any games where it was under threat?

We have been on a winning streak since 13th March 2016 and there have certainly been a few games where it was under threat. We played a double header in the League v Harvesters with 5 key players missing. Harvesters were very difficult to break down but we managed to score 2 goals in the last 5 minutes of the first game and 1 goal in the second game to take all 6pts. We also had to dig deep and show good character to overturn a 1-0 deficit at half time v Maccabi Lions. Our 2nd half performance was outstanding and we won the game 1-3. The two toughest games came in the County Cup fixtures. In our Quarter-Final v Lambeth Tigers in the AFA County Cup we were on the back foot for 15 minutes but won the game 3-1. Our Semi Final v Rap-Aid in the Middlesex FA Cup was a great game. Caspar Fusco grabbed the winner and only goal to seal our place in the Final v Wembley Youth.    

What is the football philosophy at the club?

Whetstone Wanderers are a great club. We are also a successful club with good history and our aim is to be the club of first choice for all. Development and happiness are key for us and equally important for all regardless of level. We have experienced people at the club who are always there to support us either technically or with decisions. Whetstone Wanderers go about their business quietly and value friendship in grassroots football. They also have great relationships with Pro Clubs. 

How do you keep the team motivated?

The environment is key and the parents play a big part. I encourage the boys to play with freedom and without the fear of losing. Training is very intense and the competition in the squad is fierce. The boys love it. They are all like brothers and fight for each other on the pitch from kick-off until the final whistle. Desire, work ethic, character and togetherness are fundamental ingredients if you want to be part of this squad. Technical ability is also important but I like to coach the boys and for me, that is not the vital ingredient. I focus on the performance and not the result. We try and play good football, playing out from the back with risk and keeping the ball on the deck. The boys are also encouraged to mess about in training and have fun but to know when to get real. Friendlies are selected to test the boys, i.e. older teams, physical teams etc. Social events are also very important and the boys are all very good friends. Negativity and/or any form of disrespect is not allowed in the camp.

What is the next challenge for the boys? Will the squad stay together next season?

We are now joining the Eastern Junior Alliance (EJA) and will be registered as Cockfosters U13 EJA. Whetstone Wanderers are in partnership with Cockfosters FC and this, in turn, facilitates a platform for the lads, if ready, to compete at the pinnacle of grassroots football, The EJA. The lads are staying together and we also welcome to 2 new additions to the squad. One of these lads was signed from us by Colchester Academy last season but now returns home. We are excited about the other new lad who is joining us. He is technically very good and has settled in very well.

For more information on Whetstone Wanderers please head over to the club website - https://www.whetstonewanderers.org/

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