The Green Machine

My junior team roared back to form today with a most splendid performance. Log onto www.marshallsfc.me.uk to read the full match report.

The mens team didn't fare so well, losing 2-0. Read the match report @ www.marshallsfootballclub.co.uk.

Hey diddly de...

A students life for me!. Yes, that's right, a place to study Journalism is mine, and I have to admit that I am pleased. It does also mean I will have to start practising doing student things, like writing a cheque for a packet of crisps for example. But despite the prospect of that, and other similair actions, I have to say that I am happy to be facing 4 years of part time study. Well, kind of...

A big thank you to those who helped me with my application. You know who you are. Thank you for making it possible.

At least I'm trying

This Sunday marks just 16 weeks until the Liverpool Triathlon, and I gulped heavily when I realised this fact. As most training schedules are for 15 weeks, I have just 10 days to get myself ready before the preparation begins in earnest. Thankfully I have already got my bike back on the road as I rode about 35 miles today. Admittedly it was done at a leisurely pace, but at this stage it is time on the bike that counts. My legs felt strong and I was comfortable throughout the ride, which in turn has boosted my confidence. I am running anyway, and managed to complete a gruelling speedwork session on Wednesday evening which consisted of 15 x 200m sprints. By about number 10 my legs were screaming, and I also felt a bit sick. But I managed to complete the set, and I know I will feel the benefit. All I have to do now is conquer my life-long held dislike of swimming and I have got it made. But swimming.....

The wise man says....

I read a great quote today. It was in a coaching magazine and was emphasising the need for children to learn for themselves, and not to be told how to do something. It said, "When we hear, we forget. When we watch, we remember. When we do, we understand." Superb. And so true in the context of coaching children. The job of a good coach is to provide the environment, and within that environment lies a number of challenges. The job of the child/player is then to learn how to overcome these challenges, within a framwork of playing games. We all like to think we are THE one who will teach a child how to play football, and how to understand the game of football. But it is the players themselves who do that. All we do is facilitate the process, and, hopefully, get lots of pleasure out of it along the way.

I mustn't relent

Lent starts tomorrow and 40 days of abstinence begins. For this year I have decided to give up 'junk food' which is pretty comprehensive. To just give up crisps leaves me wide open for chocolate abuse. Laying off nuts would probably mean laying on biscuits. Junk food covers pretty much all that is bad, and perversely, all that I find good. It will be quite a challenge but I need to do something drastic to restore my waistline to it's former glory.

Worn out and ready for bed.

A busy weekend. Read the match reports of both my junior team, and the mens team. Both sides enjoyed good results on Saturday which was very pleasing after last weeks games which demoralised me to an extent. This weekend has restored my faith completely.

For junior team log onto www.marshallsfc.me.uk

For mens team it's www.marshallsfootballclub.co.uk

Haway the lads

My team were amazing today. We had the bare bones, (Philip played in goal as he was ill) and we won 4-0. Some of the football would not have been out of place at the Maracana stadium.