SYLVANS under-14s will enjoy a two-day coaching course this weekend after they were declared the GFA Specsavers Respect ‘Team of the Season’.
The Respect awards began at the start of the year, and aside from monthly winners in designated leagues, an overall winner was to be selected from the GFA youth leagues.
Sylvans under-14s came third in their league but were recognised by referees, opponents, coaches and the GFA as a team which consistently showed good sportsmanship and lived up to the FA’s Respect campaign.
This weekend their players will enjoy training sessions with coaches from the Bobby Charlton Soccer and Sports Academy, based on the pitch at the Garenne Stand, Foote’s Lane.
Sylvans U14 head coach Mark Le Tissier said: ‘This is great news and our lads are really looking forward to the weekend.’
The Sylvans team was recognised for its impeccable on-field disciplinary record, excellent feedback from referees, use of Respect barriers at games and a number of positive stories which have been heard about the team.
‘The team even went as far as reducing the numbers of their players on the field more than once to try to avoid a mismatch and a whitewash,’ said GFA Secretary Neil Laine.
Le Tissier said: ‘We fully support the Specsavers Respect initiative to reward good practice in football. We’ve always made an effort to be part of this – we rotate our squad, encourage our lads to respect the officials and actively encourage good behaviour from parents on the touchline.’
As part of the Respect awards, Specsavers have provided monthly kit prizes and have paid for the coaching weekend.
Specsavers co-founder Dame Mary Perkins said:
'I hope the youngsters enjoy their coaching weekend and I'm pleased that we can reward them for their good behaviour throughout the season.'
The monthly awards will continue next season and the end-of-season prize, which will be tickets to an England international at Wembley Stadium, will go to a senior team.