Thursday 8th. September 2011

We kick-off the new 2011/2012 League campaign on Sunday with 577 teams competing in 55 divisions. That's an increase of 15 teams on those who completed last season.

We have Registered close to 8,000 players at this stage, so you can imagine the excitement some of the youngsters will experience this weekend as we start out all over again. I guess there will be some sleepless nights on Saturday, perhaps not just by the players, but also by the managers and coaches as well.

If I could have two major items on my personal "wish list" for season 2011/2012 they would undoubtedly be:
That the players are allowed to enjoy their football every week with well behaved spectators giving encouragement and letting the players show off their talents. We must all remember that we are adults in a kids game and we do all of our jobs for the total benefit of the youngsters. We don't want any youngsters fearful of making mistakes, or feeling that there is a certain amount of hostility when they are playing. This should be fun for them in a structured and well organised environment, where everyone plays their part. Junior football can teach the kids discipline and many life skills, as well as being great fun, but only if adults act as adults should.
Secondly, I would like to think that all scheduled matches are played as per the organised fixture list and that postponements, unless due to adverse weather, or for reasons contained within the member Rules are kept to an absolute minimum. The last thing we want to do is sit (akin to a "pools panel") and manually award points or award teams byes in Cup Competitions, due to matches not being played or not finalised. We schedule and organise Grass Roots football so that the kids can play the game, not so we can ultimately decide the outcome, if the match should not be played.
There was a third, but that was to do with the weather and I decided not to put that on my "wish list" as, every time I mention it, the winters seem to get worse and throw up even more postponements!

In terms of kick-off times on a Sunday we have three separate categories:
Mini-Soccer (U7, U8, U9 and U10) are 12:30pm kick-offs, although because of the many benefits of flexibility to both competing teams we do allow a little leeway in terms of start time and many of these matches kick-off earlier on the Sunday morning. Failure to agree a mutually beneficial time would mean reverting to the League Rule of a 12:30pm kick-off.
Under 11, 12 and 13 age groups all kick-off at 11:00am for League matches. Those age groups kick off at 10:30am in TJFA Cup ties.
Under 14, 15, 16 and Under 18 kick off at 1:30pm for all TJFA matches.

So, what does the new season hold? Well, a massive step up for teams who played mini-soccer at Under 10 last season moving to the eleven a side game for the first time. But it's amazing how quickly kids come to terms with these changes, they are extremely versatile and the Under 11 age group has consistently been one of the most competitive and enjoyable age groups in the League.

In terms of "matches to watch" this weekend, well, we have 264 League games to choose from, so you can imagine there are numerous games which whet the appetite, but my selections would be as follows:

Last seasons "TJFA Team of the Year" were the Under 15 Whinney Banks YCC team, and as they move up to the Under 16 age group in division one they will want to start their campaign with a win, but they won't have it all their own way as, in a fiercely contested division, they host Greatham FC from Hartlepool. Don't expect Greatham to make things easy for last season's Division 1 Champions (1:30pm).

Possibly the best mini-soccer match at the weekend will be the first division game between North Ormesby and Thirsk Falcons Clarets at Under 10 in the North Riding area. These two teams were promoted last season with only four points separating them and they both boasted excellent records. I expect a really close match between those two as they start their new season in the top flight. (12:30pm - but flexible)

Another close match looks in prospect in the Under 11 first division as Richmond Town host Cumby Rovers. This is the age group where North Riding Clubs meet up with Durham based Clubs for the first time and these two sides both had excellent seasons at Under 10. Richmond Town gained promotion from the second division as Champions and Cumby Rovers finished third in the Durham top flight. A game not to miss if you are in that area on Sunday. (11:00am)

To choose one match is extremely difficult, but my "pick of the day" has to be the encounter between Marton FC "a" and Kader FC in the Under 13 first division. Played at Hall Drive with an 11 o'clock kick-off this is certain to be played in front of one of the biggest crowds of the season, as last years division one Champions Kader make the short journey, literally just down the road, to the team who finished in Runners-up position. There were only 2 points separating these two teams at the end of last season and they were miles clear of the rest. Between them in their 20 League matches they scored 167 goals. This is one of those "must watch" games. (11:00am)

If it's attacking football you want to see on Sunday then I wouldn't think that you'll be disappointed if you travel over to Redcar, as two promoted sides from last season go head to head in the Under 12 first division, when Redcar Town take on Spraire Lads "a" from Darlington. Spraire Lads "a" scored no fewer than 80 goals in their 22 games last season and their hosts Redcar Town knocked in an amazing 109. Both teams will want to get their first division campaign off on the right note and this could be a cracker of a game. (11:00am).

TIBS "a" host Norton & Stockton Ancients in the Under 13 second division over at Thornaby. TIBS gained promotion as Champions last season with Norton & Stockton finishing third in the second division. With good quality sides right through all divisions in the TJFA, this looks to be a match between two very evenly matched teams and the result could go either way. I certainly wouldn't want to call this one. (11:00am)

Great Ayton have made the step up to the Under 15 first division following a tremendous promotion season for them last year. One of only two teams in the TJFA who won every League match last season, they are sure to be a force to be reckoned with again. A mouth-watering opening home fixture pits them against a Greatham FC team, who themselves only just missed out on honours in the top flight last season. A great game in prospect. (1:30pm)

Two newly promoted first division sides at Under 16 meet up as Brompton Juniors take on Rossmere Rangers (Rossmere formerly known in season 2010/2011 as St. Francis "b"). These were two exceptional teams in the second division last season and this match is sure to be a hard fought affair as they start out in their new campaign. Another tough match to call, with Rossmere possibly just the slight favourites based on their performances last season. (1:30pm)

Finally, a tasty looking Under 18 clash in the first division when Marton FC "a" entertain Hartlepool FC. No quarter will be asked or given as these two sides meet up over at Hall Drive. Both teams gained honours in their respective divisions last season and this is a great opening game in our oldest age group to start off the 2011/2012 season. Marton may start as favourites but Hartlepool FC are a well-organised all-round team and will take some beating on Sunday. (1:30pm)

So, after a long haul through the Player Registration process and a very hectic summer to get everything ready, it won't be long before we are up and running now, with only a couple of days left to the big kick-off.

Other highlighted games would include:

Under 13 - Div. 1 New Marske FC v Stokesley FC "a" (11:00am)
Under 14 - Div. 2 Leven AFC v Nunthorpe Athletic "b" (1:30pm)

GOOD LUCK to everyone for season 2011/2012.

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