LOASS 2009/2010 SEASON PREVIEW

U8
Manager: Tom Prendergast
2009/2010 League: Rural Friendly League

U9
Manager: Gavin Prince
2009/2010 League: Rural Friendly League

Last season was a good one for the 2009/2010 U9’s squad. They were one of the best passing teams in their age range, winning the ‘Best Footballing Team’ award at in the Brimsdown 5-a-side Football Tournament.

However, they did lack the physical edge to their game which showed on the end of season tour to the Butlins Football Tournament in Skegness, as they were unable to progress out of the group stages.

U9s Manager and LOASS Manager of the season, Gavin Prince said:

“’I was extremely pleased with my team last season; they played good football, won loads of games and scored loads of goals. Throughout the season, they developed really well.”

Although there wasn’t a competitive league for the U9s last year, they applied themselves admirably in their friendly games dominating teams with their football.

Gavin has progressed six players from LOASS U9s to the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence for the 2009/2010 season, highlighting the success of his side.

Gavin is optimistic for the coming season where his team will be playing in a league for the first time.

“The league will be extremely difficult, but I hope every player improves. As a squad we have lost a large number of players to the Centre and because of age, therefore I hope the team I do have will gel as quickly as possible and continue to play good football.’’

U10
Manager: Robert Tromans
2009/2010 League: Rural Friendly League

A good last year for the U10s 2009/2010 squad where they narrowly missed out on winning honours. They finished second in the Super League, got knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the League Cup and to cap the season off; were beaten semi-finalists at the end of season tour to Skegness.

Manager Rob Tromans was happy with how things went though:

“’We struggled at the start of the season due to losing players and new ones starting. Throughout the season though the players developed extremely well and team performances reflected this.’’

With every age group the ultimate aim is for the players to develop and move up to the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence, something that Rob strongly agrees with, but Rob also hopes to win something whilst seeing his team develop:

“Hopefully next season one or two of my players will move up to the Centre, but I want to continue the development of each individual by steady individual improvement and team performance throughout the season.’’

So a good season of development and hopefully success is ahead of the U10’s with this being their last season at 7-a-side level before moving to the full 11-a-side format.

U10 GIRLS
Manager: Athena Yennaris
2009/2010 League: Essex County Girls Football League

A new team starting this season for LOASS is the Girls U10 side, managed by Athena Yennaris.

A large turnout was present for the trials this year and a competitive pool of players to chose from to represent LOASS.

Manager Athena Yennaris is eagerly waiting to work with, and progressing, them, after honing her coaching skills in the United States this summer.

“I am looking forward to coaching and helping these young girls progress as footballers and achieve their highest ability in football.

“I feel this year, as it’s my first, I have a lot to learn personally but I have great experience from playing myself which I hope to pass onto my players.

“Our main aim this season, as of all the LOASS teams, is to promote players to the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence and we hope to do this by getting the girls to play as a team and improve not just as individuals but teammates as well.”

U11
Manager: James Gladwin
2009/2010 League: Rural Friendly League

Last season saw the U11s current squad secure a strong fifth place in their division. No cups were won but the fact that two players signed for the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence meant that at least the team were making the right step forward.

Last season’s Manager Jimmy Lenton was very pleased with their season as a whole.

“We played good passing football, with a good balance throughout the team. It’s never about winning at LOASS; it’s about developing a player so they can be the best they can be. We had good teamwork and developed them so they can get ready to go from 7-a-side to 11-a-side when they move up their age group this season.’’

With 24 players in their squad, Jimmy said that it was vital they all got the same opportunity to showcase their skills.

With Jimmy stepping down from managerial duties, James Gladwin is the new manager and is looking forward to working with the squad.

“This season I would like the team to establish itself as a strong Under 11 side and adapt their game to playing 11-a-side football which can be quite a jump for these players at their age.”

U12
Manager: Bradley Wiginton
2009/2010 League: Echo Junior Football League

Last season saw the current U12 squad play their first season in the 11-a-side format, performing well, something that their then manager, Paul Motion was delighted with.

“It was the boys first year at 11-a-side and they adapted well. They played really good football, which I expected as they all have good footballing brains.’’

“Last season we had a really bright start but just lacked consistency. Overall it went well - we finished mid-table in the league as well as making the semi-finals of the League Cup.’’

This season, Paul has stepped down to allow Bradley Wiginton to take charge and he is looking forward to it.

“Obviously, I want to take them to the next step and get them playing more consistently whilst still playing good football.’’

After a year of experience on the 11-a-side pitch, the U12’s can take the experience gained from last year to help them with their quest for silverware this year and the ultimate aim of players reaching the Leyton Orient FC Centre of Excellence.

U13
Manager: Tony Murphy
2009/2010 League: Echo Junior Football League

After a cup-winning season and promotion from the Echo B Division last season for the current U13 squad, there is much optimism for this season, something reflected by Manager Tony Murphy.

“Last season was very successful. The team produced some excellent football. We won the League Cup and were unlucky to finish runners-up in the league. The team is showing signs of turning into a really good side.’’

With a 2-0 victory over Woodford B, the team secured LOASS’ first piece of silverware of last season. Promotion was soon to follow and that capped off a great season for Tony and his team. When asked about his ambitions for next season, Tony said:

“Obviously to keep developing as a team, but we all like to win things, so finishing top of the league and winning the cup again!

“However, the main focus is developing all the boys to the best of my ability and making sure that they enjoy every minute of it.’’

A very successful season was also completed with a tour to Skegness for the Butlins football tournament which started brightly but then crumbled as they didn’t manage to get out the group stages.

“It was disappointing after having such an impressive season. The team performed well on the first day winning both games but the second day ended in disaster losing both games 4-0.’’

Despite this setback, there is still hope for next season in a higher division and hopefully more silverware can be gained.

U14
Manager: Andy Asque
2009/2010 League: Echo Junior Football League

The U14s had an excellent start to last season at U13 level, with the whole team gelling extremely well.Pre-season was promising with a 16-1 win on the first day leaving everyone in a buoyant mood.

Travelling away well the side even beat Dagenham away, 22-0 with every player in the squad scoring including the ‘keeper.Going into the league saw eight straight wins and alongside a good League Cup run everyone was feeling positive. However, an extra time defeat in the County Cup to one of the top three teams in London blighted their form going into the Christmas break.

The start of 2009 saw bad weather disrupt the fixtures and the team, who went lost their first league match in 14 months at home to Jets, followed by an away draw to title contenders Barn Sports.

However the players showed resilience and belief going on to win every game right through tothe end of the season beating both Jets (5-1) and in the League Cup Final Barn Sports (4-0), to complete another double winning season.
The end of season stats showed the side had scored 147 league goals and 50 in the cups.

Manager Andy Asque said:

“We all think of last season with fond memories. I would like to say a big thank you to all who took part in this most enjoyable campaign.

“Our best wishes go to those who have left the club and we welcome those who will be joining us for the new season ahead.”

U15
Manager: Kofi Mpiani
2009/2010 League: Echo Junior Football League

The current U15 squad gained promotion to the Premier Division and won the Division A Cup Final last season in what was a hugely successful one for the team and their manager Kofi Mpiani.

The Cup Final was a particularly great occasion because it was the best ever result for any LOASS team in any cup final. Their opponents were Millwall Albion; a team that had gone 36 games unbeaten having secured the league title and beaten the LOASS boys twice en route

However an all-round spirited display from LOASS won them the cup with a thumping 5-0 scoreline.

Kofi recalls the season:

“We had a slow start but an excellent finish. We finished second in the league gaining promotion to the Premier Division.

“This season I want to keep improving as a team and my personal ambition is to do better than last season. I hope we finish in the top three - that would be a very good achievement.”

So a great season last year for the current U15 squad and we hope that the rise to a tougher league in the Premier Division will see them continue improving and hopefully bag more silverware.

U16 Disability Team
FA Disability Counts League

U16
Manager: Yassin Abidou
2009/2010 League: Echo Junior Football League

After a good start to last season, the now U16 squad hopes of securing the Echo Premier Division filtered out after a few unwanted results towards the end of season, with the side finished a respectable third, just five points off of the eventual winners Redbridge.

The team can take great pride in reaching the London Cup Semi-Final where they were unlucky to lose 2-1 in a nail biting game and lost in the semis of the the League Cup.

An end-of-season tour to Valkenberg, Holland followed where the team played well to finish fifth overall out of 32 teams in the PSV 35 Tournai.

This season, the U16’s can look forward to hopefully gaining the Echo Premier Division title and another long run in the London or League Cup.

U17
Manager: Rob Unwin
2009/2010 League: Cheshunt Youth League

U18
Manager: Bob Carn
2009/2010 League: Cheshunt Youth League

A great end to last season saw the now U18s win their last seven games to be crowned champions of the Chesunt Premier Division to compliment their quarter-final position in the London Cup.

The last year junior team in the LOASS structure before becoming seniors, there is an ambition this year to again win the league and go further in the London Cup.

Looking back on last season manager Bob Carn said:

“They did exceptionally well. They respected all teams who they played and were a real credit to coach and a credit to LOASS.’’

There is hope of another good season with all of last years players re-signed, something that shows their determination to succeed in their last year as juniors at LOASS.

Bob adds:

“They are looking to forward to playing for LOASS this year and I am looking forward to having another good season.’’

COLTS & SENIOR TEAMS
Essex Business Houses Football League

Steve Jones, LOASS Club Secretary and Director said:

“The Senior team did really well last season, winning the Essex Business Houses Premier Division and reaching the semi-final of the London Cup - the League was won in just their third season together.

“They were managed by Gavin Prince who had a very serious injury that kept him out for most of the season and for the start of the next.

“First team player Leon Smalls, was invited for trials to the Barbados national squad, where he did exceptionally well and has been invited back, with possible opportunities opening up at the American Major League Soccer (MLS) side LA Galaxy - also, goalkeeper Steven French has been invited for trails at Bournemouth FC.

“The Colts did really well in their first season in senior football. It was obvious that several teams in their division were no match for the Colts technical ability and it was quite a wake up call for them seeing certain teams trying to bully their way matches, which is something they learned to overcome with Nugent and Kofi Mpiani giving them direction on the pitch.

“This season I hope to see players from our U17 and U18 squads start to make to make an impact into the Colts, who in turn will be making a push for places in the first team – we had over 340 players come to our trials this pre-season and we all hope to have a successful 2009/2010 season.”

Danny Fenner, LOASS Director of Football said:
“I really enjoyed my first season at LOASS as Director of Football.

“I would like to thank Steve Jones who puts his heart and soul into the football club. Without his services we would be without the Charter Standard Award and the organisational skills which are needed for LOASS to operate on a day-to-day basis.

“Many thanks to the hard work the coaches put through the season; they inspired and motivated individuals to achieve such high standards.”

LOASS 2008/09 Achievements
U8s Rural Friendly League Bill Cox Tournament Best Football Side
U9s Rural Friendly Super League Runners-upU12s Echo Division B Cup Winners - Echo Division B League Runners-upU13s Echo Division B League and Cup Double WinnersU14s Echo Division A Cup Winners - Echo Division A League Runners-upU16s Echo Premier League WinnersU17s Cheshunt Youth Premier League WinnersSeniors Essex Business Houses Premier Division Winners
LOASS 2008/09 Club Awards

Parents Player of the Season 2008/09
U8 Ben Thompson & Jamie Yila
U9 Iuran Barbosa & Zak Pianim
U10 Hugo Rosetti & Myles Judd
U11 Matty Crook
U12 Louis Monk
U13 Fergus Morgan
U14 Bobby Barker
U15 Andrew Buckley
U16 Scott Hill
U17 Greg Omeonga

Team Man of the Season 2008/09
Colts Andrean Kostadinou
Seniors Steven French

Players Player of the Season 2008/09
U8 Bradley McDonald & Dan Naughton
U9 Joe Clark & Aron Fontenelle
U10 Tyler Walden & Elijah Dobson
U11 Tom Harnack
U12 George Pullen
U13 Grieg Stewart
U14 Rokhib Choudhury
U15 Charlie Saywood
U16 Abiola Balagon
U17 Riess Silva
Colts Andrean Kostadinou
Seniors Gavin Prince

LOASS Awards & Honours

FA Charter Standard Club Award (Youth).

FA Charter Standard Club Award (Adult).

FA Charter Standard Community Club Award

Waltham Forest Adult Team of the Year

Steve Jones Short listed for Waltham Forest Volunteer of the Year