Had to take the reins of an U11 team.  Invited more kids than necessary expecting half of them not to turn up.  Of course, they did so you have to play them, including a lass. I'd never seen any but two play.

Hemmed in by a hostile crowd and hostile parents. We kicked off. We didn't have much shape but we were holding our own.  The keeper's distribution was poor and he couldn't catch apart from a  pass back.  Doh! The wall held firm against the resulting free kick.   The made me nervous but I've been there before right?  Not on the touch line but on my sofa shouting at the screen.   As a team we were clueless but some individual performances and last gasp tackles was keeping us in the match.  

I was thinking that I would be happy with a draw.  Is that my inherent GTFC mentality this season or was it just survival mode? We had a big bench but I had no idea who to put on.  My tactical nous is pants at best.  They scored at the worst time - just before the break.  (especially as the halves were five minutes shorter than I'd been told). 1 - 0 at half time.

The second half we had what I would be the core of a decent side.  Although slight, Dai Minh put their bigger defenders under pressure with a Rosesque performance. Minh and Oscar also grew into the game with Pikcachu putting in a solid performance at the back.  Maybe we could get something out of this.

Then, just like every Mariner's nightmare, we gifted them a goal.  A complete miscommunication between the central defender and keeper and their lad slid in to put them two up. It was frustrating as hell because I knew what was wrong but didn't know how to put it right.  We had a couple of chances (side netting and inch over the bar) but then we conceded a third, which knocked the stuffing out of us.  FT. 3-0.

I think I am gonna hang up my puffa jacket

It should be about enjoyment and participation teamwork and sporting values....too many parents and sadly coaches expect their teams to win.
Not every kid is good footballer....only a tiny percentage of kids will become professional or even a paid amateur....but the other aspects of football should stay with them for life.

If you were wearing a puffa jacket over there I’m surprised you’re still standing 🔥🔥🔥

About 500 people who apply for jobs and never get one

Quoted from Mayaman

Had to take the reins of an U11 team.  Invited more kids than necessary expecting half of them not to turn up.  Of course, they did so you have to play them, including a lass. I'd never seen any but two play.

Hemmed in by a hostile crowd and hostile parents. We kicked off. We didn't have much shape but we were holding our own.  The keeper's distribution was poor and he couldn't catch apart from a  pass back.  Doh! The wall held firm against the resulting free kick.   The made me nervous but I've been there before right?  Not on the touch line but on my sofa shouting at the screen.   As a team we were clueless but some individual performances and last gasp tackles was keeping us in the match.  

I was thinking that I would be happy with a draw.  Is that my inherent GTFC mentality this season or was it just survival mode? We had a big bench but I had no idea who to put on.  My tactical nous is pants at best.  They scored at the worst time - just before the break.  (especially as the halves were five minutes shorter than I'd been told). 1 - 0 at half time.

The second half we had what I would be the core of a decent side.  Although slight, Dai Minh put their bigger defenders under pressure with a Rosesque performance. Minh and Oscar also grew into the game with Pikcachu putting in a solid performance at the back.  Maybe we could get something out of this.

Then, just like every Mariner's nightmare, we gifted them a goal.  A complete miscommunication between the central defender and keeper and their lad slid in to put them two up. It was frustrating as hell because I knew what was wrong but didn't know how to put it right.  We had a couple of chances (side netting and inch over the bar) but then we conceded a third, which knocked the stuffing out of us.  FT. 3-0.

I think I am gonna hang up my puffa jacket

The one bit of advice I would give anyone dealing with kids football ..... praise praise praise.  If they do something wrong or not very good .... keep your mouth firmly shut.  Works on all ages, men's teams ... mates ...  wives ..... ;)

Reading that match report I would swear I was at BP

Quoted from moosey_club

It should be about enjoyment and participation teamwork and sporting values....too many parents and sadly coaches expect their teams to win.
Not every kid is good footballer....only a tiny percentage of kids will become professional or even a paid amateur....but the other aspects of football should stay with them for life.

You are absolutely right.  The pressure on me was in my head and I never showed it to the players.  Some of them fought like lions and I can see some quality but we don't have the facilities (or not allowed to use the ones we have) to practice together. Still you can see why Vietnam don't have a sporting pedigree. I am not saying these kids needs to be pushed but given opportunities.  I was playing a game with the kids and I noticed one of them flew like the proverbial off a shovel - and he was wearing flip flops. I told one of the PE teachers but he wasn't the slight bit interested. This is a country that still thinks playing basketball makes you taller.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

If you were wearing a puffa jacket over there I’m surprised you’re still standing 🔥🔥🔥

Was it a year ago since you were here?   The old mercury has gone up a notch or two.  

Quoted from Mayaman

Was it a year ago since you were here?   The old mercury has gone up a notch or two.  

Almost, yeah. Will definitely be back. Simply loved it. Even to furnace like heat.

Quoted from Theimperialcoroner

Almost, yeah. Will definitely be back. Simply loved it. Even to furnace like heat.

That was a scorcher.  Hottest time of the year and it was hotter than usual.