Last Sunday, the under-12 and under-16 Ability Counts teams played their first league fixtures of 2019.
There was a total of 32 players representing AFC Bournemouth across the two age groups, with some new faces to the teams.
Under-12s
The AFC Bournemouth Reds welcomed Monti Vivian into their team and were able to win two of their four matches against Eastleigh FC Spitfires and AFC Bournemouth Cherries, with Ethan Burney and Finley Smith getting the goals.
AFC Bournemouth Blacks had two debutants, with both Luke Stroud and Jensen Swann, our youngest member of the league squad, experiencing matches for the first time.
Jensen was able to show some of the skills he has learnt in training in the games, with Cayden Clark scoring a hat-trick in one game!
Luke Stroud put in a brilliant performance and seemed very pleased to be helping his team. With virtually the last kick of the day, Luke was even able to bag himself a goal on his debut in the 4-1 loss to Fawley Falcons.
The Cherries welcomed back Dan Seaward after a little break from competitive fixtures and games. He came into the fixtures with a brilliant mind-set.
The best performance of the day was during the 4-0 win against Pompey ITC when it really all came together for the Cherries. With two goals each from Noah Feltham and Ryan Pestell, they really put on a show of passing football, moving the ball well and finishing the moves off with good goals.
Under-16s
The under-16s had a mixed day. They were able to collect three wins between the two teams in the league fixtures, as well as a win in a friendly fixture against Caulkhead Strollers.
The AFC Bournemouth Reds had a very close game against Eastleigh, having most of the play, but no goals would come and the game ended 0-0.
However, the frustrating match for the AFC Bournemouth Blacks came against Fawley Falcons, who stole a goal to take the win and the three points.
Following the event, Ability Counts co-ordinator Katy Shepherd spoke to afcb.co.uk.
“Despite the temperatures everyone gave it their all today, their performances really showed what they can achieve as teams.”
“They supported each other and kept each other going. I was really pleased with everyone today and could not fault anyone’s determination to play.”
