Category: News

News

Year 5 vs Year 6 Friendly Tournament

On Saturday 6th July, rather than having a normal training session, our Year 5 and Year 6 groups embarked on a friendly tournament at Normandy Road. Despite the pouring rain, all the coaches were so impressed by the commitment all of the children showed.  

The children displayed great talent, team work and support throughout the tournament. As such we had three absolutely thrilling games. The nail biting final game, between a Year 6 team and a Year 5 team, ended up in a draw, where they became joint winners. 

The children had a fantastic time and it was a great way to end this seasons training session.

Thanks to Year 5 and Year 6 coaches for organising a great morning for these children. 

News

VPFC Girls Teams Compete in the Berkhamsted Tournament

The VPFC girls’ football program has seen significant growth, leading to an exciting milestone: two teams (Year 2 and Year 5) competed in their first competitive matches at the Berkhamsted Tournament.

Pictured above the Y2 and Y5 teams and coaches (left) – just look at that enthusiasm from Alice (centre in goalie gloves)! The Y2 girls receiving their medals (right).

U10 Girls Team: A Promising Debut

The VPFC U10 girls’ team displayed incredible enthusiasm and determination in their debut tournament.

  • First Game: The girls started strong with a 0-0 draw. Despite being the better team, they couldn’t break through the opposition’s defence. Alicia played a pivotal role in midfield, creating several great through balls for Eliza, who came close to scoring.
  • Second Game: Another solid 0-0 draw. Bea had her best performance in midfield, while Mabel was a key player all over the pitch.
  • Third Game: The team celebrated their first win! Lottie scored a goal with a well-timed run from defence, and strong performances from ValĂ© and Erin rounded out the line-up.
  • Final Game: Facing the toughest team in the group, the girls unfortunately lost 4-0.

Overall, the U10 girls delivered a commendable performance, finishing 3rd out of 5 in their league and narrowly missing the playoffs by goal difference. A fantastic effort for their first taste of competitive football.

U7 Girls Team: Battling Against Older Competition

The VPFC U7 girls entered an U8 competition, facing teams mostly composed of older players with more league experience.

  • First Game: Neus made some great saves in goal, while Julie, Alice, and Amelie provided solid defence. Sophie, Claudia, and Emmeline were a constant attacking threat. The game ended in a 0-0 draw, earning the girls their first point in competitive play.
  • Second Game: Fresh legs from Eve and Florence in midfield, alongside excellent defending from Julie and Neus (now playing outfield), led to a hard-fought match. Despite their efforts, the girls lost 1-0 to a late goal.
  • Games 3 and 4: The coach experimented with new formations and positions, resulting in close defeats but valuable learning experiences for the team.
  • Final Two Games: Against the top two teams, some of whom were up to two years older, the girls showed great resilience. Though they didn’t end on a high note, their effort against stronger, more experienced opposition was commendable.

Despite the challenges, the U7 girls demonstrated significant potential and should be proud of their performance against older teams. This experience will undoubtedly serve as a springboard for future success.

Is this the first glimpse of some future Lionesses? Keep watching this space for more exciting updates!

News

Year 3 at Welwyn Garden City Tournament

On 16th June our Year 3 group took 3 teams of 7 to play at the Welwyn Garden City Youth FC’s 5-a-side tournament.

The children soaked up the experience of playing in a tournament, and have to be commended for giving their absolute best whilst having lots of fun. They fully embraced our club ethos of having fun, supporting and encouraging each other and working as a team, winning and losing together.

Whilst the results weren’t all in our favour, all of the children put their hearts and souls into the games and they had a fantastic day out. 

We had great support from our parents, who cheered the children on throughout and gave some brilliant feedback afterwards on how well organised and run the tournament was, which included:

“A great experience for them and wonderful to see them giving their best whilst having fun”

“Thank you coaches for all your work putting together…a really lovely experience for them all”

“Thank you and well done to all involved. Great afternoon”

Well done to all of Year 3 for a brilliant tournament! 

News

VPFC’s Triumphant Return: St Albans City Youth Annual Football Tournament 2024

This year’s St Albans City Youth Annual Football Tournament was an event filled with excitement and determination for our club. After last year’s challenging experience, where we lost every game playing in an age group a year above, our young players returned this year with a renewed spirit and determination to improve. 

Format and Performance

We entered two under-7 teams into the tournament, the Lions and the Tigers,  who were both eager to make it out of the group stages. Each team played five group games, and both successfully qualified for the semi-finals, showcasing remarkable improvement and teamwork along the way. 

Semi-Final Thrills

In a thrilling semi-final, the Lions demonstrated immense courage, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 after extra time. Their resilience and fighting spirit were genuinely inspiring. Meanwhile, the Tigers overcame a strong team, winning 4-1 to set up a VPFC derby in the final!

The final itself was a cagey affair, but the Tigers won to bring home our first piece of silverware, marking a significant achievement for our club.

Highlights of the Day

– Jack Attack: Scored a stunning hat trick, leading the line with his outstanding performance

– Charlie: Scored a brace in the semi-final, one with each foot. 

– Isa and Ethan: Made crucial saves in goal, showcasing their sharp reflexes and composure under pressure.

– Idris: Delivered a rocket free kick in the semi-final, a moment reminiscent of David Beckham’s legendary strikes.

– Zander and Emilio Delap: Displayed brave defending, holding the line with their tenacity and resilience.

– Oscar and Percy: Showed silky skills, dazzling the opponents and spectators alike with their dribbling and footwork.

– George and Elijah: Scored important goals that contributed significantly to the team’s success.

– Ibrahim: Provided great assists, setting up his teammates with precision and vision.

Moreover, all 12 players gave 100% commitment and worked tirelessly as a team, demonstrating excellent sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

Special Thanks

A special mention goes to the VPFC families for their fantastic support and encouragement. The positive energy and cheering from the sidelines truly spurred all the boys on, making a significant difference in their performance.

The St Albans City Youth Annual Football Tournament 2024 was a memorable event for our club. The progress made by our young players, the excitement of the matches, and the joy of bringing home silverware all contributed to an unforgettable experience. We are incredibly proud of our teams and look forward to many more successes in the future. Thank you to everyone who made this day possible!

News

Our Y2 Kids at the Letchworth Eagles U7 Football Tournament

On Sunday, June 9th, a dozen of our Year 2 kids embarked on an exciting journey to the Letchworth Eagle U7 Football Tournament. For most of these young players, it was their first experience of participating in a football tournament. The event was a fantastic opportunity for them to build their experience and confidence, and they certainly rose to the challenge!

Rising to the Challenge

The tournament was a large, well-organized event featuring teams from all over Hertfordshire. Our kids played 5-a-side football, which provided a great platform for them to showcase their skills and teamwork. The event was led by our dedicated Y2 head coach, Chris, who has been instrumental in nurturing the talents of our young players.

Team Spirit and Progress

We entered two teams into the tournament, each playing four matches. The progression of both teams was remarkable, with each game boosting their confidence and honing their abilities. Despite the mixed results – winning some, drawing some, and losing some – the kids demonstrated incredible growth and sportsmanship.

Highlights of the Day

One of the highlights of the day was seeing the kids’ enthusiasm and determination. They scored (and saved) some fantastic goals in the later matches, a testament to their growing confidence and improved teamwork. The atmosphere was electric, and it was heartwarming to see the kids supporting each other and celebrating every small victory.

A Memorable Finish

As the tournament drew to a close, the moment that stood out was the medal ceremony. When our teams took to the podium to receive their medals, the announcer declared them his favourite group of the day. Their joy and excitement during the podium celebration were infectious, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Looking Ahead

The Letchworth Eagle U7 Football Tournament was a significant milestone for our Year 2 kids. It provided them with valuable experience and a chance to develop their skills in a competitive yet supportive environment. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and the progress they made throughout the tournament.

This experience has undoubtedly laid a solid foundation for their future in football. We look forward to more tournaments and opportunities where our young stars can continue to shine and make us proud.

Thank you to all the parents, supporters, and especially Coach Chris and Coach Ross for making this day possible. Here’s to many more successful and enjoyable tournaments in the future!

News

VPFC Kids Shine as Guard of Honour at St Albans FC Game Against Truro City FC

The Event

March 16, 2024, marked a special day for Victoria Playing Fields Football Club’s (VPFC) young players. Organized by Chris Hawkins, the Y2 group had the honor of being the guard of honour at a St Albans FC match against Truro City FC. Despite St Albans FC‘s narrow 2-1 defeat, the event was a hit, focusing on unity, joy, and community support.

[ Match Report ]

Highlights of the Day

The day was packed with memorable activities. Our kids took pride in forming the guard of honour and running around the pitch at half-time. These moments went beyond football, showcasing a sense of belonging and collective excitement.

While the kids enjoyed meeting Sammy the Saint, the day was more about coming together as a club, supporting our local team, and having a fantastic time. It was these experiences, full of laughter and shared joy, that made the day truly special for everyone at VPFC.

A Community Effort

This experience offered the VPFC kids a glimpse into the larger football community, allowing them to see their role models up close and dream big. With over 40 children participating in their VPFC kits, the day underscored the club’s spirit and communal bond.

Gratitude

A heartfelt thanks to Chris Hawkins for orchestrating this memorable day. Events like these reinforce our love for football and highlight the importance of our place within the VPFC family.

News

VPFC U7 girls take on Harpenden Colts A team

Our U7 girls took part in their second friendly match against a Harpenden Colts girls’ team on Saturday the 11th November 2023 at the Harpenden Town Stadium in front of a sell out crowd of 5 dads, 5 mums and 1 dog.

The team of Jessica, Neus, Georgina, Ava, Claudia, Sophie and Alice were taking on the A team from Harpenden this time but acquitted themselves brilliantly and showed how much they’ve improved. An early goal for Harpenden was equalised by a full length of the pitch dribble and shot by Claudia. The whole team then ran back the full length of the pitch to celebrate their first competitive goal!!

The second half was just as entertaining with great teamwork and many chances to score at both ends. All our goalkeepers were brilliant and much improved but a special mention to Jessica who saved with every part of body including her face and carried on after a short break. Great resilience!! Harpenden Colts took the lead again in the second half but after many near misses Georgina got VPFC on the scoresheet for a second time after some real intensity in their play in the final quarter. A great comeback, team spirit and refusing to give up gave VPFC a well earned 2-2 draw.

Well done girls – a fantastic performance from all.

News

U7 Girls Shine in First Friendly vs St Albans City

Saturday 14th October 2023
Author: Mike Hillary

Our U7 girls took part in their first friendly match against a St Albans City girls’ team on Saturday the 14th October 2023.

The team of Jessica, Carmen, Neus, Georgina, Ava, Claudia, Sophie and Alice were taking on a more experienced team who are already playing league games. With some of our girls only taking up football 5 weeks previous this was a fantastic performance that showed how hard they’re trying in training and learning really quickly in a game situation – the improvement even within this match from the first quarter to the last was incredible.

As a team they kept trying, some crunching tackles(!), working hard for each other and at least Alice and Sophie were unlucky not to get a goal for us against a very good goalkeeper and some woodwork! It was really nice to see them apply some of the skills they’ve been practising with stepovers, drag backs and even a Cruyff turn thrown into their performance. The most pleasing part for the parents and the coaching team was they all enjoyed themselves, despite conceding a few early goals, and kept passing, tackling and dribbling right until the very end of the 4th quarter. Standout performances from Jessica in goal and Sophie in midfield deserve a special mention.

Well done to the whole team on a fantastic performance.

News

From VPFC to League Football: Watching Our Former Players Thrive

As this time of year, the Herts Youth League season is winding down, and the thrill of the Cup Finals takes centre stage. Last weekend, the finals for the five Under 11 leagues unfolded at Herts FA’s County Ground in Letchworth.

I was lucky enough to be there to watch my son, Euan, and his team, St Albans City Youth – Romans, compete in the Larch division final. Just a stone’s throw away, on the neighbouring pitch, St Albans Rangers – Victoria were limbering up for their Oak division final.

Looking out at the two teams, I was struck at how many of these young players started out with us at VPFC, before going on to develop their skills and love for the game elsewhere. In fact, six of the thirteen Romans players first played football with us at VPFC. And the Rangers team? They were all VPFC players just last year and moved together to create a new league team. It was pretty impressive and exciting stuff to see them reach the final in their very first season in the league.

But the story goes beyond just these two teams. Having coached our U11 group until this year, I know the journeys of children from that group best. We’ve seen our players move on to various other local teams within St Albans. Five more of our alumni now play for St Albans City Youth’s West team; we also have former players at East, Central, and two of the girls’ teams; as well as Harvesters and Wheathampstead Wanderers.

The finals were a treat to watch. The Romans, trailing 1-0 at half-time, produced a near flawless second half to win 5-1 with some cracking goals. The Oak final was a tense and exciting game with Rangers ultimately coming out as 3-2 winners.

One of the things we’re most proud of at VPFC is how many of our players choose to take their footballing journey further. It’s why we’ve set up what I think is one of our best initiatives in recent years – our feeder club relationship with St Albans Rangers. In the past, families who wanted to progress to league football had to figure it out on their own. Now, we have a feeder relationship in place with Rangers where they will provide pitches, support and structure for any group of VPFC players that want to move together to form a new team.

That’s not to say we’re changing our focus at VPFC. We’re all about being a friendly, fun and inclusive football club for the local community. That’s perfect for many of our players. They come along, enjoy their Saturday session, and that’s just right for them.

But for those who decide they’re ready for something more, our link with Rangers offers a clear pathway into league football. And what’s great about this is that it doesn’t have to be a one-way street. Families can move to Rangers when they feel ready, and if they ever decide they want to return to the more relaxed VPFC setup, we’ll welcome them back with open arms.

Currently there is at least one ex-VPFC team at St Albans Rangers in every year group from U8 to U12. We think the more the relationship grows the better it gets. Luke Firmin, the manager of the current U8 team is already envisaging how he’d work together with a second team in his year. There is the opportunity to combine training, reducing costs and sharing planning time. Luke also envisions two teams working together as a squad, with players able
to move between teams to play in the team that best suits them.

As we approach the end of the current season, now’s the time to think about what you’d like to do now and beyond. Across several of our year groups there are considerations of possible league teams being formed now or in future years. Share your thoughts on our chat groups to help stimulate the conversations.

News

A Memorable Mascot Experience for VPFC Kids at St Albans FC’s Match against Dover Athletic

On Saturday, 25th March, Victoria Playing Fields Football Club (VPFC) had a fantastic opportunity to participate in a thrilling event with our local semi-professional team, St Albans FC, also known as the “Saints”. The young football enthusiasts from VPFC were invited to be mascots and form part of the guard of honour for the Saints in their match against Dover Athletic at Clarence Park Stadium.

Despite some concerns about the weather, the day remained relatively dry with even a few glimpses of sunshine. The match drew a great turnout, with over 2000 people in attendance which not only contributed to the great atmosphere but also a record in exceeding 2000 attendee’s twice this season (the first in their history). This attendance included more than 35 girls and boys from VPFC, proudly wearing their full club kit. The girls from our club received a special mention from the commentator, who dubbed them “Lionesses”.

This amazing opportunity was organized by Chris Hawkins (Head Coach, Y1) and the rest of the Y1 coaching team. Both parents and children had a fantastic time at the game, creating memories that will last a lifetime. My own son was eagerly counting down the days leading up to the game, and I know many other kids shared his excitement. Many children, including my own, described the day as “the best day ever”. Their excitement at being mascots was only increased by the St Albans City FC team holding out for a 1-0 win at home.

The remarkable turnout of VPFC members at the game highlights the sense of community that our club fosters. It’s important to remember that our club is run by volunteers, who are committed to creating a positive and engaging experience for all the children involved, why not come volunteer with us?

St Albans City v Dover Athletic – 25th March 2023