Mike Hillary, our Treasurer and U8 team manager, shares the story of VPFC U8 Victorian’s first league outing against Wheathampstead Wanderers in a high scoring match.
The eagerly awaited league debut for VPFC U8 Victorians finally arrived, with the team stepping onto the pitch in the Herts Youth League for the very first time. Facing a seasoned Wheathampstead Wanderers side that has been playing together since September, this was a big moment for the club, marking a number of exciting milestones. Not only was it our first U8 league fixture, but it was also the club’s first-ever mixed team, featuring two girls and five boys. Juli proudly captained the team, leading from the back.
The game could not have started more dramatically. Straight from the kick-off, VPFC seized possession, surged forward, and scored within the first 10 seconds! James wrote his name into the history books as VPFC U8’s first-ever goal scorer, banishing any doubts about whether we would find the net.
As the game settled into a rhythm, Wheathampstead equalised and the match turned into a fiercely competitive encounter. James was on fire, completing a stunning first-quarter hat trick, although the opposition struck back with goals of their own. By the end of the first quarter, both the supporters’ and coaches’ nerves were well and truly tested.
The second quarter was tighter, with Nico’s tenacious tackling holding off the opposition. Wheathampstead managed to score again, but not before Claudia delivered a brilliant assist for James’ fourth goal of the morning. Luke and Claudia continued to pile on the pressure, showcasing their attacking prowess, but luck wasn’t quite on their side this quarter.
In the second half, James moved into goal, making way for Alex to demonstrate his attacking threat outfield. Claudia’s determination paid off as she netted a well-deserved goal, and Theo added his name to the scoresheet with an excellently taken strike. The defensive efforts of Juli, the team’s captain, helped secure a clean sheet for the third quarter. With five changes in the lead throughout the game, it was still all to play for in the final quarter.
As the final quarter kicked off, Theo took over in goal, with James resuming his midfield duties. Nico and Juli remained solid in defence, enabling the team to push forward. Luke, Claudia, and Alex kept testing the opposition goalkeeper with shot after shot. Wheathampstead found the net again, proving just how competitive the league will be this season. Claudia’s relentless pressure up front was rewarded with her second goal of the match, and Alex delivered a stunning strike that looked to put VPFC in control. However, Wheathampstead responded with one final goal, capping off a thrilling contest.
Every player gave their all in what was a brilliant team performance. James led the way with four goals, while Claudia’s brace underlined the threat she posed throughout. Luke and Alex were constant dangers down the wings, Nico and Juli stood firm at the back, and Theo and Alex added two excellent goals. The team demonstrated fantastic resilience, coming from behind four times, and played with smiles on their faces and respect for the opposition and referee.
The debut match sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting season for the U8 Victorians.