Phoenix FC
Once again it’s been a busy season for Hatch Warren Phoenix FC with not only the established teams enjoying themselves the new sides formed over the summer put their stamp on the respective leagues.
With over 250 children now participating through age groups from U6 to U15 the club were honoured with the highest accolade from the FA as recipients of the FA Charter Standard Club of the year for season not just for Basingstoke but the whole of Hampshire. “This kick started our season wonderfully, up against some very established clubs it was with immense pride that we accepted this acknowledgment at a wonderful event at St. Marys the home of Southampton FC” Daren Bavister – Club Chairman “ It is proof that the tireless work put in by all of our volunteers is recognised”
The ‘Intro to Soccer School’ Firestarters have once again enjoyed a bouyent start under the lively stewardship of coach Greg Brockbank and other qualified coaches, moving outside for the spring and enjoying the freedom this brings everyone of the children have been developing they core skills as they move towards September and forming the new U7 sides. “These boys and girls have been wonderful to coach, its always exciting to see the new members making friends, learning and more importantly having such fun….they do seem to enjoy getting muddy more than most at this age!”
Whilst the current soccer school welcomes new players last seasons entries have formed no less than 3 teams “The Sparks” playing their first season in the PHYL the only real dissapointment has been the winter weather raining off fixtures. “All of the children have been learning about position, team ethics and so much more than just scoring goals which whilst important it isn’t a win at all costs with our group” Paul Villenueve one of the Sparks managers. Joining the Phoenix just over 18 months ago the three managers and assistants have helped continue support the real club feel and social aspects being part of the Pheonix brings.
Hatch Warren Phoenix have recently ventured on a new and exciting project to offer girls only football, considering that recent research found that 4 out of 5 girls don’t feel confident playing the sport and only 3% of all teams are girls only in conjunction with Hampshire FA the Phoenix had undertaken to address this shortcoming and offer girls only football coaching. This takes place at Hatch Warren Community Centre Fields, Longcross lane Saturdays 11-12 as a pay and play session of just £2. “Whilst we already have girls playing within our teams we really wanted more to enjoy all that the sport can bring, the information given to us by the FA really opened our eyes to just how many females are missing out” Helen Harris – Phoenix Child Welfare Officer
Phoenix Flames, Blaze & Embers U10’s have all had an outstanding start to their final season as 7v7 with the Blaze making their way to the PHYL cup final. Meeting Winklebury Wizards in a thrilling finale which ended 0-0 after the final whistle taking the children into the dreaded penalty shootout which once again led to a draw and ended with the painful sudden death penalty shootout ending with a narrow victory for the Wizards.
IMG7633 – Will Coxon tries in vain to beat the Wizard shot stopper
IMG7644 – Brayden Bavister thwarts a Winklebury attack with a well timed challenge
IMG7815 – Renewed support for the Phoenix Fire U11’s with thanks to Lawnmaster
Yours Sincerely,
Daren Bavister
