S4K Lions in Cup Glory

Our S4K academy has many successful teams, but one in particular epitomises the academies success. The S4K Lions Under 8’s, managed by Neil Linford-Relph and  Andy Heard, with Sean Smith helping with the coaching have enjoyed victory recently in the Thames Valley League U8 Vase.

The competition started with a group stage that the boys won. It then progressed into knockout stages, with a notable 12-0 win against Harefield Yellows, with 4 goals from Jude Linford-Relph, 2 from Dejan Dauti, Crus Ellis-Bland and Alberto Petre and 1 being scored by William Heard.

As the boys progressed through the competition, games became harder and harder, with the Lions’ brilliant Skill, Passing and Game Management being the deciding factor in close fought games

The Lions soon found themselves in the final, which in itself was an amazing achievement. They were to play the Explorers Blue team, whose path to the final also saw them win all of their knockout games, so one team would have to go home with the unfamiliar feeling of losing after the game. The score after the first quarter was 3-0 to the Lions, but the Explorers Blue team battled back and made it 3-2 after the second quarter. The Lions extended their lead to 5-2 in the third quarter to give themselves some much needed breathing room, however tension would increase in the final quarter, as the Explorers Blue team battled back to make it 5-4. The Lions successfully hung on to their 1 goal lead however, and the game ended in victory for the S4K side! Goals in this game came from Jude Linford-Relph, Alberto Petre and an outstanding game winning hat trick from Crus Ellis-Bland!

Our thanks go to The Design Business for sponsoring the team this year. Another thing to mention is the commitment, support and never ending enthusiasm of the teams parents, which has been a huge part of the teams successes.

And lastly a big congratulations is due to all the S4K Lions players, each member of the team played their part in a brilliant cup win, with everyone playing a pivotal role in the side. Well done everyone!

The Team; #2 Stanley, #3 Mark, #4 Dejan, #5 Alberto, #6 Crus, #7 William, #8 Jude