Initiative allows young players to find their own voice
Youth football matches across the country fell silent this weekend, with parents and coaches encouraged to show their support through applause only.
The National Silent Support initiative was evident in matches across the Thames Valley Youth Development League with the aim of encouraging players to find their own voice, improve their on-pitch communication skills and develop their game without being placed under too much pressure from the sidelines. Supporters will have had to rein in their behaviour during the game of the day between Cold Ash Boys & Girls of Chieveley and the Golden Eagles u14s in the Berks & Bucks FA County Cup, a match that was decided on penalties after finishing 7-7.
It was 3-3 at half-time with the heavy rain making conditions extremely difficult for the players. The Golden Eagles surged into a two-goal lead in the second half and were leading 7-6 heading into the final seconds when Cold Ash pegged them back once more with a goal from a corner kick.
Cold Ash went on to win the penalty shoot-out 3-1. The Eagles goal scorers were Mmoloki Chiwiyu and Gabriel Shekiluwa Cardoso (both with hat tricks) and Franciszek Hermanowski, who scored an outstanding goal.
Other league fixtures fell foul of the wet weather, with only one u14s game taking place. Taplow United Youth made light of the difficult conditions to beat Frontline Juniors 10-1 away from home. At u12s level, Burnham Juniors Tigers Blue beat Berks Elite Gold of Reading 6-1 while Burnham Juniors Tigers White won 8-4 against West
Drayton Youth. Slough side Berks Elite Gold were also in fine form, romping to an 8-0 win over Marish Wizards White.
W Maidenhead Boys & Girls FC were also applauded and given encouragement whether winners or losers over the weekend. The u17s Colts side had a difficult game as they lost 10-0 at home to Whitegrove & Warfield Leopards in the League Cup.
The u15s Dolphins progressed to the next round however, after beating Barton Rovers Raiders 9-5 at home.. The u15s Barracudas were beaten 7-1 away by Windsor Youth Swifts Reds as they exited the league cup, while in the league, the u13s Scorpions defeated Binfield Eagles 5-2 at home.
The u13s Wolverines were beaten 2-0 away by the Twyford Comets and the u12s Missiles were convincing 8-0 winners over Caversham AFC Tigers in their League Cup competition.
The u12s Leopards recovered from trailing 2-1 at half-time to beat Caversham Trents Gold 8-3 in the league cup. The u12s Girls Eagles were 4-1 winners at home over Ascot United Crystals and the u13s Girls Jets scored six second half goals in a 7-0 victory over Laurel Park Starz. The u13s Girls Sharks drew 1-1 with Penn & Tylers Green and the u14s Girls Mustangs lost 5-2 at Henley Lionesses.