Ben's Blog

Since not getting in to the Activate football team, we found that Plymouth Parkway were looking for new players for next season when they start 9 verses 9 games. So Kelly contacted the coach and he said to bring Ben along last Thursday to a friendly game that they were having against the next age group up of Plymouth Parkway. The game took place at a playing field in Mannamead and Ben was actually asked to play as well for parts of the game. It was the first time that Ben had played in a proper match and also the first time the entire team had played on the next size up pitch, goal and ball, and with the offside rule! Ben was a sub to start with but came on at right back to begin with. He didn’t really know what he was doing and barely touched the ball but it was very good experience for him. They all got better with the offside rule once the game had progressed. The other team were really good and won 10-0 in the end I think. Ben did come off again for a bit but then went back on upfront and was much better there as was getting involved a bit more. We were very proud of him in his very first taste of a proper match! Ben wore his Everton kit as well and the coach supports Everton, so that went down very well! haha

He was then invited along to training on Saturday morning, as they didn’t have a match at the weekend. Ben seemed to enjoy himself loads more here than he did with Activate and was laughing and joking with the other boys throughout. The training was good and then they played a match on the 7 aside pitch – the boys v the coaches. I am not sure what the score was as I had to go and pick Kelly and the other 2 up but they all seemed to be having fun. After the game, they all took penalties and Ben scored his! 😉 Afterwards he said he really enjoyed it which was good.

So last night, Kelly got a text from the coach to say he wants to register Ben so he can play for them properly! Yay! We told Ben this morning and he was thrilled. He had to get new football boots as well, proper mouldys, as he split the front of his other ones open during the training session on Saturday. We obviously told the coach that Ben was enjoying it with them and wanted to join, so it all looks good! The coach said he is away this week and back on Friday so he will sort out the registration then. It does mean training on Thursdays from 7-8pm and then matches or training on Saturday mornings now – after Swimming as well! But it should be good fun and I am looking forward to going and watching Ben play and see him develop!