Ben's Blog

Last night was Ben’s first proper match with Plymouth Parkway Under 10’s. It took place at the Manadon Hub on the 3G pitches there and was against the Plymouth Argyle Girls Under 12’s, so they were up against an older team! They played 9v9 on a bigger pitch with a bigger goal and ball as well, so they were up against it from the start! Ben started off as a sub but came on after a few mins to play in central defence. He was quite nervous to begin with, but so were the rest of the team, as some of the girls were towering over them! They all did very well up until the 25th minute when they let in a goal (30 mins per half) and ended up conceding another one shortly after so finished the first half 2-0 down. This was good though as we were expecting more of a hammering really! Ben played for about half of the first half before being subbed off again. In the second half, the girls were a lot better and eventually won 8-0. Ben came back on again and played the final 25 mins or so as a central midfielder, where he was much better. He was able to get stuck in a bit more in that position and put in a few good tackles and passes. His confidence was much better at this point as he had never played in a proper match like this before. The coach was pleased with him afterwards anyway, so roll on the next friendly on Saturday against Drake FC at Lipson.  After the game, Ben said he enjoyed it, which is the main thing! 😉

On Easter Sunday, we all went for a bike ride along Drakes Trail from Yelverton to Tavistock and back. This was a total journey of about 10 miles but Ben and Aaron managed to cycle both ways and Coby was very happy sat in his trailer having a ride! This was the first time that we had made this trip as a family as I had done it a few times and Kelly and I had ridden it earlier in the year. The boys loved it though and weren’t tired out at all! We took food and drinks with us, and also a picnic blanket and a ball, so when we got to Tavistock, we had a nice picnic in the park.  The boys went off and played in the playground and kicked the ball around a bit before we started on the journey back to Tavistock. All of the boys said their favourite part was going through the dark tunnel, where we all got quite wet with all of the drips, but their worst bit was going up the massive hill just before you get to Yelverton!  We all had to walk slowly up that hill! When we got home, they all said that they wanted to do it again very soon, so we will! 😉

A couple of weeks ago, Ben had another school trip. This time it was to Morwellham Quay. He said that he had good fun there and had to dress up as a Victorian person at one point! He also said that he just about liked the underground train ride through the mines, though he was a little scared! haha He did say he got wet though, due to the water seeping through the roof of the mines!

During the first week in April, Ben took part in Bikeability in school and very much enjoyed it. The school had an external company come in to help teach the children how to ride their bikes on the roads safely. So they were out and about on the roads of Woolwell for a week during the dat. At the end of it, Ben had plenty more knowledge of how to ride a bike on the roads and got a couple of certificates to show how well he had done.

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!