2015/16 Season Review

Although Summer may seem very long the new season is just around the corner, and with this new found freedom of writing a blog, in hope everyone will read it, I thought I would reflect on the very memorable season just gone. Many words spring to mind when thinking about last season, heart wrenching, euphoric and ‘class’. From the highs of reaching two finals, one being the British Ladies futsal final, which I’m sure everyone followed, and the 2’s momentous cup run which saw us reach the final against our bitter rivals Edinburgh. Everyone felt the pain of losing on both occasions, especially due to the nature of the results being very close, but the strength in character was very clear through the way the teams conducted themselves after the game. In which this picture highlights; win together and lose together.

The first team girls came down to support the 2’s in their final, equally feeling their anguish at losing. The loss never stopped us though from celebrating our achievements from that year.

Achievements which wouldn’t have been thinkable without the efforts of the very passionate coach Matt Solomons. Don’t think anyone could ever question Matt’s belief, drive and love for our team, he was a coach who connected with his players and it showed on the pitch. Matt got the 2’s to the cup final and 3rd in the league, with one less game played than 2nd, it was a very close race to the title.

Although unable to win their league the first team coach Tommy Craig showed dedication and determination with the first team. Unlucky in both cups, the first team fell short last season, but there were many positives to take. Not only with performances but the quality and promise from new players, and the maturity and development of others.

Players were recognised at the end of year awards in both teams. Newly elected president Kim Guthrie picked up player’s player for the 1’s. A player who never gives up on anything and a key threat to the attack, providing many assists and goals throughout the campaign, she would be an asset to any team. Coaches player was Beth McKay, seen as one of the most pivotal players on the team Beth produced on countless occasions for the 1’s, sadly Beth’s season was cut short due to injury, which speaks volumes as she still managed to be awarded coaches player. Both Kim and Beth were also joint top goal scorers, further showing that they were deserving of their awards from Tommy and teammates.

Aimee Lenathen had a clean sweep in the 2’s awards picking up player’s player, voted by her fellow teammates, and also was awarded coaches player from Robyn and Matt. Aimee proved a reliable and consistent player all season, a solid fullback whose defensive qualities were just as impressive as her offensive ones. Top goalscorer of the season was the veteran Fiona (Fee) Gardner, the much loved graduate will be missed for her clinical finishing on the pitch and her quality banter off it.

Demi Falconer from the first team was awarded fresher of the year, she brought a lot on to the pitch, proving a great player with pace and bags of ability, an important asset to the team. There was another award that night but it slips my mind what it was...

This was the last season for many of the players who were graduating, the likes of; Kirsty Gilbert (2nd team Captain), Robyn Spice (2nd team coach/player), Carolyn Reid (President), Mandy McDonald, Meri Salokannel, Nicola Shand and Fiona Gardner. All players will be missed, they were great players and also a core part of the SULFC family. Not the only members of the club to be departing this season; Matt will also be leaving as the 2’s coach, he will always apart of the SULFC family we wish Matt all the best in his new role with the Men’s 3rd team.

Futsal will remain a highlight for a lot of the girls from last season. The league encounters proved very competitive for both the 1’s futsal team and the 2’s against opposition Edinburgh’s futsal teams. Over two separate league tournaments, Stirling University 1’s were crowned champions, the first women’s futsal champions of Scotland. Members of the team included; Kim Guthrie, Rachel Donaldson, Lauren Eadie, Chloe Logan, Demi Falconer, Beth McKay, Ghil Joseph, Gillian Downie, Mandy McDonald, Rebecca Blair, Beth MacLellan and Nicole McPhee. The 2’s futsal team also provided a memorable game, when 3-0 down to Edinburgh 1’s there was a momentous comeback helped by the introduction of Demi Falconer, goals came thick and fast. With a gigantic team effort, the 2’s drew 3-3, although a draw the result felt in itself a victory. The 1’s British cup run saw them reach the final where they played their rivals Edinburgh, another Scottish team, which in itself should be recognised as an achievement for Scottish women’s futsal. A dramatic and enthralling game saw the ladies narrowly lose out in the final. Captain Rebecca Blair put in a lot of organisation and effort for both futsal teams throughout the futsal campaign, which was appreciated from all the girls. With the outstanding achievements from the futsal campaign, hopefully the teams will continue to compete and improve in the coming season.

I think everyone will agree with me that last season was memorable on and off the park. It was my first season in the team and I hope to continue to apart of the SULFC family in years to come. It really is a family, it’s this togetherness which will strive us on next season and hopefully allow us to achieve the heights of last season, hopefully collecting some silver wear along the way to. I’ll continue with blog posts when the season starts again, hopefully you’ll read them, and any input at all is welcome. Also as well as a blog, there will be a newsletter, both of which will include interacting with you guys! Focusing on individuals, 20 questions and other things which I’ll explain when we are back. Hope you’s are all having a fabby summer and can’t wait to see you all in September.

Bleed Green and much love

Doc