A Few Thoughts on the Season So Far | Football coaching for boys and girls aged 4-16 based in Maidstone, Kent

What a start to the season it has been across Big Bear.

We all want to win, but for me the bigger question is always whether we are looking for a quick fix or building something that can genuinely develop over time. I have always believed in coaching rather than poaching. There is far more satisfaction in helping a group improve, grow together and eventually compete at a higher level than simply replacing players when things get difficult.

That is something I am seeing at the moment with my Maidstone U23s. It is a young, exciting squad, supported by more experienced players who can help guide them. We want them to make mistakes, learn from them and take responsibility for their own decisions. The signs are encouraging, but the real proof will come over the next few seasons.

Looking across Big Bear, it has been really positive to see so many players involved across the club. The teams are progressing well, while our Saturday Football School and 1-to-1 sessions have also been busy, which is great to see. It all adds to the sense that there is a lot of good work happening across different ages and different parts of the club. Here’s a quick look at how each of our age groups has started the season.

Under 7s

The new 3v3 format has been a learning curve for everyone, but watching how much the children are enjoying it has made it worthwhile. There have been plenty of goals, lots of touches of the ball and plenty of involvement for every player. It is still early days, but we are excited to see how the format develops.

Under 8s

There is lots to be positive about across all three Under 8 teams. The JPL has been a bit of an eye-opener in terms of the standard required at that level and they have produced some brilliant performances, including against older opposition. Elsewhere, the FC side under Andy, Dean and Caden are really starting to come together, with some excellent passing and movement for their age, while the Cubs have also made a fantastic start, winning three of their opening five games. Most importantly, players across all three groups are improving, enjoying their football and getting good opportunities to play.

Under 9s

Mark and Dom's group are playing up a year so they can experience 7-a-side football, and they have lost just once so far. They play fast, exciting football and everyone is getting their minutes and contributing to the team.

Under 10s

Stuart, Mark and Joe's side have made an excellent start. They are playing some really good football, but one of the nicest things to see is how excited the players are when they arrive. They are enjoying being together, enjoying their football and developing at the same time.

Under 11s

Aaron and Dean's team are looking superb and have picked up some excellent results recently. The results are pleasing, but the bigger positive is the progress the players continue to make. They are enjoying their football and benefiting from a really strong coaching environment.

Under 12s

Both Under 12 groups are having very different but equally valuable experiences. The JPL side are learning how demanding that level can be, but they are playing some excellent football and showed in pre-season that they can compete with very strong opposition. Their cup campaign has brought a mixture of wins, draws and defeats, but under Dan they continue to move in a positive direction. At the same time, our other side remain unbeaten in our first season competing in the Medway Leagues. This is a group that has been together for a long time and it has been brilliant watching them take this next step. There is still plenty more to come from them and we expect the group to keep progressing over the next few seasons.

Under 13s

Will and Kate's new side deserve a huge amount of credit. Putting the team together was not easy initially, but some excellent players have joined and, most importantly, they have arrived with the right Big Bear attitude. They have kept working, never given up and are beginning to show what they are capable of. Recently they led one of the strongest sides in a cup game before eventually losing in the final couple of minutes. The result hurt, but their performance and attitude said far more about where this group is heading.

Under 18s

The Under 18s have also started well. They are through to the next round of the cup and currently sit third in the league, with plenty still to play for. With the Maidstone Minors League providing only around 12 league fixtures this season, we will also be looking to arrange additional friendlies so the boys can continue playing and developing right through to the end of the season.

Big Bear Ladies

The Big Bear Ladies first team have made a really strong start, with full squads, excellent training sessions and plenty of positive signs under Darren and Cellan. We are also really pleased to have added a development team, giving more players a route into the club and a pathway towards the first team. Results there have been mixed so far, but that is exactly what development football is about: giving players opportunities, helping them improve and making sure they enjoy their football.

Looking Ahead

There is still a long way to go this season, and there will be good weekends, difficult weekends and plenty of lessons along the way. But across the club, I can see players developing, coaches putting in a huge amount of work and teams enjoying their football. The weather is starting to turn now too. The pitches are getting softer, the boots are coming home covered in mud and those proper Sunday league mornings are well and truly on their way. For me, that is all part of grassroots football.

A huge thank you to every coach, player, parent and volunteer who continues to give their time and support to Big Bear. Plenty more football to come.

Lee (Big Bear)

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