Well one goal was all it took for Wolves Disability Under-16s to mark their first ever season in the Staffordshire Ability Counts League – by winning the title!
A season-long tussle with nearest rivals, Burntwood-based Midland Soccer Academy, came to a thrilling conclusion at Burton Albion on Sunday, and Wolves prevailed on goal difference to claim the crown, by the margin of just one goal.
“We’ve all been playing since last September and it came down to the last couple of minutes of the season,” says Under-16 coach Carl Ackasovs, Inclusion & Cohesion Officer with Wolves Foundation.
“So, it’s fair to say it was very close, a nail-biter!
“It was nip and tuck all the way through the afternoon but I think our saving grace was that we didn’t concede at all during those final fixtures.”
Several match weekends take place during the season at different locations with teams having four or five fixtures each time, not only for the Under-16s but also Wolves Under-12s and adult teams.
The Under-12s play development games rather than being recorded in a league format, but for the adults and Under-16s the league system is in place, with the maximum score in the latter being 5-0.
Having previously played in the Birmingham League, it is the first season for Wolves in the Staffordshire equivalent, boasting three teams at Under-12 level, and two each at Under-16 and adults.
Carl and Inclusion Lead Gavin Jones look after the adult and Under-16 teams, with Inclusion & Cohesion coaches Mark Bromley and Matt Elcock in charge of the Under-12s.
For all teams it has been a welcome return to action this season after almost 18 months without fixtures due to the pandemic.
“Having missed so much football, the way all the teams have played together is testament to the way they also work so hard at training on a Wednesday,” adds Carl.
“Training has been disrupted just as much as the matches because of the pandemic and it has often been very stop-start with the lockdowns.
“The way things have been, it is always going to have some effect on a child or young adult’s mind but for them to work together as they have, and pull together to pick up such positive results, is all down to them and their workrate.
“The Under-16s picking up a trophy in the first season in this new league is a great start, and hopefully there will be more to come.
“To see the look on their faces when they realised they had won it, for me that says it all, and for all of us it is what makes our jobs worthwhile.”
Whilst all the league campaigns have now ended, there is still cup competitions to come at St George’s Park, for the adults on April 3rd and Under-16s and Under-12s on April 27th.
We will carry a review on the fortunes of all three age groups when the season is complete. Thanks again to Energy Angels for their sponsorship of Wolves Disability FC which supports participation in the league set-up.
