September 26th 2026.Win & Loss for u11 Boys.

The u11 Boys had a squad of 12 players this morning for their two 7x7 league fixtures which meant that Jazz had a real challenge ensuring that everyone had meaningful playing time. We all love to win games but the focus at this age is not simply on results. Boys need to be encouraged to play football, make decisions, try things, learn from mistakes and enjoy the experience of representing Wolverhampton Schools.

Everything went perfectly to plan in our opening game against North Shropshire and it was pleasing to see the lads moving the ball with simple one-touch and two-touch passing, creating several excellent team moves and controlling much of the game. A corner from the right by Bertie was turned into the net by Leo to give Wolverhampton a deserved early lead and we never looked back.

Five minutes later, Jaxxon picked the ball up in central midfield and played an excellent pass through to Lucas who showed great composure, in rounding the keeper before calmly passing the ball into an empty net to make the score 2–0. At this point we were totally in control and pushed forward at will and soon went further ahead.

Bertie drove forward from midfield, beat several defenders and caused chaos with a cross into the box which found Jaxxon. His initial shot was blocked, but the ball fell kindly to Leo, who finished superbly from a tight angle for his second and Wolverhampton’s third goal.

Despite Wolverhampton controlling much of the game, and Aaron almost getting on the scoresheet, North Shropshire continued to create opportunities and our two keepers Ethan and Stefan both made impressive saves when required. Wolverhampton’s fourth goal came through good pressure. A North Shropshire defender was quickly closed down when attempting to play out from the back and Malachi confidently fired past the goalkeeper to complete the scoring. Final score: Wolverhampton Schools 4 North Shropshire 0.

A superb team performance, with excellent passing, movement and some outstanding individual moments throughout the side. Jazz could not have been happier with the way the boys played. The second game proved a very different challenge, and the final score-line was very disappointing although somewhat flattering to Sutton Coldfield.

Wolverhampton began positively enough but gradually lost their way, moving away from the simple passing football game that had proved so effective in our opening fixture and it was no surprise when Sutton Coldfield took the lead. It took us 10 minutes to even get a shot on target and even then it failed to really test their keeper who was superb throughout.

There were certainly a number of positive attacking moments from Wolverhampton before Sutton doubled their advantage and if we could have scored at that point things could have turned out very different. Jaxxon produced a great piece of skill to wriggle free from his markers before getting a shot away, Bertie saw an effort cleared off the line, Lucas had a shot blocked and Alfie produced the moment of the game, cutting in from the left before curling an excellent effort towards goal which struck the crossbar but the equaliser never arrived.

Our boys often took too long to shoot or chose to pass when their opportunity arrived to test the goalkeeper and our opponents showed us how it should be done when they quickly punished a loose ball following a throw-out from Stefan with a powerful finish. Their third came from a corner we failed to clear, and Sutton completed the scoring with their fourth following a well-worked move down the left.

There were positives to take from the two fixtures even though the results were mixed. The 4–0 victory over North Shropshire demonstrated excellent passing, movement and finishing, while the Sutton Coldfield game provided valuable lessons about decision-making, shooting and playing under pressure. Most importantly, the boys continue to get the opportunity to play representative football, enjoy themselves, learn from every game and develop their skills.

For Jazz and the coaching team, the aim is not simply to win games, but to help these young players become more confident, intelligent and well-rounded footballers while enjoying their football along the way. The boys are always encouraged to play football rather than simply clear their lines, and sometimes this approach will lead to mistakes and goals being conceded. Man of the Match this week was Alfie, although a couple of other players came very close. 

With the ESFA National Cup game against Sefton next week the squad will have to be reduced. Selection will be made by midweek, and playing time cannot be guaranteed but anyone not selected should not be disheartened, as every player will have an opportunity in the future.

Squad:

Lucas Ensell, Aaron Bains, Malachi, Rocco Watson, Alfie Mills,

Ethan Thumber-Morris, Mahaan, Zac Humpey. Bertie Dixon,

Stafan Cernooks, Leo Evans, Jaxxon Hitchen.