A warm welcome to new and existing players and parents interested in helping with coaching.

The emphasis this season will be to continue developing the players’ foundation skills and to introduce them to tactical and positional awareness during games.

Some of our players will benefit from stretching their football experience, whilst others will grow in confidence as they master their foundation skills.

With this in mind, the Under 9s are taking part in two leagues this season. Your child will be invited to participate in one of these each week:

the East Lothian (ELSSDA) series of mini-tournaments, on Saturdays.

• the East of Scotland (ESSDA) 'Maradona' 7-a-side league, on Sundays;


NOTE: Parents will be responsible for updating the following website Huffin Puffins website and recording whether or not your child is available for the forthcoming 4 weeks. Parents should advise by 7pm on the preceding Wednesday, whether their son is available to play the weekend match. The Head Coach will send an e-mail to parents weekly confirming those playing. The coaches will review the Saturday and Sunday squads every 4 weeks and we expect all the kids will get experience in both formats. Please contact me if you are having trouble accessing the web page or if you have any concerns.

Please note that taking children to and from the matches is the responsibility of parents. Please advise if you are having problems.

Shin pads and appropriate footwear are essential for games and training. For games, black shorts and socks are preferred if at all possible - tops will be provided.

TRAINING
We will start training each Wednesday at 7pm-8pm at the Recreation Park from 18th August. we will then move to the Astro-turf pitch, behind the High School.

SUBSCRIPTIONS
My fellow Coach, Bill Innes, is collecting Subscriptions due now - please use this form.

Fixtures
For ESSDA and ELSSDA will be available during this week.

SUNDAY 29 August - Hutchie Vale v NB Colts
We fielded a full squad in our first competitive 7 a side match. The ESSDA league is certainly a step up from what our players have been used to. But the 7 - 2 scoreline was a harsh reflection on our players effort and abilities on the day.

The game kicked off with the home team benefiting from playing down hill, along with the advantage of a brisk wind. Some excellent heroic goalkeeping from Finn and dazzling skill and a goal from Robbie saw us go in to the break 4 - 1 down.

In the second half the wind died down and the home team benefited form a couple of lucky crosses that looped over Jo, who had taken over in goal. Owen Ashall hit a fizzing shot to score a consolation goal, but despite our team's physical presence and athletisism we struggled to take advantage of many goal scoring opportunities. (Written by Scott Wallace-Head Coach of Sunday squad)