The Fire Under 12 Boys topped off their first season in the QLD National Premier Leagues by taking out the League Title after defeating SWQ Thunder and Moreton Bay and being awarded a 0-0 draw with Brisbane City.
Coach Peter Higginson said while winning was not the main focus for his team, it was great to have recognition of how well the boys performed throughout the season through the results.
“I am delighted for all my players. To be recognised as the best u12 team in NPL QLD is quite something,” he said.
Higginson said his players’ hard work and ability to absorb information gave them the edge over other teams this season.
“The foundation was good – I started with a bunch of talented boys, but there was a lot of work needed at the beginning of the season,” he said.
“They worked hard and listened and the result is that every player has improved a lot. They have learned how to play football as well as individual skills.
“There were the usual tough games and games were things weren’t going our way, but every time they responded and did what I asked of them, and dug in deep sometimes.”
The Fire was a force to be reckoned with from the beginning of the season, and did not lose a game from Round 4 onwards.
“We only lost two games throughout the whole season in Round 3 and Round 4 … (through) early season naivety when we gifted the opposition silly goals,” Higginson said.
“I’d say there was gradual improvement throughout the season – I saw the boys improve their functional game skills and how they played as a team.”
As the possibility of winning the League became more of a reality as the season wore on, Higginson maintained that it was important for his players not to become distracted with the ladder and results.
“The boys were very aware of the possibility of winning the League – in fact I banned players from talking about the ladder at training and before matches. And I asked parents to play it down too,” he said.
“My preparation was exactly the same with the same routines. The focus remained on playing the right type of football and implementing what they had learned in training. And when they did that, they played very well and the results followed naturally.”
Higginson said it had been important for the young team to be able to have the freedom to have fun and make mistakes.
“My coaching philosophy is ‘performance, learning and fun’ – all these three are important and if one isn’t there, the others suffer,” he said.
“In addition, the players need respect and courage. I coach my players on how to behave in all ‘moments’ of football – in training sessions, in the changing room, with the officials, and in doing so I hope they learned about respect for everyone around them and themselves. They certainly behaved respectfully throughout the season.”
“And they need courage to try things and make mistakes. Kids perform better when not under pressure…its ok to make mistakes.”
Higginson said his team was delighted to learn they had clinched the title.
“They celebrated hard with fizzy grape juice and we had a great last game of the season. They deserved it.”
As for his first season with an NPL team, Higginson said he had enjoyed playing a part in shaping the elite young footballers.
“I enjoyed my first season with the Fire. I take the responsibility very seriously…I know I have players who may go a long way, so I try to make every minute with them count. To have had the opportunity to help these young men on their way to reach their potential was fantastic.”
“It’s been a special season, and I wish each and every player in my squad the very best next season.”
