Thames Ditton Team Talk – week four – Thames Ditton Youth Football Club

51 goals, comebacks and an unbeaten U16 run

Comeback kings! U9s celebrating turning their match around

Welcome to Thames Ditton Team Talk – week four.

This week’s newsletter has all the action from another brilliant weekend across TDYFC: 51 goals in the reported matches, big wins for the U13s, U15s, U11s, U9s and U8s, a 9–0 victory for the U9 Blues, and another unbeaten result for the U16 Cobras.

You can also find out about our new TDYFC Boot Swap — helping families give outgrown boots a second half — plus a short message from our sponsor, Douglas & Gordon, with competitive rates for TDYFC members looking to sell or rent a local property.

From dramatic comebacks and hat-tricks to clean sheets, determined defending and our U7s enjoying their 3v3 tournament, there is plenty to celebrate.

On the pitch

U13 Cobras – 8–4 win away vs Epsom & Ewell Colts U13 Golds

The U13 Cobras produced an extraordinary attacking display, racing into a 6–0 half-time lead. Ollie struck twice early on, Alex added two brilliant finishes, and Theo scored two superb long-range efforts.

Epsom rallied in the second half, but the Cobras responded through Ben and Louis to complete an eight-goal win. There are still defensive lessons to take forward, but there was so much quality in attack. Ollie was Player of the Match for two crucial early goals, with a special mention for Theo’s excellent double.

U16 Cobras – 2–2 draw vs Old Coulsdon Colts U16 Jaguars

The U16 Cobras remain unbeaten after a tense home draw against Coulsdon Colts. Henry scored a trademark long-range inswinger before Jan came on, won the ball and calmly slotted home to make it 2–0.

The Cobras showed real quality and heart throughout, with Huxley immense at centre-back and Noah working tirelessly to keep the Colts’ wide players quiet. It was gutting to concede an equaliser with the last kick of the game, but the unbeaten start continues.

U15 Cobras – 7–5 win away vs Reigate Priory Youth U15 Harriers

A dramatic away win for the U15 Cobras, who showed huge character to regain control after seeing a 5–2 lead wiped out. Rather than letting the momentum swing against them, the boys regrouped and finished strongly to secure a deserved win.
Raahil was Player of the Match after a brilliant hat-trick — and showed great sportsmanship with his muted celebration for a deflected goal. Well done, Cobras.

U12 Blues 0-4 away win at our home ground vs Teddington Athletic U12 Panthers

Another deserved away (reversed) win for the U12 Blues. Jack opened the scoring with a great solo effort, before Alex added a second in a first half packed with good passing and action at both ends.

The opposition pulled one back after the break, but Alan got on the scoresheet to help secure the result. There was a huge defensive moment from Gerald too, with a last-ditch tackle preventing a close-range goal before he had to come off injured. We hope you are feeling better soon, Gerald.

U12 Cobras – spirited 4–6 loss away vs ACE Football Club U12 Rangers

The U12 Cobras showed terrific character and attacking intent in a high-scoring match against a strong, physical Ace side. They battled back from 2–0 down to 2–2, then again from 5–2 down to 5–4, creating plenty of chances along the way.

A goal against the run of play made it 6–4, and the Cobras could not quite find another breakthrough. The result did not go their way, but it was a performance full of effort, belief and determination.

U11 Cobras – 2–1 win vs Molesey Juniors U11 orcas

A brilliant win for the U11 Cobras on a surprisingly warm morning. The boys started brightly, moving the ball quickly and dominating possession. The opener came after a lovely one-touch move between Ailbe and George, ending with Ailbe’s delivery finding its way into the net.

Josh doubled the advantage with a long-range strike. Molesey pulled one back to create a nervy finish, but the Cobras showed real grit to hold on for a hugely deserved victory. Great character from every player.

U11 Blues – 2–0 win Leatherhead Youth U11 Colts

A well-earned clean-sheet win for the U11 Blues. Sandy opened the scoring in the first quarter, and the Blues stayed composed through some strong defending and dangerous attacks down both wings.

Sandy added a second in the final quarter to seal the result. A great all-round team performance.

U10 Girls – 0–6 loss vs Kingswood Terriers U11 Aqua

A tough match for the U10 Girls against strong opposition. The scoreline was not the one the team wanted, but the girls will take the experience forward, keep working hard and come back stronger next week.

U9 Blues – 9–0 home win vs Leatherhead Youth U9 Colts

A commanding win for the U9 Blues, who were clinical, direct and continued to play as a team throughout. Lucas scored a rapid first-quarter hat-trick, including a tidy finish from Jack’s excellent cross, while an own goal made it 4–0 after the first quarter.

Further goals from Rupert, Adam, William, Jack and Harrison completed the scoring. Particularly pleasing was the way the boys kept passing, maintained their shape and defended well when needed. Well done, Blues!

U9 Cobras – 4–3 win vs Molesey Juniors U9 Harriers

The U9 Cobras produced a brilliant late comeback to beat Molesey 4–3. After dominating early possession, the Cobras found themselves 3–1 down following some good individual opposition goals.

But they never lost belief. Luca levelled the match early on, before a deflected James corner gave the Cobras hope. James then struck from range to equalise, and with a minute to go, Tommy played a perfect through ball for Hector to slot home the winner. A hard-fought win built on composure, running and tough tackling. 🐍

U9 Swans – 2–5 loss vs Oxshott Royals Youth U9 Panthers

The U9 Swans were involved in a lively match where the scoreline did not fully reflect how competitive the game was. The boys matched their opponents for long periods, but a quick spell of goals proved decisive.

To their credit, the Swans dug deep in the final quarter. Alaric was tenacious in midfield and scored a superb goal, Charlie also found the net, Euan was a rock in goal and defence, and Ralph ran himself into the ground with some crucial tackles. Keep learning, keep pushing up the pitch — and, above all, keep enjoying it.

U8 Cobras – 4–2 win away vs Oxshott Royals Youth U8 Lions

Back to winning ways for the U8 Cobras with a fantastic 4–2 away win. The boys showed great discipline by sticking to their positions, supporting one another and putting their training into practice.

A strong team performance and a deserved result. Let’s keep that momentum going! 💙⚽

Supporting our grassroots stars

A big thank you to our club sponsor, Douglas & Gordon.

If you are thinking of selling or renting out a property in the local area, speak to Lisa Farnfield at Douglas & Gordon about the competitive rates available to TDYFC members.

And remember: for every property sale introduced through Thames Ditton Youth Football Club, Douglas & Gordon will donate £400 back to the club. Which we can use for buying floodlights for example.

Contact Lisa on 020 7963 4658 or lfarnfield@dng.co.uk.

Give boots a second half ⚽

Children often outgrow football boots long before they are worn out, so TDYFC is launching a Boot Swap to help families pass on good-quality boots and find the next size up.

Whether you have boots to donate, need a pair for your child, or would like to do both, please complete our short form. This will help us understand the sizes and types of boots needed, as well as what is available to swap.

The Boot Swap will take place at Colets Health Club on a Saturday, with the date and time to be confirmed. Bring your child along if possible so they can try boots on and find the best fit.

We welcome clean, dry and safe-to-wear football boots in children’s UK sizes approximately 4K to 13, including firm-ground, artificial-grass, soft-ground, astro turf, training and indoor boots.

There is no set charge for a pair of boots. If your child finds a pair and you are able to contribute, we suggest an optional £5 donation per pair to help support the scheme and the wider work of the club. No child will be excluded because of cost.

Thank you for helping us reduce waste, support TDYFC families and keep children playing football.