Thames Ditton Team Talk – Week 5 – Thames Ditton Youth Football Club

46 goals, big away wins and a boot swap this weekend

Welcome to Thames Ditton Team Talk – week five

U13s with their second win in a row at home this weekend

There were 46 TDYFC goals across the reported matches this Saturday 3rd October, with some brilliant away wins, another unbeaten result for the U16 Cobras, a fantastic turnaround from the U9 Cobras and an eight-goal performance that matched England’s goal tally this weekend!

We also had nearly 40 Reception and Y1 kids training this weekend, it’s great to see so many new faces coming through the club.

In this edition, we celebrate all the action from the pitch, look ahead to a busy programme of home fixtures at Colets, and share the latest on the TDYFC Boot Swap taking place this weekend.

On the pitch

U9 Cobras – 7–1 win away at BMM Blues

The U9 Cobras continued their unbeaten run with a dominant display on the new 3G pitch at Tolworth Goals. A powerful Jack corner gave TDYFC an early lead, before the goals began to flow.

Rupert scored twice following lovely passing and movement, Baptiste struck a brilliant free kick, and Luca, William and James also found the net. The Cobras played with crisp passing, strong shape and excellent defensive commitment — a real team performance to be proud of.

U9 Blues – 8–3 win away at Bookham Colts Falcons

A hard-fought and ultimately excellent away win for the U9 Blues against good opposition. Bookham took an early lead, but Lucas responded quickly with two goals, including one from Conor’s excellent long pass.

Tommy and Alfie put the Blues 4–2 ahead at half-time, but Bookham remained in the contest. In the final quarter, the Blues’ use of space and accurate passing took control: Adam and Conor scored, while Tommy completed his hat-trick.

The 8–3 scoreline does not tell the whole story, but the boys showed real perseverance, teamwork and confidence in what they have learned in training.

U9 Swans – 0–6 loss away at NPL Youth Comets

A challenging away morning for the U9 Swans on an unusually long pitch, with two penalties making the task even harder. Despite the scoreline, the most encouraging part was the team’s response: rather than letting heads drop, the Swans were still pressing to find a goal at the final whistle.

Everyone covered plenty of ground and worked hard for the team. The focus now is on keeping shape, finding teammates with the ball and staying close enough together to pass through the pitch. That first win is coming — keep going, Swans.

U8 Cobras – 8–4 win vs We Make Footballers Epsom

An awesome performance from the U8 Cobras, who matched England’s five-goal tally and then went three better! The boys played some great football in an impressive 8–4 win.

The standout feature was the encouragement and support the players showed each other throughout. Great teamwork, a great attitude and another strong result. Well done, Cobras! 💙⚽

U7 Cobras – Platform Sports 3v3 tournament

The U7 Cobras enjoyed another brilliant morning of 3v3 football at Platform Sports. Lots of touches, lots of energy and, most importantly, lots of fun. At U7 level, scores are not recorded — it is all about developing skills, confidence and a love of the game.

U16 Cobras – 6–1 win away at Nork Park Rangers

The U16 Cobras extended their unbeaten start with a resounding away win. The team controlled the match from the first whistle, combining quick passing, aggressive pressing and some excellent football.

Jan opened the scoring before Henry curled in a superb long-range effort. Georgey added a clever lob, while Jan completed a fantastic hat-trick with a goal direct from a corner and a powerful header from Harry’s overlapping cross.

Osian, Sam, Seth, William and Fraser kept the team ticking in midfield, while Jack, Noah, Huxley and Leo provided a strong platform at the back. James also made a magnificent save when called upon. A complete team performance.

U15 Cobras – 4–3 win vs Lionhearts

A close and hard-fought home win for the U15 Cobras. The boys held their nerve in a tight contest to come away with a deserved victory. Well done to everyone for digging in and getting the job done.

U13 Cobras – 4–1 win vs Epsom & Ewell Walton Warriors

Three wins in a row for the U13 Cobras after another strong home display. Theo opened the scoring from distance before Ollie reacted quickest to tuck away a rebound. Arthur added a third before half-time.

Walton came back strongly after the break and reduced the deficit, but the Cobras defended well under pressure. Theo then curled in a superb finish to seal the win — and was unlucky not to complete a hat-trick when a late effort was ruled out for offside.

Charlie was Player of the Match for an outstanding defensive performance, making important tackles and clearances throughout.

U12 Cobras – 2–1 win vs Kingswood Terriers Blues

A hard-earned home win for the U12 Cobras against Kingswood Terriers. The team showed great determination to edge a close match and secure another positive result. Well done, Cobras.

U11 Blues – 0–1 loss away at Gemini Albion

The U11 Blues were unlucky to lose a closely fought local derby. There was plenty of good football, chances created and solid defending, with the match level for most of the game.

A late free kick from the edge of the area proved decisive, but the Blues fought hard to find an equaliser right to the end. Plenty to take into next week.

U11 Cobras – 5–1 win away at Leatherhead Youth

A brilliant second-half display turned this match around for the U11 Cobras. After a goalless opening quarter and a brief lapse allowing Leatherhead to take the lead, the Cobras produced a sensational response.

Zavi and Milo scored, Josh grabbed two, and Ailbe added a superb long-range strike to complete an excellent 5–1 win. William made some critical saves in goal too. A brilliant team effort.

U10 Girls – 2–3 loss away at Redhill Dragonflies

A frustrating result for the U10 Girls after a hugely encouraging performance for long periods. The girls dominated the opening quarter and should have had more than their 1–0 lead. They continued to play well to go in 2–0 up at half-time.

Redhill changed their approach after the break, playing more directly on a difficult pitch. A chaotic spell saw the game turn, but the girls continued to create opportunities and were unlucky not to score again.

The key lesson is to stay calm, stick to the football they have practised and trust that the right outcome will follow. The first-half performance showed exactly what this group is capable of. Keep believing, girls. ❤️

TDYFC Boot Swap – this weekend 10th October

Give boots a second chance

Our TDYFC Boot Swap is happening this weekend at Colets Health Club.

Children often outgrow football boots long before they are worn out. The Boot Swap is a simple way for families to donate good-quality boots, find the next size up and help make football more accessible for everyone at the club.

Please bring your child along where possible so they can try on available boots and find the best fit. We welcome clean, dry and safe-to-wear children’s boots, including firm-ground, artificial-grass, soft-ground, astro turf, training and indoor styles.

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

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

Home football at Colets

It is another busy weekend ahead, with home football across the age groups. Our U7s, U9s, U10 Girls, U11s, U12 Blues and U15 Cobras are all due to be in action at Colets.

Please check Spond for your team’s confirmed fixture details, arrival time and any updates.

Supporting TDYFC families

Thank you to our club sponsor, Douglas & Gordon.

If you are looking to sell or rent out a property in the local area, speak to Lisa Farnfield about the competitive rates available to TDYFC members.

For every property sale introduced through TDYFC, Douglas & Gordon will donate £400 back to the club.

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

Final whistle ⚽

Well done to every player, coach, volunteer and family involved this weekend. There were big scores, tight games, frustrating moments and brilliant wins — but, most importantly, plenty of resilience, teamwork and enjoyment across the club.
See you at Colets! ⚽