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Barnsley Juniors Football Club, Rabbit Ings Country Park Royston, Barnsley (2026)

05/10/2026

League Day #3 — Barnsley Juniors Blue U11 🫐

We hit the M1 South for their first away tie in the Sheffield DJSL.

For the majority of the game, we were camped high in our opponents’ half, moving the ball around the edge of the box against a low block. A bit of a goal-scoring roulette, plenty of enjoyment for the kids and, from an attacking perspective, some really good moments.

Although, if we’re being honest, probably a lesser day for the really hard learning.

Credit to the opposition goalkeeper, who stood out for me as a player with potential. He was fantastic.

Brave coming off his line, catching the ball high, and making some excellent saves throughout.

⭐️ MANAGERS’ POTM — Mike No.4 & Jesse No.3
⭐️ COACHES’ POTM — Max No.2
⭐️ MANAGER’S POTW — Jonah No.1

Trust is important.

These four have earned my backing as a safe pair of hands — or feet — when their team needs them the most defensively.

They’ve come a long way in understanding defensive principles and how to work as a pair or trio with their goalkeeper under pressure. Pressing, central cover, building play, linking passes and switching the point of attack are all becoming increasingly natural.

They’re also learning when to squeeze high, when to stretch the pitch and when to drop deep.

Most importantly, they’ve kept their heads up through the tougher moments of last year. Defending can put you in the headlights, and mistakes at that end of the pitch tend to be rather more noticeable, which is a compliment to them.

So seeing them further forward again today — creating and scoring goals — was great to see. They’re all more than capable of it.

Defenders by position next week perhaps, but midfielders in development? Absolutely.

That’s the point of the rotation. Understanding both sides of the game, rather than knowing which number is printed on your shirt.

Balance is always the toughest part, coaches prerogative / tribulation.

The Cup has arrived. 🏆
Can we continue the good form and go on a run?
We’ll find out. 🫐

30/09/2026

League Day #2 in the Sheffield DJSL for Barnsley Jr’s Blue U11 — finally welcoming some opposition from the south side of the River Don. 🫐

Regardless of the result in last weekend’s friendly, kids learning how to control parts of a game, make good decisions and execute them under pressure is much harder fought than looking at the score.

The ask this week was no different, with two additions: Start brighter. Believe in ourselves.

And we did, with Jesse captaining the team and helping us settle into our passing game early.
We connected well and went ahead through two high-press goals, with neat 1v1 finishes from Teddy and Leighton.

Ezra was central to so many of those connections in the first half. I loved watching him turn away from pressure, use both feet, read the flight of the ball and move into space before shifting it forward quickly to start attacks.
He found some really good forward positions too — a failed hat-trick attempt in his eyes, but everything I wanted to see in mine.

Frankie and Ruby — our colour-coordinated duo — were effective down the left.

Frankie was alert, finding feet with accuracy and combining creatively with Teddy, Ruby and Ezra from open and dead-ball situations. She retained possession well, delivered some excellent balls and came close herself with a looped effort just wide of the post.

We created plenty of opportunities, yet we were wasteful.

So the half-time message was simple:
Relax in front of goal. Hit the target.

Enter Jacob.

He looked like he was enjoying his football much more, combining really well with Mike down the left on his weaker side.

A lovely one-two with Leighton created his first goal, before Jacob returned the favour shortly afterwards, finding Leighton with his left foot, who smashed it into the bottom corner.

Jacob then added his second following a hard, low cross from Ruby, cleverly getting the run on his marker at the back post for a simple finish.

Classy.

And then…
The floodgates opened.

Teddy moved into CM and began attacking centrally, driving forward with real purpose before playing a brilliant left-footed through ball into Leighton, who completed his hat-trick.

Teddy was at it again shortly afterwards, dancing through midfield before finding Jax out wide. Jax played it first time back inside, and Leighton pounced again for his fourth.

A fantastic day in front of goal for Leighton, who clearly sensed the hook was coming, and on came Jonah to get some time in the striker’s boots, with Jesse doing us a solid in goal.

Jonah battled brilliantly to get on the end of a loose ball from a cross and forced in a goal of his own at the back post. Always handy having a goalkeeper who fancies himself as a striker.

⭐️ MANAGERS’ POTM — Frankie No.7 & Jacob No.6

A shared award for two players who gave me more of the ask.

Frankie showed good awareness and creativity, particularly from dead-ball situations — best-in-class deliveries — while also looking much more controlled in possession retaining the ball.

Equally, Jacob was positive on the ball, combined really well with his teammates and showed a greater desire to make things happen.

⭐️ COACHES’ POTM — Teddy No.11

Joe chose Teddy as his Coaches’ Player of the Match.

We’re seeing more consistency in his decision-making, there’s more visible purpose alongside it. He’s showing he recognises space, when to drive, when to release, but also his hard work to support defensively — and that’s why his name is in lights again.

He gets our Respect POTM too, for the way he handled the flash point. Hands shaken at the end. Bigger guy.

⭐️ MANAGER’S POTW — Leighton No.9

My Player of the Week goes to Leighton.

A proper striker’s performance, with much more accurate finishing and a real presence in the final third.

His direct pace and strength caused the opposition plenty of problems, but I particularly liked the way he took and controlled the ball before setting himself up for his finishes.
Four goals, an assist and, importantly, showing more willingness to bring others into the game. That’s the bit I want to see.

The football looked like the football we talk about. Which is nice, because we’ve spent enough time talking about it.

On the road next week for the next challenge, kids chomping at the bit. 🫐

20/09/2026

⚽ MATCH REPORT: Barnsley Juniors U11 Oranges v Tussale FC U11s 🍊

What a day for football! The sun was shining, the pitch was perfect, and our lads pulled on their brand new blue kits, proudly sponsored by SES Group Limited. 💙

From the first whistle it was a fast, evenly matched game. Tussale set a blistering pace, hitting us on the counter and moving the ball quickly, which meant our boys had to work hard off the ball. They created some great chances, but our superb keeper Elyes was in top form to keep them out. 🧤

We had our moments too. Josh and Freddy both got in behind, but the Tussale keeper produced some excellent saves to deny them.

After sustained pressure on our back line, Tussale were first to a last-ditch clearance and found the breakthrough. Our boys never let their heads drop, though. They kept passing, kept believing, and were rewarded when Freddy beat his man out wide and squared it for Josh to tap home. 🙌

The tempo stayed high, with both sides pushing hard. Vlad found space on the right, drew the defender in, then played a brilliant switch to Alvinn. He sold the keeper a dummy, rounded him and calmly slotted home. 🔥

Tussale pressed relentlessly, and the lads had to dig in. Right at the death, Elyes was forced into another save. The ball squirmed from his grasp and looked destined for the line, but he somehow got a hand to it and kept it out. Incredible! 😱

🏆 Player of the Match: Elyes, for a string of superb saves
🤝 Respect Player of the Match: Oscar, for outstanding tackling, always fair and never fouling

A brilliant, competitive game, played in great spirit by both teams. Well done boys! 👏

A huge thank you to our sponsor, SES Group Limited, for our fantastic new kits. We love them! 💙

16/09/2026

A week later than expected, but Barnsley Jr’s Blue U11 🫐 finally arrived in the Sheffield DJSL, sporting their new home kit - thanks SES Rail Services.

Albeit with a home tie against our neighbours just down the road, it was an early opportunity for some Year 6 bragging rights — and there certainly wasn’t any shortage of motivation on either side.

The opening 10 minutes were frantic. Effort was there, but we were slow to react and found ourselves deservedly 0–1 down, irrespective of the cries for handball.

We have to be honest, we were creating far too many of our own problems, which meant we were constantly reacting to situations rather than controlling them. Creatively, we offered little in the opening half, with Jonah standing tall when required. That was until Frankie stepped up with a short corner, finding Teddy who created space for himself, deceiving his marker before drilling the ball from a tight angle, into the bottom corner to give us a much-needed equaliser heading into the break. Really pleased to see those two absorbing and applying something we’ve worked on.

Thankfully, we improved after the break and began doing more of the right things in the build up, to create pressure in the opponents’ half.

Ezra twisted and turned on the edge of the area, eventually bumbling the ball into Leighton, who finished sweetly through traffic, into the bottom-left corner to put us ahead.

Our creativity finally shone in the final twenty - Teddy, Ruby and Jax all went close with well-worked efforts, forcing good saves, with Jax at the heart of a number of those attacks.

The pick of the bunch was a killer two-pass counter. Ruby and Jesse worked brilliantly to win the ball back, finding Jaxon centrally, who quickly broke the line towards Jacob, who calmly slotted home.

The opposition weren’t finished, though, and sent a late effort crashing against the bar following success from the wide area.

A much better second-half performance and a good example of what happens when we scan, find space, combine and move the ball quickly.

Mangers POTM – Jaxon No.10 ⭐️

My Player of the Match went to Jaxon.

His scanning, movement and one-touch lay-off for Ruby was great to see. He combined really well, created an inch-perfect assist and was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet at the back-post on a couple of occasions.

Coaches POTM – Teddy No.11 ⚽️

Steve chose Teddy as his Coaches’ Player of the Match.

A much better second-half display, making better decisions on the ball and showing a real desire to drive forward and play with purpose. Joined the Barnsley Juniors hat-trick club in recent weeks, an increased attacking threat.

Manager’s POTW – Ruby No.8 👏

My Player of the Week goes to Ruby.

Noticing in recent training and today, the intent and effort to do the things asked. Dragged all over the pitch, played four positions and didn’t complain once. Unlucky not to get on the sheet with an absolute first time pile driver from the edge of the area.

Always plenty to improve (we’ve played better football) particularly in the way we started the game, but a second half and start to the season to be pleased with too. 🫐

09/09/2026

Sunday marked the first game of the season for the U11 Oranges as they joined the Sheffield & District Junior Football League, facing off against Sheffield 6’s.
Sheffield were a very good side and really brought the best out of our players. Alvinn opened the scoring after a great first touch from Josh, who beat a couple of players and got a shot away. The keeper saved it, but Alvinn was quickest to react for a simple tap-in. Freddy then made it 2-0, winning the ball back under pressure, beating his man, and slotting home with a great finish. Dexter completed the scoring with a cracking strike from outside the box into the bottom corner.
It was a real team effort though — the lads played so well that the coaches couldn’t pick a single Player of the Match, so they all shared the award.
Next week the Blues have their first game in Sheffield against Staincross, while the Oranges take on Kimberworth Park FC.

29/06/2026

The moments and experiences we all turn up for. The ones we want our kids to have. To some, it’s just football - but look at those faces!

Seeing these kids lift the Wombwell Town Plate today was a brilliant feeling. For many, it’s their first taste of some tournament success, and hopefully an event that drives hunger and a reason to keep improving.

They certainly didn’t make it easy for themselves. Throwing away the lead in both the semi-final and the final, which was ‘emotional’, for lack of a better word. But they found a way, and got it over the line.

Today, it was our turn.
Barnsley Juniors Blue 🏆🫐

11/05/2026

Challenge Cup semi-final heartbreak for Barnsley Jr’s Blue 💔 — but across the two legs, the kids showed exactly why they deserved to be there.

The first leg was packed with some quality, character and emotion. We found ourselves 3-1 up heading into the closing stages, only for the game to finish level after a chaotic final five minutes. Football can feel cruel sometimes, but we have to keep going until the end.

After absorbing some early pressure and working incredibly hard out of possession, we gradually grew into the game. Once we started exploiting the spaces between the lines and progressing the ball quicker through the thirds, we created some really good moments and took our chances well.

Our first goal came from a great reaction in transition. Teddy found Leighton, whose initial effort was saved, but Jacob reacted quickest to the second ball to finish confidently. Great anticipation, and credit the follow-in Jacob.

The second goal was probably the standout moment of the tie. Leighton received from Teddy, shifted inside brilliantly from the right and struck a bouncing effort that skipped just in front of the keeper and into the net. Technically excellent.

Leighton grabbed his second after half-time following a really well-worked move from back to front. Jesse started the attack by playing into Jacob, who quickly set Leighton into space. From there, Leighton attacked his defender aggressively, beat him again 1v1 and finished neatly.

Across the first leg, the commitment and intensity without the ball really stood out. Defensively, all the players stayed compact, worked hard to recover and supported each other brilliantly. In possession, we showed bravery, creativity and increasing confidence playing through pressure. Our shape and distances allowed us to play with some purpose, to sustain attacks.

The second leg gave us a huge opportunity to reach a final in only our second season together. Unfortunately, we couldn’t reproduce the same energy, quality or composure from the first game and eventually lost 2-0 on the night, 5-3 on aggregate. We have to do better collectively.

Full credit to the opposition, who were better on the day and deserved their place in the final — we wish them the very best.

Maybe we needed the first goal to settle nerves. Maybe the occasion got to us a little. Maybe a few just had one of those days where nothing quite clicks, a lack of will and desire. Whatever the reason, its all gained experience.

The kids were understandably disappointed afterwards, but they should be incredibly proud. In many ways, this group has overachieved. Competing strongly in the league and results/performance-based cups earned us Pot A seeding both times, and to reach a semi-final after only twenty months together is a huge achievement — especially with many of the players starting their journey completely new to football.

It’s a long haul flight, and hopefully we continue it next season with the same fantastic group of players, who remain a pleasure to coach every single week. There are good indicators of improvement across the team, (no doubt), we just need to keep at it, practice and learn as much as possible, to make the next steps.

🏆 POTM – Max (No.2) & Ezra (No.4)

Max’s confidence has grown massively during the second half of the season and it’s showing in his performances. Across both legs he defended with real determination and increasing consistency, while his passing and composure on the ball have improved too. Also possesses a forehead made from reinforced concrete — coaches’ first aid department thoroughly stress-tested… Ezra sends his apologies.

Ezra continues to demonstrate many of the qualities we value most in both training and matches. He listens, learns and always tries to apply. His link-up play to support the team at the forefront, and he came close to scoring twice in the second leg - one cleared off the line and a half-volley wide, despite limited attacking opportunities.

🏆 PPOTM – Leighton (No.9) & Jesse (No.5)

Leighton’s ability in 1v1 situations and his growing goal tally have certainly brought more joy for the team this season. He’s capable of producing something special from very little and his brace in the first leg put us in a good position to progress.

Jesse once again showed some outstanding qualities across both matches. He has been incredibly dependable defensively all season, but pushing him higher up the pitch add’s another dimension to our attacking play. His decision-making and timing in possession continue to improve.

🏆 POTW – Jaxon (No.12) & Jonah (No.1)

Jaxon earns Player of the Week for showing fantastic character. After a physically demanding first game, he picked himself up and stepped in at the back during the development game, against his wishes. Experience in different positions will only improve players’ understanding of the game long term.

Jonah has had another excellent season. The occasion certainly didn’t faze him, producing an outstanding save to tip a fierce strike over the bar among several other important moments. It’s also been great hearing him communicate more consistently with defenders — a huge part of goalkeeper development.

Goals & Assists
Leighton ⚽️⚽️
Jacob ⚽️
Jacob ✨
Teddy ✨

20/04/2026

Back in action—following a brief detour into “creative” cup formatting.

Blues travelled to an away fixture that reliably produces goals… and, historically, frustration. This time, however, we decided to rewrite that script.

From the first whistle, this was one of our most complete attacking performances of the season. We controlled territory, sustained pressure in the opposition half, and generated a consistent volume of chances across the team. In short: the attacking numbers matched the intent. Teddy adding another assist, to his end of season numbers drive. Leighton grabbing a brace.

Defensively, while there were still a few high-cost errors (we like to keep things interesting), we operated higher up the pitch on the front-foot, showed great composure in possession after winning the ball, and restricted central opportunities effectively. A few improvements scanning in behind, communicating and picking up at the back post would see us improve here.

And as ever—performance over result… although, on this occasion, the performance has conveniently progressed us to our first-ever POT A semi-final. 💪🏼

🏆 POTM – Frankie (No.13) & Jacob (No.8.)

Frankie delivered an excellent wide performance, balancing attacking threat with defensive responsibility. Her quick thinking from a kick-in—creating space and delivering a precise cross for Leighton to convert—was a standout moment, they combined together really well throughout.
I noted improved control, a better first touch which leads to more thinking time, better decisions and greater outcomes. Good quality balls across goal every time.

Jacob matched that with a high-energy, proactive and at times - aggressive display. His intent on and off the ball was clear, neat turns to beat players in congested space’s, great vision and his low-driven finish into the bottom corner was executed with quality. Jacob’s ongoing challenge is to bring that level of effort to me each week, the football is there.

🏆 PPOTM – Jesse (No.5)

A second-half performance defined by intensity and resilience. Aggressive in regains, but composed in distribution, an excellent balance. Aside from one moment of generosity across his own goal (we’ll call it a team-building exercise), this was one of Jesse’s strongest performances. His positive first touch into central areas, consistently opened up forward and wide options. Also worth noting: getting up from that heavy challenge and carrying on—exactly the mindset we want.

🏆 POTW – George (No.7)

Our resident stuntman. When he’s not testing physics on a 110cc bike, he’s testing defenders. After a good training week, it was great to see him beating players, getting into dangerous areas, combining and nearly adding his name to the scoresheet. He can certainly hit them when he catches it right.
My challenge to George is to increase those effort levels at both ends in the coming games, like we’ve seen before.

Shoutout to Jonah for concentrating and making one of the saves of the season, tipping one out of the bottom corner - our very own Peter Shilton. 🧤

Goals & Assists
Leighton ⚽️⚽️
Jacob ⚽️
Frankie ✨
Teddy ✨

First leg ahead—full focus, full commitment.
CUMMON YOU BLUES 🫐

31/03/2026

Barnsley Juniors Blue wrapped up their cup league campaign on a high—with a win that was perhaps on the fortunate side (though we too created many chances) 🫐

After a good warm-up, the opening spell had us all thinking about where the off switch was. We were behind inside ten seconds, struggling to find any tempo, rhythm, or even a simple pass through what felt like knee-high grass.
We made life difficult for ourselves early, and Jonah deserves huge credit for keeping us in the game—pulling off two particularly excellent saves, one with his feet and one high, to stop things getting out of hand.

Thankfully, we settled. The work we’ve been doing on scanning, decision-making, and moving the ball forward to break lines progressed.
The equaliser was a great example—four players combining before Jacob poked in Leighton, who finished superbly from distance, firing across goal into the bottom corner. A great moment that gave us belief.

Even with the opposition a player down, they caused problems—attacking well as a three and forcing some tough 1v1 situations. Jesse, Ezra, and Ruby were a deliberately selected backbone this weekend, and they delivered— competitive & physical defensive play. It was especially pleasing to see the rest of the team step up, creating and supporting our attacking play in-front of them.

POTM – 🏆 No.6 Ruby
I put my trust in Ruby with a clear job in CM: track and disrupt their very strong No.10.
She carried it out superbly—winning duels, breaking up play, and generally making life very uncomfortable for them all game. A huge, huge part of the win.
Part of our opening goal and the highlight moment: winning a big 50/50 (no half tackles here) to spark the move for our second goal, linking with Jaxon to set up Leighton’s second. A top and perhaps overlooked performance.

PPOTM – 🏆 No.12 Jaxon
Really proud of Jax. It’s never nice to see a player upset from the sidelines, but credit to the referee and coaches for dealing with it—and even more to Jaxon for how he responded. He showed real resilience, reset himself, came back on, and battled in the box to scramble home our third. A brilliant moment for him and the team. Wouldn’t say boo to a goose mind, still the nicest kid and amongst the headlines again.

POTW – 🏆 No.13 Frankie & No.3 Jesse
From an effort and consistency point of view, Frankie continues to deliver and worked hard on the flanks. She reads the game well, is comfortable on both feet, and contributes across the pitch from various positions.
What stood out in the week was her improved decision-making to support retaining possession— linking play inside from wide areas (pass and move) plus working on that positive first touch. Another player up there this season for creativity and with some more steer and growing confidence will get even better outcomes.

Jesse edges in as well—not his strongest game overall on the ball, but those line-breaking passes from deep were still there. Having the vision and confidence to play forward will be key.

The last two games were the ones I had my eye on, and overall I’m pleased with aspects of how we performed against tougher opposition. Results don’t always tell the full story, but there were plenty of positives—and enough to leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling. The way the kids celebrated goals as a collective was great to see.

Goals & Assists

Leighton ⚽️⚽️
Jaxon ⚽️
Jacob ✨
Jaxon ✨

Easter training this week!

“At least 50 eggs!” 🤨 Thanks Leighton….

24/03/2026

Defeat can sometimes feel like a victory in coaching… and this weekend was one of those.
Blues 🫐 were back in action with a much-improved performance in a game where mistakes were shared by both teams. There were tough moments and some teary eyes at the end of each half—but that’s because they care. I’ll take that every day. Plenty of positives in a more competitive game.

Jesse’s pullback turn got intercepted at the back resulting in a goal, but the bigger picture? Confidence through the roof—taking players on from deep, showing real skill, and driving us forward. At one point he threw himself into a challenge to get in front and keep the ball—both players went flying, got up, shook hands… proper football moment.

Teddy didn’t get tight enough at the back post to cover for a player out of position, but his work rate was unreal. Up and down all game, a brilliant 1v1 battle on the right, showing quality, creativity, and pe*******on. Class again.

Jonah might feel he could’ve held onto the ball better for one goal, but we’ve all seen what he’s about this season—solid, reliable, and supporting his defenders with his feet. Made great initial saves, but wide players didn’t always track runners for the follow-in. Goalkeepers’ union would agree.

Leighton was sharp to capitalise on a defensive error for our opening goal. One moment stood out—plucking the ball out of the air, turning, and getting a shot away. Real top quality. He’s excellent receiving on the turn, but we need to lift our head more often to combine with others in certain areas, which we’ll push on with.

We went in at half time extremely unlucky to be trailing 1–2 after a great performance. Two quick goals in the restart let it slip, but the kids never gave in—that was brilliant.

Jaxon added a second-half goal (being in the right place). There’s thought in his movement, and the areas he takes up help both him and others.

Plenty of attacking intent—Frankie, Leighton, Ezra, Teddy, Jaxon all with good efforts. Equally, strong defensive work from Mike, Ruby, Jesse, Jacob.

🏆 POTM – Ezra (No.4)
I enjoyed everything about Ezra’s game this week. Missed him last week (Mother’s Day duty—some boy), but I’ve been pushing him to drive forward more and he delivered—more shots, including a body-check turn and strike that zipped past the post. Linked play well, turned players, used his weaker foot often, won the ball back, and supported his defenders. Proper all-round performance.

🏆 PPOTM – Jaxon (No.12)
Still the nicest kid in football (probably the world)… and doubled his goal tally from last season today. Led the line, pressed well, linked with Jacob, and held the ball up for support. Took one first on his right away from the defender—bang with his left, nearly another, well saved.

🏆 POTW – Jacob (No.8.)
My highlight—Jacob emptying the tank chasing his runner for what felt like three hours (probably 15 seconds), then winning us a throw-in. That’s exactly the area I’m pushing with him. We know he can play—good penetrative passes, driving forward, retaining possession—and the parents saw it too.

What stands out most with this group is how encouragement, trust, kindness, and belief bring out the best in them. That’s why I stick to it. They’re all good kids—we don’t need to be anxious about results. We’ve had plenty this year, and on another day, with that same performance, the result looks very different.

Goals & Assists
⚽️ Leighton
⚽️ Jaxon

Barnsley Juniors Football Club

05/10/2026

30/09/2026

20/09/2026

16/09/2026

09/09/2026

29/06/2026

11/05/2026

20/04/2026

31/03/2026

24/03/2026

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