Bracknell Athletic FC

📋 BAFC Rockets U9 vs Hearts of Teddlothain U9 Heynas
The Rockets finally kicked off the new year and back into their rescheduled Cup game. Start of the game Hearts kept the ball and working it down the line, eventually getting a corner, corner comes in and a deflection off one of our players meant some quick reactions from Stanley. Rockets are now getting into this game with some great passing and moving Jack was tormenting the Hearts back line with some great runs and was unlucky not to find the net in the first quarter. Hearts knock a long ball and Stanley was quick off his line, gathers the ball up and with a quick kick finds Cyrus with a one touch pass puts Mete through one on one and never in doubt, great finish. Bobby and Felixs were solid at the back nothing was getting passed them and both were playing some great balls out from the back finding our midfield, the whole teams energy levels were top draw today Mete, Cyrus and Oskar were doing their job defending and creating opportunities for the team and eventually Oskar gets Rockets 2nd with a smart finish. Hearts were trying everything but nothing was working, the boys just wasn’t letting them play. Noah was working very hard for his team in the defence and in the midfield, Jack who was tremendous up front today working the space using his pace to get behind their defence with a great pass from Cyrus and finally finds the back of the net, throughly deserved. Rockets really didn’t give anything away today even in the last quarter they just kept going wanting more goals and it did come with Oskar finding Felixs and slots it under the hearts keeper. Hearts did get get another chance where the player found himself one on one with Stanley who stood tall and makes a great save keeping his clean sheet. So I can go on and on about the boys today individually, the whole team was great considering they haven’t played in nearly a month you definitely wouldn’t have noticed that. So today starting with Cyrus who was so unlucky not to get on the score sheet but his whole game today was next level well done Cyrus. Felixs again was a machine on the pitch, his strength and work rate is top draw and got him self on the score sheet, Bobby was solid rock again at the back and was making some great runs. Oskar impresses every week, his skill, shooting ability and work rate for his team just gets better and better this boy knows where the back of the net is. Mete is our midfield general, always getting the team to tick, always finding that smart pass and got himself on the score sheet. Noah’s defending and attacking today was great again. Stanley wasn’t too troubled but when he was made 3 great saves his distribution today was great. So lords of the grills player of the match goes to the whole team well done to the boys today you really wouldn’t have noticed they hadn’t played in nearly a month. So that’s our cup games for now, unbeaten in them so again massive well done to the boys we move onto league action next week.

📋 BAFC U9 Girls Titans vs Goring Girls Black U9
Saturday marked the girls first match in some time and their first exploits into the Cup competition of this season against Goring Black Robins. Excited but a little rusty on a cold January morning, the girls conceded early on in the game with the first meaningful move of the match but pleasingly, didn't let this early setback affect them. As Goring looked to capitalise on their early advantage, Ella showed good command of the box and level headedness to consistently s***f out threats and the girls showed good organisation as a group on corners, led by Megan's magnetic like marking to keep the scores level. As the game continued, the girls showed more composure in midfield and lighting work by Hannah drew them level. Erin, showing more and more confidence in a midfield role helped to nullify the Goring threat and an impressive turn and use of her body by Lena so nearly released Hannah in for a second, but the girls went into the break level.

Despite the rock like defending of corners in the first half, a subtle flick caught the girls off guard early on in the second and they went behind for a second time in the match. Once again, the composure of the girls was impressive. Eleese once again showed a growing presence in the team, helping to break up attacks and offer good distribution to the wings. Playing on the slight downhill slope favoured the pace of Freya as she made more and more inroads into the Goring left full back position. It was, however, a standout, point-blank save from Lena that shifted the momentum in the Titan's favour, with more good work from Freya leading to a chance for Scarlett to smash the ball in from the box and give the keeper no chance and level the game. Smelling weakness, some wonderful counter-pressing from Goring goal kicks offered chance after chance, with Scarlett bagging her second of the day before Hannah secured another brace and put an end to the Goring resistance. Izzy, now operating on the field, showed some great hold up play to blunt any chance of a comeback, and what is a tough group, the Titans came out victorious after their somewhat extended winter break! RJM Electrical Player of the Match went to Lena for her superb work in goal!

📋 BAFC U7 Panthers vs Ascot U7
On a very cold morning the Panthers travelled to Ascot for a new challenge in Division A, after their recent promotion.

With both teams keen to start strong, it was end to end with chances coming from both teams. However, it was Hudson for the Panthers with the opening goal after a through pass from Archie. More chances would come for both teams but it would be Ascot who would score next. Stanley in goal for the Panthers, who had made some great saves, was unlucky not to stop Ascots equaliser.

A few changes to the Panthers line up with Carson and Adam coming on. Ascot started the quarter fast with 2 quick chances but were unable to beat Stanley in goal. A counter attack from the Panthers, created by Carson, led to Hudson winning a free kick on the edge of the box with his strike going just wide of the post. After more chances from both teams it was Ascot who would take the lead after a strike from the edge of the box beat the Panthers keeper. With seconds to go in the quarter a perfectly timed pass from George put Hudson through for his 2nd goal of the day.

3rd quarter saw the Panthers going for the win with a wave of attacks. With Ascot doing all they could to stop the Panthers, a foul made on Stanley in the box resulted in a penalty being given. Archie stepped up to take the kick but unfortunately his strike was stopped by the Ascot keeper. Ascot would have chances later in the quarter but Adam was there to stop any shots on target.

In to the 4th quarter with all to play for both teams were going for the win. Ascot did try to break through the Panthers but were unable to get past Roman who had been solid in defence all morning. With the full time whistle close, the Panthers kept up the attacks and defended really well. What an end to an amazing game for all!

Well done to the Panthers on their first game in Division A.

Axis Global Freight Services Ltd Player of the match went to Roman for his great performance in defence. Not only for stopping the Ascot attack but also for creating chances with his passing out from the back. 🎉

📋 BAFC Girls U10 Supernovas vs Shinfield Rangers Girls U10

After a few weeks' break, the Super Novas got straight back into it in their first trophy game, with Paris quickly scoring the first two goals of the match within the first few minutes. Ruby and Isobel formed an excellent defence with Gracelyn holding firm in midfield, whilst demonstrating some excellent passing, and Flo and Poppy keeping the pressure on in the attack. Shinfield then saw an opportunity but a good defence and a goal save kept the ball out of the net.

Play continued with Flo managing to weave past the opposition's sturdy defence, resulting in another goal for the Super Novas. The team was then then joined by Eva who skillfully slipped another two balls into the net as soon as she came on to the pitch.

Some great battling from Poppy, passing between Flo and Eva and defending from Gracelyn and Ellie ensued, however Shinfield found an opportunity and scored. Play resumed with fantastic clearance from Ruby in defence, phenomenal defending from Isobel (as throughout the entire match) and another save from Crezi, before Shinfield seized the opportunity to score again.

Paris, Poppy, and Flo all continued to make several good attempts at goal with Poppy making the breakthrough to score again for the Super Novas. The girls continued to battle and defend well with Paris finding the opportunity for another great goal and Shinfield also managing to score again before the final whistle.

All in all a great game with everyone playing their part fantastically well. RJM Electrical Player of the Match went to, Isobel for her outstanding performance in defence and Parents' Player to Crezi some great saves and her role in goal.

BAFC Bulletz vs BAFC Bombers U9 🏆

The Bulletz latest match saw them take on the Bombers in the much-anticipated Bracknell Athletic Derby!
The first quarter was pretty cagy, with both teams sizing each other up. Max was the busier of the two keepers, saving several long-range efforts. In front of him, Leighton and Nick defended doggedly, while Leo, Harrison and Jake pressed very well up front. The boys were looking dangerous on the break, and Malik was tackled just as he was about to pull the trigger. As the match entered the second quarter, the Bombers made the breakthrough, with their attacker going on a strong run before slamming it past Max. The Bulletz didn’t let this setback affect them, and soon after Finley latched onto a loose ball following good work by Malik, bundled his way through two challenges and slotted it home! He then struck the post, and Malik’s follow-up somehow stayed out. The boys were now camped in the Bombers’ half, and Finley added a second after being found from a throw-in. Freddie then bamboozled his marker on the left wing, and found Jake who teed up Finley, but his shot went narrowly over.
The Bombers fired a warning shot at the beginning of the third quarter, when a free-kick was deflected just wide of Max’s goal. The match was opening up, and Jake went close after being found by Finley. Harrison, Freddie, Finley and Jake were linking up very well up front, while at the back, Leighton pulled off a good slide tackle to stop a Bombers’ attack. From a Bombers’ corner, Finley ran the length of the pitch, but was denied by the keeper’s legs. He then picked the ball up on the left wing, and jinked his way through before calmly passing the ball into the back of the net to complete his hat-trick! Malik then brought the ball forward, and his long-range shot was brilliantly tipped over. Shortly afterwards, Jake’s pinpoint cross found Freddie, who got behind his marker and fired a first-time shot in off the post! The Bombers then won a free-kick – the ball was whipped in, and was glanced in by one of their attackers. As the match drew to a close, Max made a fantastic save low down to keep out a fizzing shot.
It was another fine performance by the Bulletz, with everyone putting in a shift and helping each other out. The Security services Player of the Match was awarded to… the whole team, for never giving up and showing great heart and determination. Very well played, everyone!

Good luck to all our BAFC teams playing today 👊🏽👊🏽⚽️

BAFC U9 Bulletz vs Westwood Wanderers
The Bulletz kicked off 2024 by welcoming Westwood Wanderers in their rescheduled Cup game, their first match in over a month!

The boys started brightly, with first Malik and then Leo testing the Westwood keeper. Unfortunately, the Bulletz’ New Year’s Resolution of not conceding the first goal in a match didn’t last very long, with Westwood’s No 5 slotting home early on following a good team move. The boys continued to play positively, and Finley struck the post with a fierce shot. Moments later, he found the back of the net, firing the ball into the bottom corner! The match was now end to end, and Max had to pull off two good saves to keep the dangerous No 5 out. Finley then found Felix, and he slammed the ball into the top corner! Westwood continued to attack, and Max was again called into action, first keeping out a looping shot before making a fantastic double save! Freddie then saw an effort go narrowly wide, before a through-ball found Malik, who spun on the edge of the area and launched the ball into the roof of the net! The Bulletz were now turning on the style, with Freddie playing a 1-2 with Malik before finding Jake, whose shot went just wide! As the match entered the final quarter, Finley still posed a threat, first whacking the ball against the post before finding Harrison in the box, who calmly tucked it away! Finley then went on another mazy run, and unselfishly passed to Harrison once again, who couldn’t miss at the back post!
The Bulletz had picked up from where they had left off last year, turning in another brilliant team performance. Leighton and Nick defended well at the back throughout, and Malik and Jake, in particular, made some amazing, surging runs forward. The Security services Player of the Match was awarded to Max, who made a series of great saves at crucial times in the match, when it could have gone either way. Bulletz’ Number One, Bulletz’ Bulletz’ Number One! 👏🏽👏🏽🫶🏽⚽️

A chilly Saturday morning and first game back after Christmas Saw the BAFC Panthers take on Maidenhead United U7 Colts

1st Quarter and The game started off fast paced with some great play between Stanley and Hudson, both having chances saved by the goalie. However a good pass from Roman at the back down the wing to Hudson who then crossed it to Stanley who finished off with a low shot in to the bottom corner.
Maidenhead look shellshocked but Panthers didn't let up and this time Stanley found Hudson in the middle who smashed his first goal of the morning. Maidenhead battled back and created some chances but Carson kept them at bay.

2nd quarter and Maidenhead finally beat Carson with a fine shot from just outside the box. Panthers worked hard in midfield and with Archie and Stanley both having shots saved.

3rd quarter saw Maidenhead pushing for the equaliser but Adam and George both made key tackles keeping chances to a minimum but just before the end Maidenhead broke away and shot past Roman.

4th quarter saw Roman make a couple of key saves and that seem to spur the Panthers on and after winning a corner Hudson shot from the corner which squeezed past the goalie.
Archie had the ball at the back and passed to Hudson who ran with the ball and finished top corner for his 3rd of the game.

Carson working hard in midfield who passed to George and he shot but saw his shot hitting both posts before the keeper cleared the ball. Maidenhead battled until the end but Panthers coming out on top at the end of the game.

MOTM was a tough decision this week, with no training for 3 weeks or any matches the boys all done really well. But the MOTM went to Hudson for his 2 last Quarter goals to secure the game for the Panthers.

Great team effort by all and a massive Shout out to Shaun Deller for Stepping in as REF.

As 2023 comes to a close, BAFC reflects on what was one of the best years to date, and we now look forward to the incoming New Year. Can we go one better?

The end of last year see the clubs first Christmas party, with all the parents and players enjoying the festivities, games, dancing and gifts. The raffle was a big hit too.

2023’s winter weather throughout Jan, as usual was disappointing sending teams into backlog due to frozen and waterlogged pitches. The clubs then endured a longer season which carried into April due to the backlogs.

The highlight of the year was our first ever Tournament. It took the council some convincing but we managed to get the green light. 64 teams then ascended to ‘The Rec’, in 2 glorious days of sunshine in June.
The day was a massive hit with everyone, with many positive and encouraging comments were made by all the managers who came. We had set the bar! The event wouldn’t of been so successful without the help from the committee, managers and volunteers (we thank you 😊 🫶🏽) Elyshia’s amazing balloon creations topped things off on the winners stage, making it look amazing! 🤩

The End of Season presentation was next with the teams collecting their trophies form the season gone. With the new season in sight, we had 3 new teams emerge from our popular Soccer School, but sadly lost 3 other teams due to players moving on.
We also lost players to JPL and SYL leagues. Players moving into higher levels which of course reflect the work the club is putting into the development so of these players. We also had players developing with Oxford Utd, Reading, Chelsea and QPR. This is highly pleasing as the club is on the right path for developing players to reach their own goals. We then re built recruited, and added to teams ready to start the season.

With the new 2023/24 season underway, we realized we needed more space for our equipment, an 8x6 shed is not efficient for 12 + goals and mountains of equipment. After another convincing conversation with the Council, we agreed a location for a container! With that, the committee came up with a fundraiser… a Halloween Walk/Run at ‘The Rec’. We then set up a funding page which eventually reached £2400! All the participants dressed up in their scary costumes and went off to complete thier runs. BUT in the background the U8 Blazers went one better and raised a staggering £1400 on their own!
They kicked a ball down the Queens long walk in Windsor. Absolutely amazing… we now had funds to buy the container.
(Another massive thanks to the helpers who made this fundraiser possible!) For their hard work the club will name the container after the team!! 👏🏽👏🏽🫶🏽

As we entered December, we wanted to give back to the members a really good Christmas party! So again the committee got together and came up with ‘Bingo Boogie’, a hybrid of Bingo and Dancing! With many prizes donated for the Raffle and Bingo we managed to sell out all the tickets.
Prior to the Bingo, we had the soccer school and U7-U9s disco, with some very special guests!! Santa, Elf, the Grinch and Olaf the Snowman made appearances, accompanied by the lovey Mrs Santas, and Kerri the Christmas Cracker! 🎄 Bingo Bob rounded kicked off the Bingo with one lucky winner winning the star prize of an Xbox series 1! A massive success, and again this wouldn’t have happened without the help from the committee managers and volunteers and Elyshia for her fabulous balloons again! A big thank you to all the donators for the Bingo and Raffle prizes. 🫶🏽

Then to finish off the year we produced the clubs first Calendar with all the youth teams participating and the container landed in her new home…. and that is a wrap!!

Happy New Year to all our members, parents and volunteers and most of all the mangers and committee!

With new goals and ambitions in store…
2024… he we come! 👊🏽

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to all our members, parents and caregivers and everyone who has helped and supported us this year. We thank you 😊
Here’s to a fantastic 2024 from all at BAFC.

⚽️New Players Wanted!!⚽️
The U7 Jaguars are looking for new players to join their squad for the second half of the season. Interested, or know someone? Players must be in School year 2 to play. Email John for more info and to book your trial for the new year.

Coming soon BAFC 2024 Calendar!!

After several pitch inspections this am, all home games are off due to freezing temperatures and pitches ⚽️🥶

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Bracknell Athletic U7 Pumas vs Maidenhead United U7 Juniors

A big thank you to Oscars’s dad Lee and his company Scott and Sons for sponsoring the team. It’s a massive gesture and we all really appreciate it.

Pumas were at it again this weekend and powered into a strong position in the first quarter. The first goal came after Jay Jay won the ball with a clean tackle, took it down the right and played a great ball into the area where Oscar slotted it away. Jay Jay was magnificent throughout the match – his positioning, composure and distribution from defence was superb. He’s also got an eye for goal, and produced a fine finish to give Pumas some breathing space. Logan was also instrumental, making a number of impressive saves to keep the visitors at bay.

The second quarter saw Pumas move up the gears. Early on Jack picked the ball up in his own half, steamed forward, took it past the final defender, and took his time before striking it cleanly into the bottom corner. Pumas’ dominance was clear to see. Logan was key, time and again, in testing the opposition keeper and winning numerous corners.

From one of the corners the ball came out to Evan who hit an absolute thunderbolt from the half way line straight into the back of the net, sending the parents from both sides into shocked celebration. When Maidenhead got a goal back Pumas responded by pummelling their goal. One mad scramble and great goalkeeping was a particular highlight of the half. Indeed, Maidenhead’s defending was excellent at times but Pumas were in the flow. Jack snuck in for his second with another excellent finish and Arlo got a well deserved goal with a sweet strike past the keeper after a Logan through ball.

The second half was a lot tighter with the introduction of the extra player for Maidenhead. They got an early goal from a breakaway and put together some good passing moves to put pressure on the boys. It’s at times like these that the character and desire to compete comes to the fore. Arlo, whose attacking skills are often lauded, is really important during these times. Again and again his determination to chase back is vital and his defensive awareness prevents the opposition getting close enough to the goal to pose a threat. Before the end of the third quarter a fantastic piece of defending from Jay Jay once again prevented a further Maidenhead goal.
Maidenhead continued to press in the final quarter and Pumas defence stood strong. A fantastic last ditch challenge from Logan really stands out as a great moment in the match, preventing a third Maidenhead goal and really getting the crowd going. Oscar finished the scoring with a fine long range shot whilst Jordan almost got on the scoresheet at the death after a trademark dribble from deep.

The match was great fun to watch and each and every one of the boys did themselves proud.

The Player of the Match this week was won by Logan for his superb all round game. He’s competitive and puts the opposition under relentless pressure when Pumas don’t have the ball. And when they do he’s always looking to pass to team mates better placed or to get into positions to get a goal. Congratulations Logan!

Blewbury Amazons Girls F.C U10 vs BAFC U10 Supernovas

The Supernovas continued their campaign at under 10s this Saturday, playing their first away game of the age group, travelling to Didcot to face the Blewbury Amazons.

The match kicked off early and was immediately an end to end affair, with both sides coming close and playing some really good passing football. It was the Amazons who broke the deadlock with a well worked link up move down the left wing. The Novas reply came minutes later with a simple tap in for Eva, from a Florence cross. Her first goal at under 10 and she was delighted.

The game continued in much the same way for most of the half with chances coming from both sides. Poppy, Florence and Nana ensured the Amazons keeper did not get cold and forced her to make multiple saves throughout the half. Epic defending from Ruby, Isobel and Ellie and a couple of excellent saves from Crezi, kept the Novas in touch. The defence had a real test this weekend, and the girls all proved they're up for the challenge.

More pressure from the Amazons meant that the Novas did find themselves behind towards the end of the half, but once again, the girls came back strong. The ball found itself at the feet of Gracelyn, just before the half time whistle, and Gracelyn doesn't miss from there! A absolute thunderbolt into the lower left of the goal, a wonderful team celebration to follow meant it was all square as the ref blew the whistle.

The second half saw the Novas lose their keeper Crezi to an injury, and Isobel bravely stepped up to take her place in the net.

The Amazons came out very strong and really squeezed the Novas in the second half. The Novas had to grit their teeth and try and get their own game going again. Some wonderful passing moves from Eva and Poppy came close to getting a goal on a couple of occasions, and Florence was finding loads of success taking on and beating players down the wing. But, the girls just couldn't find the back of the net. All credit to the Amazons, they defended brilliantly.

Isobel made multiple saves throughout the half with a superb diving save from a long range shot worthy of mention, keeping the Novas in the game.

A free kick on the edge of the box, as the game was drawing to a close, saw Gracelyn stood over the ball. Another wonder strike from the midfield maestro saw the effort beat the keeper, but not the crossbar. It just wasn't to be the Novas day.

Well done Amazons, Looking forward to playing you again in the return fixture.

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