The sun was shining on Stourbridge under 9s for a double header against Bromsgrove at Stourton Park.

Two sides from each club brought their ‘A’ games to the party for matches which left parents and coaches full of praise for the players.

After a tough time with winter weather the Stourbridge boys showed they had been putting training time to good use, their passing and moving around the pitch was particularly impressive.

Lead coach Simon said: “It’s nice to be able to get out and get some decent weather, we have really struggled since Christmas and it does make a difference, it makes handling easier for them”.

“It was nice to have Bromsgrove back, they are one of the stronger teams we play and they provided a good test for our guys.”

With bad weather preventing much work on contact training the emphasis had shifted to passing and it was apparent all the players had benefited.

Simon added: “Passing and standing in space has been two of our areas of focus so it’s really pleasing to see that is showing itself in the games now”.

“It’s all about running and evasion at this age, it’s not so much about running into contact.”

Martyn Smith