TEAM NEWS

NZSSS LINWOOD CUP 2007 - BRONZE MEDALISTS

As we edge towards a new season lets not forget the fantastic achievements of the 1st X1 squad from 2007, who went unbeaten during the inter school season and reached the semi final of the NZSSS Linwood Cup held in Palmerston North. Locked at 1-1 after extra time in the semi final against Lindesfarne College, FDMC squandered a number of chances to finish them off only to lose narrowly on a penalty shoot out. The boys recovered well to beat local rivals Spotswood College in the 3rd/4th play off and rightly claim the Bronze Medal.

Many of the same players are still eligible to play for the college again this season as they look to set their sights even higher by playing in the Taranaki Senior Men's Premier Division and applying for the pinnacle of NZSSS football - Lotto Premier.

PLAYER NEWS

Stephen KIBBY has successfully featured in the 2008 National Youth League for Hawkes Bay Utd this season and soon found himself pitting his witts against FDMC Old Boy, Michael Reive, as he made his "debut" against Young Heart Manawatu two weeks ago. Hawkes Bay Utd ran out 3-1 winners on the day, with Stephen coming on for the second half.

They then followed up with yet another convincing 3-0 victory at home to rivals, Cantebury last weekend with Stephen scoring two goals and starting to make a real impact at this level.

Congratulations to both Stephen and Michael and we hope that you both enjoy the rest of the 2008 National Youth League season.

TEAM NEWS

MORGAN HALL LEADS THE WAY!!

FDMC 1st X1 hopefuls being put through there paces during a Pre Season training schedule that started on the 12 February. Training three times a week, these young players are experiencing a very demanding programme of fitness and conditioning in preparation of their first season in the Senior Men's Premier Grade this season. Here are just some of those players giving everything that they have got!!

PLAYER NEWS

FDMC BOASTS AN INTERNATIONAL CALL UP!!

Stephen KIBBY has been included in the NZ U17 World Cup Development Squad and will compete in the U19 National Youth League for Hawkes Bay during the 2008 season. He will be expected to attend a series of NZ training camps throughout the year as the squad finalise their preparations for the 2009 U17 FIFA World Cup to be held on the African continent.

Stephen earned his call up with some outstanding performances, as captain of the Central Soccer 15th Grade Boys team, at the recent Federation National Tournament. He led his team to "Runners Up" for the third year in a row and was a stand out player in the victory against Tournament winners Auckland - the first time that this team had lost in 3 years.

We wish him well in his endeavours this year as he strives to be selected in the full squad and receive a unique opportunity to play on a world stage.

Congratulations to the following players from FDMC who also successfully represented Central Soccer at either 13th, 14th or 15th Grade this season or played at the final Tournament, which was held in Napier between 15th and 20th December.

Adon BURKETT

Dom SQUATRITI

Thomas SMITH

Mark MCLAUCHLAN

Shane GARNER

FDMC vs Cavendish Road State High (Brisbane, Australia) 4th December 2007 Motoroa AFC, New Plymouth

MATCH REPORT

FDMC (3) vs Cavendish Road High School (4)

A fabulous game of football to end a thrilling and unique experience for over 40 junior soccer players from New Zealand and Australia - the score ended 4-3 to the visiting Cavendish Road High School team after three thirds of exciting football.

FDMC dominated the first third and recorded a comfortable 2-0 lead after some neat play and superb finishing. Goals midway through the match by Team Captain, Shane Garner and a magnificent strike from 25 yards, by Damien Mosquera, enabled the hosts to record a deserved early victory for a dominant performance.

FDMC made 10 changes for the next third which saw the pendulum swing in favour of the opposition. Cavendish Road High School started to really click and responded with some sweeping moves and well taken goals of their own. FDMC found themselves battling in vain and they struggled to contain the opposition at times, but the players put in a committed performance and managed to score a well taken goal from young Lee Conley, to recover some pride and establish a 3-3 aggregate score going into the last third of football.

A highly charged last 30 minutes of football saw both teams have chances to take the lead but neither team seemed able to dominate territory or possession, finding it difficult to find a way through two determined defences.

An injury to Aydon Burkett, forced a late change in goal and with seconds left on the clock Cavendish Road gained a free kick just outside the penalty area. A cruel twist of fate saw the resulting shot spilled by the replacement goalkeeper, straight into the path of the oncoming forwards who made no mistake in slotting the ball into the back of the net.

On a day when the end result was less important than the experience, FDMC can reflect on a fantastic game of football and a unique opportunity to host a an overseas tour from Australia. It was certainly the case that football was the overall winner and i would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved who all played their part in making this experience an extremely successful one.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Francis FORSYTHE for the personal effort that he made to facilitate this opportunity in the first place and make it possible.

In addition, we would also like to acknowledge the support of TRANSFIELD WORLEY LTD for their kind donation and support for the event and after match function.

Photographs of the day to follow - watch this space.

CLUB NEWS

PRE SEASON TRAINING 2008

As the 2007 soccer season fades into the distance many soccer players look forward to a well earned rest, the chance to pursue alternative sporting opportunities and sun drenched days on the local beaches.

However, thoughts will soon turn again to next year and a properly structured pre-season training programme will make all the difference to players and their teams. Just don't leave it too late!!

I have personally experienced that feeling where your lungs are burning and you're gasping for air. Your face matches this season's new burgundy kit and your heart is trying to beat its way out of your chest... the first match of the season is nearly ten minutes old and you are beginning to regret your summer rooted to the sofa or watching the World Cup and eating pizzas.

But it doesn't have to be like this.

There is no substitute for a properly structured pre-season training schedule and we will be starting back in earnest on the 12TH FEBRUARY 2008. All senior players will be invited to attend a 7 week training program that will prepare them for the start of next season.

If you would like to be part of that process and have a chance of being selected for the 1st X1 squad it is a good idea to prepare in advance. Giving yourself a head-start before pre-season training begins means that you will need to build up your fitness, muscle-strength and endurance that will both lessen the pain of pre-season, and give you an edge over possible rivals for a place in the starting line-up.

If you would like to get a step ahead you can visit the England Football Association website and download either a six or three-week programme that will help you achieve this and it will not require any "expensive equipment". All you need is a park with a football pitch, a decent pair of trainers and a couple of hours a week.

CHECK IT OUT at: www.thefa.com/GrassrootsNew/

and click on Pre Season Training under the PLAYER section.

Cut and paste the link and away you go!!