2011 (13U) State Premiership
To begin the Spring 2024 Illinois State Premiership, we have North Shore FC visiting Wheaton United SC on March 9th, in a rematch of their Fall 2023 Season. Both teams are coming into the Premiership from YSSL 1st division and are looking to make a commanding first impression. In a high scoring game, Wheaton United SC and North Shore FC played to a 3-3 draw last September. We are a long way from then however, and both teams feel they have improved since.
North Shores’ Coach Bristow says “Progression, from seeing where our team was 2 years ago and then comparing the team now is a huge accomplishment…It just shows the hard work the players have put in over the years.” When asked what he is most excited to see in his team entering the first game of the competition, Coach Atkinson of Wheaton United mirrors the sentiment, stating “the players have been working hard over several years to improve and grow as a team and as individuals.” These will be the same teams on paper, but both are certain there will be a difference on the pitch, as both coaches feel hard work has led their sides to see strong development.
With each team facing once in the 13U division, each game can be crucial, especially as things get started. Speaking on the importance of a positive result in the opening match, Bristow explains, “we want to win of course, it will set the standard and our expectations going into each game we play this spring season.” When asked the same question, Atkinson agreed, stating “it is very important to start off with a positive result as it sets the tone for the season.” He concludes by pointing out, “while win or lose there are areas for growth, starting off with a good result helps us to start on a high note…we want to start high and end even higher.” Both teams will be coming into the season with only one thing in mind: competing and they are certain they are well-prepared.
Preparation for a new league can be key to a player’s development and key to the team’s success and coming from the 1st division of the YSSL, both clubs are not foreign to high-level competition. “There’s no change, we continue to work on the aspects of our game as a team and as individual players” emphasizes the Wheaton United coach, when describing if there is a change in preparation as the team enters a new competition. Coach Bristow mentions “it will be a tough game, but we have trained well, and we will play our game” stating his similar approach. With regards to the preparation and focus for an important match like this, Bristow went on to say “we don’t want to put pressure on ourselves, we will treat it as any other – players will have to trust their teammates and work together. At this level mistakes get punished, we have to stay disciplined, take our chances and work hard for each other to be successful.” Atkinson’s belief reflects Bristow, emphasizing “we treat it like any other game. We focus on our training the week before on those aspects of our play that we want to see growth in for each of our games.” He further explains that “players know that each game they need to bring their best to play against the best in Illinois.” Both sides comment on the idea that the players will have to treat this game like any other game and instead focus on what they, themselves, can control: trusting each other, trusting their game and playing to the best of their ability.
Both coaches comment on their players hard work and dedication throughout the years and strongly believe that come Saturday March 9th, the two will come ready to compete. The Game of The Week kicks off in what will sure be a thrilling encounter!