We commence Phase II of the ESSDA season with opening fixtures being played on Sunday 22 August. Our 2010 teams resume coaching sessions on Sunday 8 August. With hopefully some pre-season
friendlies being planned. Our flyer gives details…
Ours Thanks to U13 coach Tom for this very detailed set of stats highlighting the 13s league and cup winning season.Painstakingly been compiled, and no doubt time consuming, it makes
formidable reading. It was a short season, but a memorable milestone for the lads, and indeed the Albion Academy.
Due to player demand - the U14 return to pre season sessions have been brought forward. Coaches Nick & Tom, have kindly decided to curtail their summer break, and bring the current
squad back on Wednesday 7 July. 5pm - 7pm @ Pilrig Park, with a second session on Wednesday 14 July. The U14s will revert to their traditional Friday sessions from 16 July.
Players and coaches now taking a break. No decisions yet on 2010s/2009s restart, we’re looking at possible End of July, early August.……2008s (U14s) restart pre season on Friday 16 July.
Times to be notified soon
MATCH REPORT.....
U13s Polar Foods Cup Final
We won the Cup! I don't quite know how but somehow we managed to a grind out our hardest fought victory of the
season.
Lochend were superb, and in a match that I'm only too well aware could have gone either way it was just a shame there had to
be a losing side. For significant spells of the match they had the better of us, and the desire and energy they started with quite simply overwhelmed us. With 20 minutes gone they were 2-0 up and
looking like they could score with every break upfield.
But then, finally realising we had a match on our hands, the boys found the reserves of determination and self-belief that
I've always suspected they'd have in a crisis. With those reserves alone we managed to claw our way back into the match and end the first half all square at 2-2.
The second half brought no rest for the nerves as we went behind once more, and again we had to dig deep and graft our way
back into the match. With 10 minutes to go we equalised, then 2 minutes after that we finally managed to take the lead. Those last 8 minutes felt like 8 hours, and included some heroic defending and
a quite stunning save from Hamish as the last kick of the match looked for all the world like it was destined for the bottom corner.
Yesterday evening every one of the Redpath lads, upon realising the match wasn't going to be as straightforward as they'd
anticipated, had to make a huge mental adjustment and take personal responsibility for the predicament we were in. To do that at all takes great maturity, but to do it at 2-0 down and with all our
pre-match plans in disarray takes unbelievable fortitude and resilience.
Today the boys can walk into school with huge smiles on their faces. I know however that they, and especially the ones with
Lochend schoolmates, will acknowledge that the difference between elation and bitter disappointment can be a very fine margin indeed.
Personally, the mixture of relief, emotion and pride I felt after the match was like nothing I've experienced before. It was
one of the most memorable evenings of my life. It was also one I never, EVER, want to be put through again!
Sunday 6 June - Confirmed Fixtures
Sunday 9 May - U13s Polar Foods, 7-3 Semi-Final win v Edina Hibs....Match Highlights courtesy of Darren......https://vimeo.com/547865879
This Weeks confirmed fixtures
Academy Spring Newsletter
SYFA Personal Player & Coach Injury folio now posted under Club Document page
Reminder that new training kits distributed last week are to be worn at all sessions from tomorrow.......
Reminder that our U13 (2008) squad returns to training on Friday 19 March at Pilrig Park from 3pm - 4pm. As they prep for the return of match fixtures, sessions will be held every Friday until
further notice.
2021 training kits will be distributed to our 2010s & 2009s at tomorrows session. Players are advised to bring their club bags. U13 players kits will be distributed at next weeks
sessions. Friday 19 March & Coaches on Saturday 20 March.
Squads gearing up for ESSDA season restarting..
2010s Goalkeeper required.
3 Squads @ Pilrig Park today, all participating in non contact activities. Both 2010 Reds & Whites enjoyed their second session, with our 2009s hitting the grass for the first time this
year. despite the lockdown, every player looking the part and back as ‘sharp’ as ever. Well done lads and coaches for your efforts. Now looking forward to next week.....
New player & coaches 2021 training kits, including Goalkeepers, now ordered. Delivery due in 3 weeks......
Very productive 2010s non-contact session at Pilrig Park yesterday. Almost 100% attendance, so well done to both squads for attending. Also big thanks to our coaches for facilitating the
sessions. Our 2009s are back next Saturday 6 March @ Pilrig Park 1pm -2pm.
As ESSDA are optimistically, planning ahead with recommending the 7s and 9v9 season kicking off, sometime in March our 2010s coaching teams, are keen to get back out on the parks, and
facilitate some “lite” activity for the Reds & Whites squads. From Saturday 27 February non-contact sessions will take place @ Pilrig Park from 1pm to 2pm. I’m sure the boys will be keen to get
back, on the grass and enjoy some energetic activities. Please notes, sessions will be skill and ball work based. Sessions will also take please regardless of weather conditions. https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/.../updated-guidance-for.../...
Club 2021 Winter News letter. Its a 5 page read, but we’re sure you‘ll find something of interest. Its an
uncertain time for our young squads, but we need to plan ahead, and stay positive.
Academy Newsletter - Winter 2021Club 2021 Winter News letter. Its a 5 page read, but we’re sure you‘ll find something of interest. Its an uncertain time for our young squads, but we need to plan ahead, and stay positive. 1
RAPSA NEWS JAN 2021.pdf Adobe Acrobat document [5.1 MB]
Found this on YT. I remember getting a VHS copy from John Ritchie, Hibs community coach at the time, as it was the SFA bringing in the 7s game, and establishing mandatory SFA coaching
courses. Must have been early 90s. Opening 12 mins sums up why Scotland badly needed coaches to be qualified. still have the original video kicking about somewhere....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdolZRT4fx4
Hi All, hoping everyone had a COVID free start to Jan 2021.
Covid protocols arrived from SYFA yesterday and it’s all pretty predictable. U12s do have option of “non-contact” sessions,
but the club feel that additional restrictions relating to adult session supervision, deems this impractical.
We’d lined up 3 friendlies for 24 Jan
* Reds away to Haddington
* Whites away fixture was to be confirmed
* 2009s home to Currie
* 13s were due to restart league fixtures on 10 Jan
All now cancelled.
We’d also booked Pitz Soccer @ Portobello for Friday 15 Jan x 4 pitches, with all club teams booked in from 4pm - 5pm, with
Roddy & Murdo happy to supervise some of the sessions. We also had an option to book Fridays 22nd & 29th Jan. These sessions, will now be postponed, unless there’s a big U-turn in Covid
guidelines, at next weeks Scot Gov Briefing.
Given the current restrictions, it will be Friday 5th or 12th February, before we can consider resuming, fullcontact U12s
sessions. U13s are expected to follow “Adult” COVID restrictions, so we’ll have to hope there’s some movement on U18s restrictions.
This weeks Covid SYFA advice....
“While there is still some scope for under 12s to participate in non-contact group activity, the SYFA strongly recommends
that clubs and parents give serious consideration to whether or not such activity is necessary, especially given the pre-existing break for small-sided teams. Should clubs decide to run any sessions
for under 12s during this lockdown, it is essential that they adhere to all protocols as detailed within the updated guidance.
No Xmas newsletter this year, but we realise the need to keep all parents aware of current, and future Academy plans. Our Xmas letter outlines most
info.
The Academy is now officially closed for the 2020 Xmas break. Yesterdays new Covid announcement, and the extended school return dates, have currently put our New Year restart plans on
hold. We’ll post an official update once guidance has been received via SFA/SYFA. On a lighter note, our U13s (2008s) were the last of our Academy squads to receive their club xmas gifts, Back-Packs,
with personal squad numbers on Friday, following a fun kick-about at Pilrig Park...
Who remembers the table-top football game Subbuteo, customised team kits worn by the tiny football figures. Adults of a certain age will remember it well, and no doubt most of the club
dads, will have played it at some stage while growing up. Well we’ve joined the esteem ranks of the world-wide Subbuteo teams. Big thanks to our 2009s keeper Louie’s dad, David Curti for arranging to
have this set produced. Fantastic attention to detail.....
2010s Whites away to Edin City.....Passing football was great today, some of the best I've seen from the team. Great attitude as ever, great team work and great goals.
Also plenty of fine saves from Adam to stop them getting back in at any point. .Speaking to their coach, he thought we would give their Pele team a good game.
Courtesy Coach Mark....
* MATCH REPORT * 2010 v Redhall Star - Coach Paul
Redhall Star v Redpath Albion Reds
Definitely the toughest match this season so far as both teams played out a very entertaining draw. Conditions were
difficult with the pitch very heavy and both sets of players struggling to keep their feet at times.
We were not at our best today from a passing perspective, playing only in sporadic phases. When we did pass it we were
very fluid and effective, creating some great chances. Redhall had a cracking GK though who pulled off a few fantastic saves.
Today was a performance about desire, guts and the defensive side of the game. Freddie at CB was immense for large
portions of the match, almost taking it as a personal insult if an opposition player got past him. Likewise Dan, who was like the Duracell bunny all over the pitch, tackling, harassing, pressing and
driving us forward.
All over the pitch we were digging in to win personal battles and that was pleasing to see, especially as we have
sometimes been lacking a little in this area in the past.
A big thank you to Oliver and Beau who took a half each in goals, and both done well. The players can take great pride in
today’s battling performance and result. It showed that we can compete at this level when our passing game is not quite t here.
Goals today by Charlie & Ahmed (2)
Match Report - Coach Tom
Haddington 2 Redpath 9 (HT 1-5)
The U13s were in sizzling form this morning, putting in by far their best performance of the season and embracing the
opportunity to play on what could have easily been an intimidatingly big pitch. Our hosts Haddington were far from a push-over (a really good team in good form) but such was our edge in just about
every department that at no time were they able to get any sort of foothold in the game. It was the kind of display that, as a coach, gives you in the enviable problem of not quite knowing what to
say at halftime, as "don't change a thing" is not going to fill 5 minutes!
So many commendable performances in the Redpath team today, but if I had to pick out one player it would be Enock. In an
attacking midfield role, he treated us to a commanding display, combining strength with a delightful deftness of touch and setting up numerous chances with some perfectly weighted through
balls.
If the boys are willing to set today as their baseline for effort, desire and teamwork then they will be more than capable
of fulfilling the high expectations we have for them.
Todays Scorers:- Finn (2) - Peter (2) - Robin (2) - Carter (2) - Enock (1)
In light of our new Friday session plans, we anticipated some questions from parents re PYC
covid regulations and Scot Gov guidance, and PYC compliance with both....
(1) Scot Gov Guidance on U12s and indoor contact sports...
“Children aged 11 and under are permitted to play organised contact sport both indoors and
outdoors. Providers must ensure they operate as per the guidance”
Young people (aged 12 and over) and adults are permitted to play organised contact sport
outdoors only.
(2) Both the chairman and Sal will be on the premises at both sessions, and will supervise
these sessions. We advise that one team manager from Reds & Whites would ideally be present at each of their teams sessions. We leave it up to the team managers to work out who is in a position
to attend, and for them to make that decision. Its an attendance role for team managers only, as due to space restrictions, there will be no skill sessions or recognised coaching. Teams of 3 or 4
will be selected and we’ll just let the boys play.
(3) Boys will be requested to use hand sanitisers situated i n PYC foyer, on entering and
leaving.
(4) PYC have a sanitising system in place as reflected in our Covid Risk Assessment, with all
touch points encountered during each PYC session, being sanitised between sessions. On a daily basis, and given the very busy programme at PYC the sanitisation of touch points and equipment wipe down
is fairly extensive. However the Friday evening Academy sessions will be very manageable. I envisage only parts of the small goals, Front door and hall door handles. Toilet touch points will be
sanitised after each individual toilet visit. Only the lower level small disabled toilet is being used.
Three points worth noting:-
* The Friday evening sessions are optional, and attendance isn’t
compulsory.
* A team management presence is being advised as we require to adhere to Academy & PYC
Child Protection guidance, with 2 adults required in the hall, during both sessions.
* If either of the sessions encounter low attendance levels, we‘ll have no alternativ e, than
to cancel, future sessions
PM - Text or email if you have any questions Re the above content..
Academy Chairman
2010 Maradona Goalkeeper Appeal
Team Track n Trace officers
2008s * Team Covid Officer - Nick Barton
2009s * Team Covid Officer - David Paterson
2010 Reds * Team Covid Officer - Scott Duncan
2010 Whites * Team Covid Officer - Mark Davidson
As our 2009 squad prep for the new 9v9 season we’re recruiting a few players to boost the squad. Contact details on our flyer.....
Our current U13 (2008) squad all now officially signed and registered with the SYFA. We still need 3 players to add to our squad of 13 registered
players. Based on our recent 9v9 (Maradona) level last season, we’ll play in the SERYFA Div 4. Any player wanting a new challenge, and based in the greater Leith area, please get in touch. Check
flyer for details......
August Coaching Camp - Torrential rain - Glorious sunshine. We had it all https://vimeo.com/user112200951/download/445805187/1389750b0c
We’re Back. Academy sessions restart on Friday 17 July. Check poster for Times. We’ll be applying Covid-19 safety restrictions and complying with Scot Gov/SYFA guidance during sessions, and
we’ll be uploading more details as the week progresses. Information will also be listed on our club website www.redpathalbion.co.uk
At last the Green Light...We’ll post details of Friday the 17 July restart here, and on Our FB page over the weekend...Stay patient, we’re only a week away...
Our Academy players officially break for school holidays. And as we ease out of what has been a crazy period of lockdown, our P7s (2008s) will have mixed emotions as
they forego emotional goodbyes to classmates and teachers. They’re a squad of strong characters and I’m sure they’ll make a smooth transition to high school life.....We’ll have good news for all
Academy teams over the weekend. Watch this space
https://vimeo.com/433091334
Academy Player Development Coaches Roddy & Murdo share their fun video produced for 3v2 Soccer Academy members...
https://vimeo.com/421871206
Irfan (Dad) and Saif (Son) U10 Academy player enjoying Pilrig Park For a light ball skill session. Anybody else? Forward any short vids and with your permission
we’ll get them online....https://vimeo.com/416324875
Hope everyone is staying positive.....We’ve been relatively busy behind the scenes dealing with off-field issues. Our ongoing “negotiations“ with CEC Green Spaces dept re our vision for
Pilrig Park and our long-term aims to get our youth teams back playing at Pilrig, took a positive turn, when CEC agreed to support our plans, to increase the dimensions of the current playing area.
Once we get the go ahead to start playing, CEC will undertake the work, and our youth teams will come back to PP. Part 2 of our long-term vision is to site a new 60x40 7s playing area, on a section
of the original big pitch. The CEC have agreed in principal to carry out the marking and maintenance of the new 7s site, although a cost for this work has still to be agreed. In addition, local group
Friends of Pilrig Park will be required to endorse the Academies application, before CEC will proceed. We’ve had 2 fairly in-depth discussions with the Chair of the friends group, and a consultation
process involving their members, and residents with a community interest, will be undertaken very soon. We’ve also proposed that the playing area would ideal for community use, especially during
school hours by the three local schools. The new area would accommodate, not just 7v7 football, but any sports activity that requires boundary lines, such as Unihock - Rounders - Quick Cricket etc.
Pilrig Park school have responded very positively to the proposal. We’ve put together a small video of archive actions shots illustrating the youth and senior games the club enjoyed over the years at
Pilrig Park....We’ll keep everyone updated. Stay Safe
https://vimeo.com/410106499
Ariel view of proposed new 7 v 7 area
We’ve decided to have a wee bit of fun with our Academy Coaches. We asked them to look back at their early football days. 3 Questions and answers...Oh and to add a
pic of them in their football kit. * Pause vid to read *
https://vimeo.com/410133579
Albion Squads going way back. Senior, Youth and Academy. There’s bound to be a Dad, Grandad, Brother or Neighbour among these Squads.......
https://vimeo.com/407095740
Pilrig Park * We'll be back soon.....
ESSDA FIXTURES NOW PUBLISHED AT ACADEMY TEAMS PAGE
Few spaces still available....
Check out our Academy Girls Team page
NEW TRAINING & LEISURE KITS NOW WITH PENDLE - DELIVERY DATE PENDING
Our Academy Sponsors
Traditional Roofing & Building Ltd
Our Thanks to Academy sponsors. 80 bottles for academy members
The Academy is delighted to announce additional sponsorship from local community company, Wayne Sutherland Joinery Services. Wayne’s company brand will be
displayed on our Academy and youth squads shorts.
Players born 2009 required to enhance our current squad. The squad will be increasing in size as we build towards the 9 v 9 season.Details in our
flyer.
Share
Print 