Their season may have ended a little earlier than expected due to the coronavirus pandemic – but everyone at Holbeach United Black under-8s is reflecting on a real year of progress.
Under the guidance of manager Rob Green, who stepped up from his role as assistant last summer, the young Tigers are looking more than ready for their first taste of competitive action next season.
They’ve seen players develop well enough to play games for Elite Sports Academy and Peterborough Foxes against the likes of Cambridge United, Northampton town and Notts County.
But one of the real success stories is the transformation of keeper Noah Thwaites.
Diagnosed as autistic at an early age, the young stopper has flourished in a team environment and totally turned his own life around.
Noah’s mum Sarah Thwaites said: “Noah was diagnosed with autism when he was three.
“Albeit high functioning, Noah has always struggled with anxiety and his emotions.
“He joined Holbeach United under-8s just before the start of this last season – and we can honestly say we cannot believe the massive difference in his mental health.
“He now has something to focus on, a wonderful bunch of new friends and a real passion for the game.
“Had you told me this time last year that our son would be playing as a goalkeeper, staying focused and going to places he has never been we would never have believed it.
“All of this is down to his manager Rob Green for giving him such an amazing opportunity and the amazing support he gets from the whole team and parents which are now like his second family.”
Proud boss Green, who did his Level One coaching badge last summer, added: “The development shown this season to last season has been huge.
“Holbeach United has shown recently that if you work hard you can go from the under-7s all the way through to the first team and has a great support network from the chairman of the academy to every coach.
“Last season we took on Noah, who struggled to kick a ball and struggled with confidence. He’s had a great season – saving three penalties in games, getting two clean sheets – and has grown massively in confidence as a person.
“The most rewarding part of all this is seeing the boys stay active, make friends and enjoy playing football. The development in their game is a bonus.
“We’ve had a superb season and I can’t wait for under-9s next season and playing some competitive games for the first time.”
