I joined Phoenix FC in 2005 taking on a group of 4/5 year olds. That team are now playing as under 14's and still coached by myself.

The lads have become an extended part of my family, seeing them grow not only in football but also in life.

After playing in the age group above us for our first 3 years, it taught us that winning is not the main issue when playing, it was learning to lose gracefully and playing attractive football.

Playing in our own age group we have won 3 x league runners up, 3 x league cup runners up, Filey competition runners up, 5 x East Riding beach competition winners, Scholes Park Competition winners and Hunmanby competition winners.

My key to a successful team is getting the lads to enjoy playing, work as a team and build strong friendships within it.  As long as the lads are learning that's the main thing, winning is a bonus.