GAAFC 2003s finished their 7-a-side careers on Saturday with a fine victory away to Musselburgh. To close the season, and with the team looking forward to 11-a-sides in a new joint Gullane-North Berwick team, we had an 8-strong squad for an away fixture on a bright, sunny morning at the Wallyford pitches. From the start, Gullane asserted themselves and were quickly rewarded with strikes from Stuart and Myles, the second an excellent team goal passed forward from Daniel in defence, via Archie and Stuart to be finished off neatly with a tap in from Myles. Dylan worked hard on the wing and was able to claim a goal of his own, followed by more from the relentless Stuart & Myles, to leave us 6 ahead by half time. Stanley came on after the first 15 mins and had a great game from right back, moving forward to intercept some dangerous balls and make a few excellent passes forward to release the forwards. Taking this chance to play in midfield, Jasmine brought her trademark solid tackling to disrupt the opposition, and kept getting herself into good positions to be justly rewarded with a superb half-volleyed goal. To mix things up a bit in the final quarter, Calumn was given a rare run out from goal to try out his outfield skills in defence and attack and very nearly claimed his first goal, but just couldn’t quite put it away. On the other hand Stuart made some impressive stops in goal – maybe a new position beckons?
So, that was the end of the beginning for the GAAFC 2003s – the first age group to go all the way through from age 4 minikickers to 7-a-side, in the rejuvenated Gullane Athletic Amateur Football Club. It has been great to see all of them develop into footballers and hopefully all will carry on through high school years and beyond, and keep enjoying their game. As well as having developed some great skills and understanding, all of the team have been excellent examples of supporting each other and being generous to their opposition, and have been impressive ambassadors for their club. Thanks to everyone involved in getting this team going and supporting it all the way through!