6th Grade Vipers - Small Whites
Coach:
Martin Hedley
Manager:
Natasha Buksh
Team Members:
Riley Blundell, Javed Buksh, Isobel Fitzpatrick, Rylea Franke, Joseph French, Johnny Hamilton, Dylan Hedley,
Campbell Jamieson, Thomas Ross, Devin Selfe, Matias Young
Results:
Played: 9
Won: 6
Awards:
Player of the Year
Most Improved Player
Sportsperson of the Year
Drew: 1
Lost: 2
Goals For: 26
Goals Against: 11
Riley Blundell
Thomas Ross
Dylan Hedley
Team Report
At the start of the season I had no intention of coaching. Then Angela Yuksel rang up and asked me “How would
you like to influence your son’s football career?” A week later I was coach of the 6th Grade Vipers, having never
coached before. Natasha Buksh, who put her hand up to be manager, had never done that job before either.
Thank you Natasha, for all your efforts. Most of our team had also never played before, so it was a case of
newbies all round.
We were very lucky to have a group of very supportive parents who were always willing to lend a hand at practice
and on game day. Each and every Saturday I knew exactly which players were available and this was certainly
appreciated.
The challenges came thick and fast, from keeping eleven energetic players occupied and beginning to teach them
something useful to use on the soccer field, to the introduction of the First Kicks programme early in the season.
I think the programme was very useful as it gave us direction and focus for our training, with new drills and games
designed to develop new skills. The children certainly enjoyed it and along the way we also had some fun and
some laughs. With this age group, the programme worked well and I could see the benefits that the players got
out of it.
We often joined with the 6th Cobras for training on Wednesdays and this worked very well. When lots of players
turned up, we could do a good range of drills. It also gave both teams someone different to train with and play
against. And even in the depths of our very wet winter, we always had enough players from the two teams
combined to be able to have successful and worthwhile trainings.
Looking at the season itself... With the First Kicks emphasis being on touches on the ball and all players getting
involved and scoring goals, the actual results were not recorded. Over the duration of the season, the
improvement in the skills of the all players was enormous. From very tentative beginnings, lots of miss kicks and
everyone crowding the ball, the players developed to the point of good kicks, good running with the ball, good
tackling, beginning to pass between each other, beginning to anticipate where the ball is going and 100% effort for
the entire game. The looks on their faces when they did something well and got congratulations from the
sidelines was priceless. Choosing the Player of the Day awards each week was always difficult as the players
always tried very hard. But in saying that, every week there was always a couple of the players who for what ever
reason had an especially good game. The team spirit also developed into something very strong. I often heard
the players congratulating each other on something done well. To me that was very special. I am very proud of
how far they have all developed both with their skills and with their personalities.
The support and encouragement from the families of all the players in our team was very noticeable and certainly
appreciated by the players and myself. The team bonded together well and I am sure some friendships will
continue off the soccer field as well. Thanks to you all. I enjoyed myself and I know the players did as well.
Well done kids.

Martin Hedley (Coach)
The 6th Grade Vipers before the first game of the season.
L to R: Riley Blundell, Rylea Franke, Joseph French, Javed Buksh, Matias Young, Dylan Hedley,
Thomas Ross, Devin Selfe
The players from 6th Grade Vipers full of enthusiasm and loving being involved.
L to R: Dylan Hedley, Devin Selfe and Thomas Ross playing a team from Manurewa.
Dylan Hedley about to score the 6th Grade Vipers first goal of the season and his first ever goal.
A game about to be restarted for the 6th Grade Vipers.
L to R: Riley Blundell, Rylea Franke, Javed Buksh and Coach Martin Hedley
The 6th Grade Vipers after the second to last game of the season.
L to R Back Row: Rylea Franke, Johnny Hamilton, Dylan Hedley, Thomas Ross, Devin Selfe.
L to R Front Row: Campbell Jamieson, Riley Blundell, Matias Young, Isobel Fitzpatrick.