LVS Boys Triumphant
Massive congratulations go to the LVS Hassocks football team – who in their first ever tournament came home with second place medals. The team, who have only been training together for a few weeks played outstandingly in the six-a-side tournament organised by Brighton and Hove Albion at the Triangle on Tuesday 15th November.
Playing 5 matches, scoring 13 goals and loosing in the final 3-0 to St Johns Seaford, the LVS Hassocks team from the specialist autism school in Sayers Common, proudly showed off their new kit sponsored by the Burgess Hill District Lions. Jack Duxbury-Watkinson, 15, was given the accolade of ‘player of the day’ following his tenacious spirit and determination. Team Coach, David Jones said: “Jack never gave up, he worked really hard for the team scoring 4 goals and assisting on many more.”
The team captain Liam Pope, was the team’s top scorer with 7 goals and also proved himself as an excellent role model for his peers both on and off the pitch. David said: “The semi-final was a really tough, competitive game, but led by Liam the team kept their cool, played good football and won a deserved 4-0 against St Johns, Brighton.”
The fast moving nature of the six-a-side games needed excellent skills in defence and this came through strongly from Dean Mydeen and Ben Raven, supported by some outstanding goalkeeping from the natural talents of Joe Bedding. Young Steven Bagnall was not phased by the size of the opposition and held a tight midfield with Charlie Ries-Coward but one of the highlights of the day was a Billy Tommey goal and his awesome celebration.
David who is an LSA, at LVS Hassocks was very proud of the team’s performance and concluded: “Today’s tournament has given the boys so much confidence and self esteem. They were a real credit to the school, not only on the pitch but they also showed a lot of respect for the younger less able teams from the other divisions. They have gained a real sense of achievement and are looking forward to playing on a regular basis.”