SoccerMom Posted 22 February, 2009 Share Posted 22 February, 2009 (edited) Just wanted to say, if any of the players come on here or if those who know the players could pass on a message - The nipper was on one of the half-term courses this week, and on Thursday they had a visit from Lallana and McGoldrick. I don't know if it meant quite that much to the rest of the group, but my nipper was chuffed to bits. I don't think he stopped smiling even when he went to bed that night. The lads answered questions and signed autographs, and made at least one little boy extremely happy and even more determined to stay a Saint no matter what happens. Huge thanks to the players for doing things like this. I know it's part of their job and they must get told to do it, but it makes an excellent impression. Edited 22 February, 2009 by SoccerMom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 22 February, 2009 Share Posted 22 February, 2009 He will be a fan for live, 15 years ago my eldest lad was 6 and used to go to Fleming Park on a Saturday morning in sessions run by Stuart Gray. One week Le TISS and Benali turned up my lad was hooked for life. He still comes home every other week end from Uni for Saturday games Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustMike Posted 22 February, 2009 Share Posted 22 February, 2009 ahhh good stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoccerMom Posted 22 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 22 February, 2009 I hope so, even if it means having to go through the mill once in a while when they have a bad season. Can't imagine the glory hunters ever getting an opportunity to have their half-term trophies handed to them by one of their legends, like when Franny showed up to one of the other courses the nipper was on. But given that he's been wearing Lallana's name on his shirt for two seasons now, the kid was just overwhelmed. Better for him even than the family day, which is saying something, actually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saint_bert Posted 22 February, 2009 Share Posted 22 February, 2009 Just wanted to say, if any of the players come on here or if those who know the players could pass on a message - The nipper was on one of the half-term courses this week, and on Thursday they had a visit from Lallana and McGoldrick. I don't know if it meant quite that much to the rest of the group, but my nipper was chuffed to bits. I don't think he stopped smiling even when he went to bed that night. The lads answered questions and signed autographs, and made at least one little boy extremely happy and even more determined to stay a Saint no matter what happens. Huge thanks to the players for doing things like this. I know it's part of their job and they must get told to do it, but it makes an excellent impression. Did he throw any chips?? I jest, I jest that is a great tale. Footballers aint all bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
um pahars Posted 22 February, 2009 Share Posted 22 February, 2009 Just wanted to say, if any of the players come on here or if those who know the players could pass on a message - The nipper was on one of the half-term courses this week, and on Thursday they had a visit from Lallana and McGoldrick. I don't know if it meant quite that much to the rest of the group, but my nipper was chuffed to bits. I don't think he stopped smiling even when he went to bed that night. The lads answered questions and signed autographs, and made at least one little boy extremely happy and even more determined to stay a Saint no matter what happens. Huge thanks to the players for doing things like this. I know it's part of their job and they must get told to do it, but it makes an excellent impression. Great story. This is something that I think they should do more and make more out of it. I know we have a slightly different training structure now involving some afternoons, but I still think the players & coaching staff should be getting out in the community whenever possible. The other alternative is to open Staplewood for schools and other junior teams to be coached there by the players. It's a really simple way of bringing back a feelgood factor and I'm sure both the youngsters and the players themselves would get something out of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thorpie the sinner Posted 22 February, 2009 Share Posted 22 February, 2009 The club should definitely recognise this feel good factor big time!! It could be the difference if the fans start coming bak as to whether or not we survive!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoccerMom Posted 22 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 22 February, 2009 And to crown off the feelgood factor for this evening - I went outside to call the nipper in for tea and found him re-enacting the goals from yesterday, commentating all the way. "A cross from Gillett," kicks the ball to the right and runs forward to it, a couple of keepy-ups, "and chested down by Lallana," back he goes a few yards, "and a beautiful half-volley from Saga!" Thundering (but left-footed) strike into the turning space in front of his granddad's house. Brilliant. I hope they know they are capable of inspiring this kind of childhood fun, and respect their responsibilities to one small boy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rooney Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 It is about time players put themselves about at these courses. My grandsons attended the Saints Courses at Moyles Court Ringwood for 3 years running and nobody from the 1st team squad ever attended. Of about the 30 or so children attending, only about 8 were wearing Saints kits. What great opportunities were missed to present the children with their awards and after all Ringwood is not a million miles from Southampton. There must have been some injured players who were not training on the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 And to crown off the feelgood factor for this evening - I went outside to call the nipper in for tea and found him re-enacting the goals from yesterday, commentating all the way. "A cross from Gillett," kicks the ball to the right and runs forward to it, a couple of keepy-ups, "and chested down by Lallana," back he goes a few yards, "and a beautiful half-volley from Saga!" Thundering (but left-footed) strike into the turning space in front of his granddad's house. Brilliant. I hope they know they are capable of inspiring this kind of childhood fun, and respect their responsibilities to one small boy. Your Son sounds better than DMG, is he available next week ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Great story. This is something that I think they should do more and make more out of it. Whilst I agree with you 100%, playing devils advocate Im sure there would be a few threads on here along the lines of "FFS, what the hell are the players doing playing about with kids when they should be training" and "more PR bollix from the OS there, I dont care about this crap... they need to win on Saturday ONLY! FFS!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Great story. This is something that I think they should do more and make more out of it. Whilst I agree with you 100%, playing devils advocate Im sure there would be a few threads on here along the lines of "FFS, what the hell are the players doing playing about with kids when they should be training" and "more PR bollix from the OS there, I dont care about this crap... they need to win on Saturday ONLY! FFS!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Whilst I agree with you 100%, playing devils advocate Im sure there would be a few threads on here along the lines of "FFS, what the hell are the players doing playing about with kids when they should be training" and "more PR bollix from the OS there, I dont care about this crap... they need to win on Saturday ONLY! FFS!" Sadly cynical, sadly quite true! ;-) But hey, come on Pan Cake, lets do it for the kids! PS, Your special week this week... are you traditional lemon and sugar, or something more modern? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Whilst I agree with you 100%, playing devils advocate Im sure there would be a few threads on here along the lines of "FFS, what the hell are the players doing playing about with kids when they should be training" and "more PR bollix from the OS there, I dont care about this crap... they need to win on Saturday ONLY! FFS!" Sadly cynical, sadly quite true! ;-) But hey, come on Pan Cake, lets do it for the kids! PS, Your special week this week... are you traditional lemon and sugar, or something more modern? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Sadly cynical, sadly quite true! ;-) But hey, come on Pan Cake, lets do it for the kids! PS, Your special week this week... are you traditional lemon and sugar, or something more modern? Im leaving any jokes about batter, tossing and crepes until tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pancake Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Sadly cynical, sadly quite true! ;-) But hey, come on Pan Cake, lets do it for the kids! PS, Your special week this week... are you traditional lemon and sugar, or something more modern? Im leaving any jokes about batter, tossing and crepes until tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Sadly cynical, sadly quite true! ;-) But hey, come on Pan Cake, lets do it for the kids! PS, Your special week this week... are you traditional lemon and sugar, or something more modern? Don't make him flip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slickmick Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Sadly cynical, sadly quite true! ;-) But hey, come on Pan Cake, lets do it for the kids! PS, Your special week this week... are you traditional lemon and sugar, or something more modern? Don't make him flip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Don't make him flip. Batter not, might make him Bitter (lemon). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank's cousin Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Don't make him flip. Batter not, might make him Bitter (lemon). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trumush Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 He will be a fan for live, 15 years ago my eldest lad was 6 and used to go to Fleming Park on a Saturday morning in sessions run by Stuart Gray. One week Le TISS and Benali turned up my lad was hooked for life. He still comes home every other week end from Uni for Saturday games My eldest went to the same sessions from age 6 -11.Stuart Gray was brilliant,he was big mates with David Platt so he brought in loads signed photos of Platty.As mentioned, plenty of player visits which make such an impression on the kids.Such a shame Stuart was promoted too far too fast(IMHO). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trumush Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 He will be a fan for live, 15 years ago my eldest lad was 6 and used to go to Fleming Park on a Saturday morning in sessions run by Stuart Gray. One week Le TISS and Benali turned up my lad was hooked for life. He still comes home every other week end from Uni for Saturday games My eldest went to the same sessions from age 6 -11.Stuart Gray was brilliant,he was big mates with David Platt so he brought in loads signed photos of Platty.As mentioned, plenty of player visits which make such an impression on the kids.Such a shame Stuart was promoted too far too fast(IMHO). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solentstars Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Just wanted to say, if any of the players come on here or if those who know the players could pass on a message - The nipper was on one of the half-term courses this week, and on Thursday they had a visit from Lallana and McGoldrick. I don't know if it meant quite that much to the rest of the group, but my nipper was chuffed to bits. I don't think he stopped smiling even when he went to bed that night. The lads answered questions and signed autographs, and made at least one little boy extremely happy and even more determined to stay a Saint no matter what happens. Huge thanks to the players for doing things like this. I know it's part of their job and they must get told to do it, but it makes an excellent impression.its good to see some good posts about our players for a change and i am glad it made all those young kids happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solentstars Posted 23 February, 2009 Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Just wanted to say, if any of the players come on here or if those who know the players could pass on a message - The nipper was on one of the half-term courses this week, and on Thursday they had a visit from Lallana and McGoldrick. I don't know if it meant quite that much to the rest of the group, but my nipper was chuffed to bits. I don't think he stopped smiling even when he went to bed that night. The lads answered questions and signed autographs, and made at least one little boy extremely happy and even more determined to stay a Saint no matter what happens. Huge thanks to the players for doing things like this. I know it's part of their job and they must get told to do it, but it makes an excellent impression.its good to see some good posts about our players for a change and i am glad it made all those young kids happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoccerMom Posted 23 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Whilst I agree with you 100%, playing devils advocate Im sure there would be a few threads on here along the lines of "FFS, what the hell are the players doing playing about with kids when they should be training" and "more PR bollix from the OS there, I dont care about this crap... they need to win on Saturday ONLY! FFS!" It's a moot point. But look at McLaggon - out for the season now with an injury that supposedly only really happens to 30+ weekend athletes - commonly occurs when training or activity is stepped up too far too fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoccerMom Posted 23 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Whilst I agree with you 100%, playing devils advocate Im sure there would be a few threads on here along the lines of "FFS, what the hell are the players doing playing about with kids when they should be training" and "more PR bollix from the OS there, I dont care about this crap... they need to win on Saturday ONLY! FFS!" It's a moot point. But look at McLaggon - out for the season now with an injury that supposedly only really happens to 30+ weekend athletes - commonly occurs when training or activity is stepped up too far too fast. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoccerMom Posted 23 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Your Son sounds better than DMG, is he available next week ? 18 goals so far this season, so maybe.... (in the U9s) :smt048 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoccerMom Posted 23 February, 2009 Author Share Posted 23 February, 2009 Your Son sounds better than DMG, is he available next week ? 18 goals so far this season, so maybe.... (in the U9s) :smt048 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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