Giants Vrs Dwarves

JCFC hosted an under 12's tournament with 6 teams representing 4 football clubs at the weekend.  The opposition players average height 5' 10" were impressive throughout.

Here We Go

Unfortunately Jeddah United pulled out after their first match, since they though it unfair that the other clubs players were massive in comparison to theirs.  Since they were stuffed in their first game against JCFC who I can assure you are all 11 and under, I am not surprised.

Great Run

JCFC completed a barnstorming second-half comeback, led by Captain Luke Wilson, to overcome a big strong Jeddah Eagles team to finish fourth in the tournament.

JCFC Team

Wilson was awarded the goal of the tournament for a stunning free-kick, which he netted with an impressive strike in the top right hand corner giving the keeper absolutely no chance.

Best Goal Award

JCFC Training - World Cup

JCFC Training - World Cup Special

BISJ Team Selection

This was the team selection for the BISJ International School Tournament

JCFC Mini-Tournament

 

JCFC Mini-Tournament

JCFC Night Match

 

JCFC Training night Match

BISJ Vrs KAUST Mini Tournament

Collection of shorts from the BISJ Vrs Kaust Mini-Tournament

Final BISJ 1st Team Vrs BISJ 3rd Team 3 - 0.

The final was brilliant!  It was played on the full size pitch.  It's a whole different game when they have space to play in. 

Nice Control

BISJ 1st team dominated from the start.  They controlled the match and made some fantastic passes.  The team seemed to move as one as they moved forward and conquered the field. 

The first goal in my opinion was the goal of the tournament!  The ball was fed from our goal keeper to Kareem, who ran the wing and passed to Laith.  Laith led the ball forward to Faisal, who quickly passed to Luke and it was in the back of the net.  Excellent play!!  1 - 0.

Great Tackling!

The second goal was scored by Laith from the Penalty Spot.  BISJ 3's defender threw Luke off the ball in the area for a clear Penalty.  I would have given advantage though!  Great strike by Laith 2 - 0. 

The third goal was another master class of great passing and control.  Our players do look impressive when they are playing as a team!!  Faisal passed to Kareem, who flicked it on for Luke, who flicked it on for Laith, who flicked it back to Luke, who passed back to Laith, who passed it back to Luke, who passed to Faisal and it was in the net.  The spectators went wild!  3 - 0.

Turn the Goal!

This was a great tournament and BISJ 1st Team didn't lose a match!!!!

BISJ 1st Team Vrs BISJ 3rd Team 1 - 0

The fourth match kicked off and BISJ 3rd team played really well.  Both these teams were in the final, with an earlier defeat by BISJ 2nd Team, securing BISJ 3rd Teams place, so this was a precursor of the game really. 

The BISJ 1st team had some hard fought games earlier and their stamina was beginning to be effected. 

The coach made some tactical substitutions to rest some players before the big final match on the full field.

Captains Shake Hands!

 

BISJ 1st team began to control the match towards the closing with some interesting flowing play.  They scored with a great shot from Laith just before the final whistle.

BISJ 1st Team Vrs KAUST 2nd Team 3 - 0

The third match kicked off and BISJ dominated from the start taking control of the match early on. 

Luke was pushing the ball forward creating some excellent chances for our team and it wasn't long before the first one was in the back of the net. 1 - 0.  It was a bit of a scramble so I am not too sure who scored in the end! 

The second came from a fantastic free kick which was awarded for a foul on Kareem.  Luke scored by floating the ball over the wall leaving the keeper who was well off his line no chance at all.  2 - 0.

The third goal came fairly quickly after a bit of a run by KAUST, when their striker made a mistake and laid the ball on for Luke who ran up the field and passed to our number 6, who turned and shot, great goal. 3 - 0.

Slight mistake by their striker

Great control and pass for the Goal!

 Both teams played really well and I was impressed with the speed of the KAUST team.

 

BISJ 1st Team Vrs BISJ 2nd Team 1 - 0.

The second match kicked off and neither team could take control of the match.

Both teams tried extremely hard to penetrate excellent defences.

Luke made an excellent pass to Laith, whose shot went just wide but looked promising.

Great Pass to Laith

Luke hit the cross bar with a strike from just outside the box, again looking promising.

The match which looked like it was going to be a draw, picked up pace in the 2nd half and BISJ 1st team scored a cheeky goal much to the delight of the supporters making it 1 - 0.

Both teams played extremely well and every credit to BISJ 2nd Team who have come on in leaps and bounds.

BISJ 1st Team Vrs KAUST 1st Team 2 - 0

The opening match kicked off and both teams put in a first-rate performance.

KAUST started promisingly with some early pressure, but BISJ held their defence and started to take control of the match.

Great Goal

Captain Luke Wilson wearing the No 7 shirt took control of mid-field, laying on some great balls for Laith who scored the first goal. 1 - 0

Kareem passed to Luke who shot the ball in the bottom right hand corner leaving the goal keeper no chance scoring the second.  2 - 0 

BISJ Vrs KAUST Round-Robin Tournament

BISJ 1st Team

Captain Luke Wilson led his team to victory in a tremendous round-robin tournament against KAUST.

The final standings were:

BISJ 1st Team        Champions

BISJ 3rd Team       Runners Up

BISJ 2nd Team      3rd Place

KAUST 1st Team   4th Place

KAUST 2nd Team  5th Place

Captain Luke Wilson thanked all the players for their sporting fair play and thanked the parents and supporters for the great turn-out.

Lunch was served and all the players intermingled to make new friends and swap stories.

The next tournament against KAUST will be at their home ground later in the year and everyone is looking forward to that.

Details of the matches are listed above

BISJ Teachers Vrs BISJ Kids 2 - 1

In what turned out to be a thrilling match, the BISJ Teachers defeated the BISJ Kids 2 - 1 in the International Day Special.  This is not half as bad as it sounds, since traditionally it's about 15 - 0 for the teachers!

You have to be a bit faster than that Mr Gould!

The Teachers certainly were not holding back and no quarter was given, although I am still looking for the rule that allows you to pick one of the kids up and run with him, (you know who you are Mr Gould).  Old age and treachery springs to mind and referee come on!!

Jeries (Golden Gloves) Bawardi, put in some fantastic saves to keep the teachers out.  One of them, which seemed to be coming in at 200 kph, Joe Hart would have been proud of.

One of the many on target shots!

The kids had more shots on target, but Mr Hammel and the woodwork, kept them out!

Mr Murphy put in a great performance, however, his football kit seemed a little strange!  What's this long pants and leather shoes?

Nice steal of the ball by Luke from Mr Gould

The kids put in some fantastic passing and moved the ball quickly and it was only a matter of time before they scored in my opinion.

Waiting for the corner

In the final minutes, Captain Luke Wilson scored our only goal with a stunning finish to beat Mr Hammel, who played a fantastic game in Goal.

Great one - two to set up the goal

The supporters were thoroughly entertained and both teams played extremely well. 

Well Done!!

JCFC 5 - 1 Victory

The JCFC under 12's performed spectacularly in this friendly match.  Wilson was on fire scoring 3 goals in the first half and 1 goal in the second.  Nour who scored our 5th goal was awarded the man of the match.

The consolation goal for the other team was scored by Faisal.

Team Brief at the end of the match!

Tomorrow morning the BISJ 1st team take on the teachers for an International Friendly.  The teachers win this match every year, with the BISJ team not even scoring.  Hopefully this year will be just a bit different!

JCFC 4 - 2 Victory Against Stiff Opposition

Both sides appeared reluctant to start with any conviction, but I am putting our sides down to the fact that they had just played 90 minutes of end to end football for BISJ with only a 20 minute break.  See below.

Luke and Nour struck two each in either half as JCFC coasted to a comfortable win to keep their rivals rooted to the bottom of the table.

Kareem conceded a free-kick in a dangerous position outside the penalty area, only for Aboudi to pick out Hamza who gleefully tucked home his first goal of the season. 0 - 1.

This wakeup call got our side playing some exciting football and we quickly got into our stride.  Luke passed to Nour and with some fantastic one - two football eventually slotted it in the net 1 - 1.

Nour put in an excellent cross for Luke to take on his left foot. 2 - 1.

This is a great run for the goal.

The second half started brightly with Luke hitting a 20-yard thunderbolt which was amazingly turned away by their goal keeper, straight to Nour who made no mistakes 3 - 1.

Aboudi, who was playing a good game, got one back for the opposition, with a nice shot just over our keepers head.  3 - 2.

Luke sealed the victory with a great run and some great dribbling to scaore a fantastic goal in the final stages of the game. 4 - 2.

There is a tournament on the 1st December and I am looking forward to that!

BISJ Super 5 - 2 Win Staggers the Opposition.

A second-half double from Captain Luke Wilson secured the 1st team victory over very useful challengers.

The visitors started positively and fashioned the opener when Charbel volleyed the first with a great strike.

The home side came back strong with Mario scoring 1 and Laith scoring 1, from some flowing play through the mid-field and great passing. 2 - 1.

The second half started as brightly as the first.  The opposition again started strong and Faisal scored from close range. 2 - 2.

They were coming again when the ball broke to Wilson to chest it down at the back post, run the length of the pitch and finish coolly. 3 - 2.

Nice corner

Laith made a great run and passed to Mario, who slotted in for another one in for the home side. 4 - 2.

Wilson had the final word when he headed in a corner from Mario, making it  5 - 2.

Great Run For The Goal

Great training match looking forward to Thursdays Tournament against Kaust.

JCFC Training Matches

Today we played a series of training matches preparing for the football competition on Thursday 24th November.

Match 1 was played against the 2nd team.  Luke Wilson scored an amazing two goals in the 2 - 0 win.  The first goal was a screamer in the top right hand corner of the net.  The second was from a great cross from Faisal.

Match 2 was played against the 3rd team.  Luke opened up the game in this tremendous 5 - 0 victory.

The goals came fast and furious, with the first being scored 2 minutes in, from a great run by Nour, who passed to Mohammed, who quickly passed to Luke and it was in the back of the net before the other team knew what was happening.

The second was a great effort by Nour, who took a cross on his chest from Luke to slot it in easily from close range.

The third was from Luke, who took on the defence in a master class exhibition of dribbling and ball-skill.

Master class exhibition of dribbling

The fourth was Luke again who was fed the ball by Thomas and took it down the left wing hitting it in the bottom left hand corner from a marvellous left footed shot.

The fifth was a cheeky goal in the closing minutes of the match which demonstrated some great one touch football from our strike force, before Luke put it away.

Great matches hope the game on Thursday is equally as good.

BISJ Training

Training went extremely well today, with all the team playing in their new positions.  We completed a series of 1 v 2, 1 v 4 and 1 v 1 exercises. 

The attackers worked tremendously to get passed the defenders.  The defenders have greatly improved their situation awareness and overall match-play.

Fantastic Skill to get passed the big defender.

BISJ Training

Luke embraced his new role of Central Mid-Fielder. For those of you who are wondering why he is not a striker (his natural position), this is the reason.

Centre mid-fielders play several roles on the field of play, depending on their particular strengths and the tactics of the team and are probably the most important in terms of setting up attacks. Their position enables them to have an all-round view of the match, and as most of the action takes place in and around their area of the pitch, midfielders often exert the greatest degree of control over how a match is played. This section of the field is often known as a team's "engine room", because great teams rarely succeed without skillful, commanding central midfielders.

They are the link between defence and attack, and must also defend when the opposition are in possession.

Luke is really enjoying this new role and is learning a lot about the game of football from his excellent coach.

JCFC Win 5 -3

Both sets of supporters were transfixed by a feast of end to end attacking football.

The hosts got off to a flyer against a shell-shocked opposition side with two goals in the opening six minutes from Captain Luke Wilson.

Ryan picked out Jack's brilliant run and the defender drew their goal keeper and squared for Wilson to slot into an empty net.  Excellent play! 1 - 0.

Barely two minutes later, a marauding Jack forced Ibrahim to back up and picked out Wilson racing on the outside, before he slotted it in from 6 yards. 2 - 0.

Unsurprisingly, it was Wilson who picked out Kareem, who passed to Faisal to slot under the goalkeeper for his first goal at home. 3 - 0.

But the opposition staged a sensational second-half comeback to turn the game on its head and scored 2 in quick succession.  Our defence were told to wake up by the disgruntled supporters. 3 - 2.

Team talk before kick off

Kareem made it 4 - 2 after 33 minutes with a precise finish and the opposition looked like they were mouting a comeback.

With 4 minutes remaining, the opposition worked a corner well and the ball found their number 8 who headed in from close range. 4 - 3.

Wilson added the final touch with a clever finish in the 35th minute, cutting inside a defender and drilling a low shot into the corner. 5 - 3.

BISJ Highlights

Highlights video of the excellent BISJ Mini-Tournament.

Selection Process.

At the end of the tournament the players were sat down whilst the coaches deliberated about their selection.  All aspects of training, fitness and match play were considered.

This was a tense moment for the boys and their parents.

They first had the difficult job of telling all the players how they performed.

I am delighted to say that my son was selected!  We are so proud of him!!!

So Proud!

Match 3 was Team A Vs. Team D.

I think this was the most important match of the tournament for Team A.  This was the last chance to impress the coach for the final selection.  Some players from Team B had already showed their proficiency and I was pretty sure that some would be selected. 

Here We Go!

The match ended in a 6 - 1 win for Team A.  Captain Luke Wilson again played Central Mid-Field, a

position he was becoming more comfortable in every kick of the ball.

Great Goal!

Again he controlled the flow of play from this position and showed his understanding of the game.  At no stage did he seem panicked or rushed and gave the impression to enjoy every moment.

The goals were fast and furious.  Most involved the dynamic striker turned Mid-Fielder.

It was a fantastic tournament thoroughly enjoyed by all the players and supporters.

Final Whistle - Did I do enough?

Match 2 was Team A Vs. Team C.

This was also an extremely competitive match with some of the players vying for a place in the final 10 from Team C in my opinion.  Captain Luke Wilson again played Central Mid-Field. 

Nice Control.

He seemed to control the flow of play from this position and showed that he has a great engine and fantastic speed.

He unselfishly passed the ball with such precision to make the opening goal a sitter for the number 10.  The second was from a great flick after dribbling passed two defenders.

Looking for support.

The opposition got one back from a terrible mistake from the defender number 3.

After a quick restart Wilson flew through the field to put in a great cross which was netted by the Number 7.

Nice Pass to set up the first goal.

The match ended with a 3 - 1 victory to Team A, who again put in an dazzling performance to cement their authority on the tournament.

BISJ Mini-Tournament

A round-robin tournament was set up by BISJ on Thursday, to finalise the team that was going to represent us in Bahrain on the 13th and 14th January.  It was made pretty clear by the head coach that no position was safe and depending on the outcome of this mini-tournament (and how the players played of course), would depend on who made the team.  I will cover each match separately, since they were all excellent. 

Great Turn about to happen

Match 1 was Team A Vs. Team B.

About to leave him for dead!

This was an extremely competitive match with all the players vying for a place in the final 10 in my opinion.  Captain Luke Wilson changed positions and played Central Mid-Field.  He was given specific instructions to go back and help defend if needed and assume the role of striker, when necessary.  A role he tackled with great enthusiasm and speed.  He laid on a fantastic ball for the only goal of this match.

Ma-asalama - Get ready for the cross

The match finished with a 1 - 0 victory to Team A, who put in an outstanding performance to cement their authority on the tournament.

Great cross for the only goal.

Video Highlights for JUFC Vrs JCFC

 

Highlights from the 2 -1 victory against Jeddah United Football Club.  Captain Luke Wilson scoring both our goals.

Jeddah United FC Vrs Jeddah City FC 1 - 2

The first half was very tight, with neither team gaining control of the match.  Jeddah City were winning the possession game and seemed to be the better team, but kept getting blocked by Jeddah United's huge defence. 0 - 0.

A resolute performance by Captain Luke Wilson, put the visitors ahead in the 6th minute of the second half.   A slick passing move involving Jack, Nour and Luke, allowed him to take the ball down the right wing and shoot from an amazing angle, propelling the ball in the top left hand corner. 0 - 1.

Pre Match warm up - Fantastic flick to get round

A free kick awarded to the home side, allowed them to get back into the match, with a great strike from their number 7, about 2 minutes later. 1 - 1.

The pressure from our team was excellent and another goal was just around the corner.  Amir worked tirelessly in defence and put in a really solid performance.

Jack hoofed the ball up field, straight to their defender and Luke did a fantastic run to steal the ball from him, he executed a wonderful turn and scored again making it 1 -2.

The final whistle blew and we were worthy winners.

Victory!

Highlights Video to follow.

BISJ Do It Again 4 - 1

Captain Luke Wilson's fierce strike in the 2nd minute, put the home side ahead.  BISJ controlled the game throughout the first half with some extraordinary precision passing and control. 1 - 0.

A second came just before the half time whistle when Luke passed to Majed on the other side of the field, then made a great run to the edge of the box, to receive a fantastic pass from Majed and slot the ball firmly in the back of the net. 2 - 0.

The visitors started the second half with a bit more promise and some nice play, but BISJ took control again and Faisal scored a magnificent goal from just outside the box. 3 - 0.

Great dummy to get past the defender.

Their earlier pressure eventually told, though, as Mohammed scored a goal in the 60th minute. 3 - 1.

Luke Wilson scored again to secure victory for BISJ and condemn strugglers GISJ to a third straight defeat. 4 - 1.

Fantastic fluid play from our side.  Can't wait till Thursday's match!!!

JCFC Scratchy Win 1 - 0

After a thrilling BISJ match earlier in the day (see previous), you could easily tell that the 6 players on the BISJ team who played this match for JCFC in the evening were a little tired.

In fairness they did run their hearts out in the early game and only had a break of 30 minutes before this kick off.

The goal was a text book move with some nice fluid passing from Luke, Nour and Kareem.  They were in complete control as Kareem played Nour  into space on the right and he duly squared for Luke to slide home from six yards.

The rest of the game was defending, which we did ok.

Obviously we will not get away with that performance on Tuesday when we play our biggest rivals Jeddah United Football Club.

BISJ Confound the Opposition Again.

In a game weighed down with bad refereeing decisions (in this authors opinion), I am pleased to report that BISJ 1st Team came out with a remarkable win against a knotty opposition.

The other side went 1 up from a penalty which was awarded because our goal keeper handled the ball outside the box.  Now correct me if I am wrong, but that should have been a free-kick and a yellow card for our goalie.  Since you would have needed a x48 Magnification to see if he was actually out of the box, personally I would not have given it. 0 - 1.

We quickly came back with a great run and 5 consecutive passes, from Luke and Majed, with Majed shooting from close range. 1 - 1.

Luke scored a blinder which was eventually (after about 4 minutes), given as off-side, with a free kick awarded to the opposition from close to our box.  I thought that was a shocking decision, since Luke was in their box waiting for a corner?  Anyway the opposition scored from said free-kick, (because most of our players were still arguing with the referee), making it 1 - 2.

Half time whistle blew and I am not too sure who were more bewildered the players, coaches (both of them), or the supporters.

During the second half Luke, Faisal and Majed all scored, all goals disallowed for various offences.  Luke's being offside and I haven't got a clue about the other 2, neither does anyone else I hasten to add.

Run through to score a fantastic goal.

Then a frustrated Luke took the ball from our goal keeper, whilst keeping it shouted at the ref "Oy Look, they are all in front of me", proceeded to run through them all and scored a brilliant goal making it 2 - 2.

In the final moments a free kick was awarded to our side for a foul on Luke, (which was easily a penalty).  Luke took the ball and shot it in the top left hand corner making it 3 -2.

Luke was awarded the man of the match but immediately gave it to the referee!

BISJ 1st Team Storm To Victory Again

Luke led his team to a thrilling 8 - 0 win at the Conti on Sunday.

A breathtaking 6 goals from team captain Wilson put BISJ firmly at the top of the division.

Great Corner to Set Up Majed

The first goal was fantastic, Luke produce a run that Linford Christie would have been proud of, slotting the ball in the back of the net after only 21 seconds.

The other 5 came in quick succession making it 6 - 0 at half time.

Majed and Saif scored 2 and 1 respectively in the second making it 8 - 0.

A great team performance by our team and keep it up!

JCFC Training and a Friendly Match.

After a tiring 2 match practice with BISJ, it was on to JCFC for training and a match.

The training mirrored the stuff that was done in Scotland, with control and discipline being top of the agenda.  The training session went quite well and it was enjoyed by all the players.
The teams were picked and the game kicked off.

Training Scotland

The match started pretty tentatively with both teams settling down quite early on.  It looked like it was going to be a draw with neither side being able to control the play.

After a quick change in the order of the team, Luke's team began to control the match.  The fluid play was quite entertaining.

One - Two Training

Luke scored the first goal with a screamer from 20 yards.  1 - 0.

Ryan scored the second goal from a penalty.  Excellent strike.  2 - 0.

Nour scored the third goal with some great one - two football between him and Luke. 3 - 0.

Luke  scored the fourth goal with some impressive dribbling past the defenders.  4 - 0
Excellent entertaining football all round.

BISJ Play A Friendly Round-Robin Tournament

Ok, I know the rugby result wasn't quite what was expected, but never mind!

The First team took on the Second team in the first friendly tournament.  The game ended in a 5 - 0 Win for the First team.

Let's Go!

Two minutes in Luke Wilson headed his team into the lead from the centre of the penalty area, when he connected with a fine cross from Fawaz from deep on the right wing. 1 - 0.

With 8 minutes on the clock the First team went further ahead, when Faisal fired his first for the team from a 10 yard free-kick, having been fouled by Mohammed, and two minutes later Fawaz got the next one from the penalty spot after Mohammed fouled Luke. 3 - 0.

Luke took the ball from deep within his own half and eased passed the defenders taking a great shot with his left foot to make it another great goal. 4 - 0.

The First team dominated from the kick-off, with Luke taking Faisal's swinging corner on his right foot, slotting it in the back of the net from fairly close range. 5 - 0.

This was an excellent game and both teams worked really hard and passed the ball with accuracy.

Two Captains Go Head To Head!

The First team took on the Third team in the second friendly match.  The game ended in a 7 - 0 Win for the First team.

The Third team started pretty promisingly with some nice fluid play.  They passed the ball well and their movement off the ball has improved.  So well done to them!

The problem was it became a master class of excellent football, when the First team got in their stride, which I have to admit seemed to take a while.

It was 4 minutes before Luke Wilson beat his JCFC team-mate Ryan and fired home the first goal, with a fantastic strike from his right foot. 1 - 0.

Wilson's deflected shot hit the post and rattled in, in fairness the goal keeper had no chance. 2 - 0.

The Referee played a good advantage as Wilson was fouled out on the left, but Faisal picked up the loose ball and drove into the area before laying the ball back to the edge of the box for Fawaz to stroke home for the next one. 3 - 0.

Faisal took a great cross from Luke on his chest and bobbed the ball into the back of the net with a great strike.  4 - 0.

Wilson's corner was floated into the box and came off Ahmad who scored his first of the tournament in his own goal.  5 - 0.

The First team took control and completely out-classed and out-played their opponents.  The precision passing from Faisal, Fawaz and Luke proved too much for the Third Team, who appeared to have given up by now.  Luke's shot from 6 yrds, nearly knocked the goal keeper off his feet as it soared into the back of the net.  6 - 0.

The final goal and the goal of the tournament if you ask me was brilliant in execution.  Faisal crossed the ball, Fawaz dummied it and left it for Luke to strike.  Luke hit it in the top right hand corner and it actually moved the goal.  Excellent shot.  7 - 0.

Again both teams played very well and it was an excellent match.

England Batter France.

God knows I hope it’s the same result in the rugby!

After a new tyre and the drive from hell we finally made it to the home ground of the French team.

The Under 15 French team started really strong scoring 4 goals in the first half.  They completely out played us in all areas of the pitch.  It was a bit of a shock how big and strong the home team were, but at least we played with heart.

The French supporters were in good voice albeit quite annoying.  What is this Roast Beef Rubbish?

Half Time France 4 England 0.

Captain Luke Wilson had some harsh words for his team in the dressing room and when they came on for the second half a few positional changes were evident.

Luke put Mateo (ok he is not English, he is Argentinean, but I am claiming him) in defence and let Oliver move out of midfield and move up front with him. 

The whistle blew and we played quick one touch football.  Luke scored 9 goals in total some of them were fantastic.  The French seemed to be on the retreat for the whole half.  You could have heard a pin drop in the French End.

Full Time France 4 England 9

la victoire est douce