2014 EFL Pre-Season Wiki | Tomorrow: Knox
by Alysia Thomas-Sam (@alysialts)
BRAVERY is an underrated strength of a determined football club. And Scoresby is about to show Division 1 why you should never underestimate a club who wants to win.
Although unfortunate circumstances before the pre-season seemed to have handicapped their future, the Magpies went on to miraculously double their numbers in a special training session with Andrew Swallow and Darren Crocker, which sparked an undeniably hopeful path into 2014.
SCORESBY REQUIRES RESERVES COACH
PLEASE NOTE: SCORESBY JUNIORS UNAVAILABLE FOR PREVIEW
“The boys on board now are pretty excited,” first-year coach Gary Connolly said.
“They’re a very young group, so I think we’re all on the same boat. We’re all just looking forward to getting out there and starting the season off.”
Even though the youngsters may be new to Scoresby Recreation Reserve, the players who have hung on tight to the Magpies have been among the standout players in the pre-season.
“We’ve got a few guys who’ve been there from day one. Ash King is probably one who has really been up and about while the others were down,” Connolly explained.
There’s an element of sports etiquette and respect that lives down at Scoresby. It is so contagious that if leaders like King continue to support the group, it’s bound to catch on to the new players, and the community.
For senior president Steve Weir, the hardship of the pre-season has a lasting effect. But as everyone at the club climbs above the struggles of its past, the most important objective of Scoresby’s year will be reigniting the enthusiasm between the club and the community.
“People have committed to the club, which sends out a positive message to everybody out in the community. Hopefully we can build on that throughout the season,” Weir said.
Scoresby will need the support of the community, considering how tough Division 1 looks this year for all teams.
“It is going to be a bit like that actually. Every game is going to be a challenge for us and how we accommodate for each opponent will probably be a test of character for the boys,” Connolly said.
“All we want is to try and be competitive against other sides. If we can that’s great, if we can get a win on the board – even better.”
Combine an eager senior line-up and an unparalleled resilience, it sets up substantial motivation to make any club’s season a positive venture.
In saying this, what does the president think the most vital part of the upcoming year is?
“Survival,” Weir admitted.
Despite the fact that taking on the 2014 season is a major task in itself, Weir is looking beyond this year and wants to take the Magpies to great heights in the future by “stabilising the club and rebuilding reputation”.
Weir’s crucial goals of 2014 are to develop players and cultivate a passion at the club again among the community and the supporters around the league.
By the end of the year Weir wants a “sound base for the club to move forward”.
Once the leaders mix with the young blood, a new foundation will be laid down at Scoresby.
And the black and white will be a joy to watch.
Catch the Magpies in their first match of the season against South Croydon at Cheong Park on 5 April.