We moved to the more familiar format of 11 a-side footy, moved home grounds to South Godstone and moved to the more physically challenging Tandridge Youth League. Can our boys handle it?

Early trips into South London suggested yes, they could. Some good away wins gave the boys the belief they needed to push on. We would stutter during October / November crashing out of a cup competition, have games postponed due to unplayable pitches then lockdown 15 (or 16 I lost track) would hit. No football for anyone!! The one ray of sunshine in a turbulent world for today’s children would be taken from them (again).

It wouldn’t be until April 2021 that we would play again. During this time, we lost a few familiar faces but luckily managed to recruit. United would hit the ground running with some breath-taking displays going unbeaten through April and May. Our best displays would come in the Shield ¼ final against Selsdon Eagles winning aet, then sweeping aside AFC Croydon in the semis to book a day out at Tooting & Mitchem’s stadium for a final against Ten-Em-Bee.

We would just fall short in the final. We played the better football and put in an amazing second half performance. However, it was a great experience for the lads, a coach to the ground and a stadium packed full of their friends and family to cheer them on. They will experience more of this in the future I have no doubt.

We would finish the season as runners up in the league;
Played – 14, Won – 9, Drawn – 1, Lost – 4, GF – 42, GA – 32

We welcomed some great new players into the squad and retained the core of what is an exceptional bunch.

After the last game of the season, we had our “Awards Ceremony”.

Leading goal scorer went to Brody with 22 goals, Will R (16) then Tom (13) overall we had 11 different goal scorers throughout the season.

Players Player of the Season went to one of our new boys, Will R – a great accolade voted for by his peers. Will has added craft and vision to the team and improved those around him. Fully deserved.

Supporters Player of the Season went to another new boy, Ollie. The boys have affectionately nicknamed him “The Wall” some amazing performances between the sticks. #GKUnion. Ollie received 25% of the votes, overall 8 different players were voted for, which just shows the quality within this group.

Finally, Managers Player of the Season was a tricky one. Chris and I had so many to pick from and for so many different reasons. But it would be one of our old boys that would walk away with the prize. Will M has been at Oxted & District JFC since minis. But this season he has been an absolute rock in the heart of the defence. Not only that, his attitude in training and matchdays has been exceptional. This has undoubtedly been the driving factor in some of remarkable displays.

A final word goes to our happy band of supporters. Thank you so much, without the support you show the team we wouldn’t have been able to achieve so much.

Look forward to seeing you all next season #COYO

Dave & Chris