A huge congratulations to Sophie Luck for winning the Linslade Galaxy FC Player of the month award for March! Sophie plays for our U13 Lynxes team.

Technical Manager, Vernon Gearey, from Gartec, the trophy sponsor, and who chose the winner out of the team players of the month, said, "It was a difficult decision this month as there are some exceptional candidates for player of the month. I have chosen Sophie Luck as my player of the month. Not only has Sophie got an exceptional talent, but her ability also to encourage teammates and celebrate their achievements is an inspiration. Her sportsmanship and kindness to others makes her my player of the month. Well done Sophie keep up being who you are being that role model to the younger players."

Sophie was put forward for the award by her team coaches for the following reasons:

"Sophie is being recognised for her exceptional skills, tireless work rate, and unwavering positivity on and off the pitch. Her technical ability and game awareness have been instrumental in her team's success, making key plays and setting up crucial opportunities. Beyond her talent, she leads by example with relentless effort, never backing down from a challenge.

Her positive attitude uplifts teammates, fostering a supportive and motivated squad. She consistently encourages others, celebrating their achievements and offering guidance when needed. Off the field, her kindness shines through, always taking time to support younger players and inspire those around her. Her dedication to teamwork and sportsmanship makes her a role model for aspiring footballers. Coaches and teammates alike praise her determination and infectious enthusiasm. March has been a standout month, but her impact extends far beyond one month. Congratulations to Sophie —a true Lynx in every sense!."

There were plenty of other excellent performances in matches and training across the Club throughout March and these are recognised by many of the coaches, who put forward these players as their team's player of the month.

Zakariya Hameed (U7 Inter)
"Zak is confident with the ball at his feet and is always looking to dribble his way up the pitch; he also strikes the ball well when he gets a chance to shoot at goal. Zak works extremely hard for the team running back to do his defensive duties as well and has a good physical presence on the pitch. Zak is always attentive in training and a pleasure to coach - it was great to see his beaming smile when he bagged a brace of goals in our last game in March and earned himself the POTM medal for a good all-round performance".

Helena Varey (U8 Meerkats)
"Juggling her time with being the next big theatre star, she has continued her eye for a goal, notching her 4th goal of the season vs Luton whilst also receiving praise from 2 separate coaches/teams for her performances. Helena has been part of a side that has made significant improvements last month, and this is down to the standards in training culminating from their hard work and persistence during winter. Helena has been excellent in training, even doing some additional practice outside of the session, and is still yet to even celebrate her 7th birthday which never stops her showcasing her bravery on and off the ball."

Ben Lewis (U9 Atletico)
"Ben always puts in 100% in training. We run through various routines and he is one of the first to pick up exactly what we are trying to achieve and puts it into practice. His confidence in his own ability both in and out of possession is amazing. He is always 'thinking' in matches and training. His range of passing is getting more precise. He is getting better and better. Keep it up Ben."

Ariana Piacquadio (U9 Leopards)
"Ariana has had a fantastic month with the Leopards with the team reacting their first final. Ariana is a strong tackler, never gives up and takes great shots on goal"

Emilia Rodriguez (U10 Bobcats)
"Where we've been stuck without a goalie, Emilia always puts her hand up and volunteers. Not only is she quick to do so, but she's a brilliant goalie - fearless and good handling. On top of that, on the pitch she has had a great month. She's found a tenacity about herself, where she may not have a size advantage she has a resilience and determination that has driven us through games. On top of that, her first goal of the season gave her the biggest smile and a reminder why we all do this!!!"

Tyler Luke (U11 Barca)
"Tyler's shot stopping and bravery between the sticks has really stood out this month. Some fantastic finger tip saves, big kicks out of hand and some important dives at the opposition feet really stand out in what has been a mostly positive month for Barca. Well done Tyler - keep up the good work and keep organising that defence in front of you!"

Leo Ingle-Vincelli (U11 Bayern)
"March has been a fantastic month for the Linslade Galaxy Bayern U11 team, with several standout performances, but one player has truly gone above and beyond – Leo. Leo has shown incredible dedication and team spirit, always cheering on his teammates and offering support both on and off the pitch. His commitment to the team has been nothing short of inspiring, as he has demonstrated the true meaning of teamwork and adaptability. Throughout his time with Bayern, Leo has proved that he is willing to play anywhere in the team for the good of the group. When our goalkeeper was injured, Leo stepped up without hesitation, taking on the challenging role of playing in goal. His first game in goal was impressive enough to earn him Player of the Match, but it was his performance in the second game that truly stood out.

Leo kept a clean sheet through sheer bravery and excellence, making some incredible full-stretch saves that left both coaches and teammates in awe. His courage, determination and focus under pressure are a testament to his character. Despite the pressure of playing in a new position, Leo remained calm, focused and always encouraged his teammates - demonstrating that he is the heart of the team, no matter where he plays. Leo's consistent positivity and willingness to help in any way he can has earned him the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates alike. For his outstanding support, adaptability and exceptional performances in goal, Leo is most deserving of Player of the Month for March. Well done, Leo! Keep up the excellent work".

Scarlett Turney (U11 Panthers)
"I have nominated Scarlett for the March player of the month as she is a strong, committed and dedicated player who hasn't missed a beat all season. She is a central midfield player who will work her socks off all game without failure, not scared to put in a strong tackle, go one a solo run or set up a counter attack, she takes most of our corners and can deliver a perfect ball 9 times out of 10 even scoring directly from one. Her ability to read the game and see the danger makes her a really strong asset for the Panthers."

Izzy Falk (U12 Jaguars)

Izzy has had a superb March- finishing her first season with the Jaguars on a high. Her tireless work rate, twinned with high levels of skill has led to a superb month in terms of goals and assists in the league.

She has also shown herself to be a true team player sacrificing her normal attacking play to help the team out in defence a number of times when we have lost players to injury- including stepping into the centre of defence during an extremely tight cup game against the runaway leaders in division one. Izzy has been a real joy to work with this month and long may that continue!“

Gracie Soper (U12 Lions)
"To look at Gracie Soper, you wouldn't think of Katie McCabe, or Roy Keane or Erin Cuthbert or whoever your favourite no nonsense enforcer is. And at the start of the season if you were to look at Gracie play you wouldn't make this association either. Gracie has always been known as a skillful and technical player, a great passer with wonderful vision and reading of the game and a dangerous shot. More of a Bonmati or a Xavi you could say.

But recently, an uncompromising steel has appeared behind the eyes of Gracie in matches. As one of the smaller players in the team, Gracie initially found playing up a year daunting, but since playing some particularly physical opponents that fear has dissipated. Gracie is now not just a wonderful technician but a midfielder who can put in tough tackles and can hold her own when coming up against bigger more physical players. We are proud of Gracie for the bravery she has shown, the development in her game and the steps forward she has taken in this respect but also in developing her existing strengths too as she moves up to 9v9".

Callum Swaby (U12 Porto)
"Callum has helped pull the strings for us in midfield. Using his trickery to thread balls through, he has set up attacks and created opportunities for us to gain an advantage. He turned provider with two assists: a perfect cross from the left that was neatly finished, and whipping in a corner that was headed in. On top of that, he scored a sweet left-footed strike from long range."

Allegra Newman (U13 Pumas)
"Allegra is closing in on her second full season with the Pumas and is always listening and learning in training and wanting to improve by coming back the following week having practiced what I have challenged her. Allegra is one of those great wingers who can also play striker and always gives her best in either position. She has scored a couple of Pumas goals this month helping to get us out of our goal draught. Keep up the good work."

Alfie Rowland (U14 Lazio)
"Alfie had a really good month for Lazio, continuing his strong form over the season. Always a threat going forward, Alfie grabbed goals at the start of the month in the cup win against Sacred Heart and at the end of the month in the friendly at Flitwick. In between that he led the line tirelessly in the league match at Sacred Heart and was desperately unlucky not to come away with a goal. Aside from the matches Alfie is one of our regulars at Tuesday night training, always playing with a smile and good for a bit of banter, which makes him a pleasure to have on the team. Nice work Alfie."

Mali Obiajulu (U14 Spartak)
"Mali has been an absolute standout player throughout March, consistently delivering impressive performances in the CAM position and right midfield. His fantastic attitude, great tackling , and tireless work rate have been a joy to watch, and his confidence is growing with each game. Mali's dedication to the team and his passion for the game are an inspiration to his teammates, and we're thrilled to recognize his efforts with this Player of the Month award. Well done, Mali! Keep up the fantastic work!"

Michael Caulfield (U15 Ajax)
"One of the few original Ajax originals, Michael has not had it easy! His cerebral palsy has meant he has missed big chunks of time over the years, having major operations. He never moans, though, and lives for his football and his teammates, always giving the team 100%. All of his continued effort was rewarded in our away victory at MK City as he scored his first EVER goal, smashing the ball into the roof of the net to secure the points. The smile on his face (which I imagine is still there) was one of the highlights of the season! Well done, Michael!"

Well done to all the nominated team player of the months - keep up the great work!