CHAMPIONS
The Story so far....
formed in 2002, Waterside Juniors have continued to grow in stature both on and off the pitch. In our first season, 2002/03, we were able to field two teams in the under 11's mini soccer of the Burton Junior Football League. Although no success was achieved in the League, the club managed to survive the season and make plans for youth soccer. The highlight of the season was reaching the final of the U10's competition at the Burton Albion funday. Playing in front of the main stand on the Eton Park pitch was a moment to be proud of but sadly after overcoming Willington in the semi-final, we lost out to TL Darby in the final. Having their picture taken with Nigel Clough was some consolation for the lads though !
Season 2003/04 saw us play 11-a-side in division 2 of the U12's. This was a baptism of fire for us as a team as we struggled to cope with the demands of 11-a-side football. Facing defeat after defeat, we were fortunate that a nucleus of players stuck around in order to provide the future backbone of the 2004/05 team.
Season 2004/05 remains the highlight of our short history. Bolstered by the signing of local lads :- Michael, Ian & Rossi as well as Ross AT plus Matt and my old mate Mitch after the first few games, we became a force to be reckoned with. After losing our first three matches by the odd goal, everything clicked and then we just couldn't lose. The team oozed quality and goals were aplenty with Craig and Josh knocking in nearly seventy between them. Our indifferent start to the season meant we could not win the division but we were well satisfied with runners up spot after getting 37 out of a possible 39 points !
Season 2005/06 saw us in the top division with the big boys. We managed to keep the majority of the runners up squad with a few additions. It was tough, with Bass Juniors showing us the difference in class. We stuck together though in the main and ground out a win at Whittington as well as a fine 5-5 draw against Doveridge who upto then had not dropped a point. Several lads left the Club due to the higher level of football we were involved in whilst replacements were drafted in. Our best was just not good enough as we saw each mistake punished week in week out. Alot of the games this season were a pleasure to watch as they were played in the true spirit of the game with a friendly crowd. The games away to Doveridge and at home to AC Esportivo were typical of this. Sadly though, the one thing we could not teach the lads was experience which at this level was needed. Nevertheless though, we always put up a good show and were always commented upon due to the good behaviour of the lads. No one likes to get relegated but we would learn from it and bounce back a better,stronger side.
Season 2005/06 also saw great progress off the pitch. Matt qualified as a FA Level 2 coach after much hard work over a 8 month period. The Club achieved FA Charter Standard Club status which was a fantastic achievement for a small club like ourselves.
The demise of Drakelow Power Station meant the end of our home matches being played there. After much hard work though, the Club secured the use of and improvements to the Heath Rd pitch. We would now have top class changing facilities as well as a pitch right in the heart of the community.
Summer 2006 looms and with it the usual attraction of tournaments. With five entered this Summer we hope to bring some well deserved silverware home.
