Continuing our occasional series in which we turn the spotlight on one of our teams, this month’s “team of the month” is our u10 Pumas, introduced by team manager Michael Dean who is supported with coaching and team management by 1st team player Summer Evans.

The Pumas started out as a new team just after the start of the 2023/24 season, being drawn from players from our “Wildcats” centre with additional recruits added to the mix. Initially playing more experienced teams, it took a little while for them to adjust to the challenge of playing matches but it’s a challenge they have embraced and they have come on in leaps and bounds since then.

Lily aka ‘The Cat’
Lily joined the team at the start of last season having never played football before and she went straight between the sticks and has been in goal ever since. Lily loves to shout ‘Out’ at her defenders and has provided some big saves over the last 18 months and keeps working hard and improving week on week.

Umayyah
Umayyah joined the team at the start of last season and initially played in midfield - until one week where due to absences she found herself playing in defence and has not looked back since. Umayyah is a warrior on the pitch with a no-nonsense attitude and does not stop. Last season she was named the managers player of the year due to her performances week in week out.

Ivy
Ivy has been with Pride Park for a couple of years and was part of the Wildcats before the team started in the league last season. Ivy although will try to convince you that she is a striker, she is a more than competent defender. Ivy is one of the younger members of the team and has embraced the league and cup games improving week on week playing in defence

Bella
Bella is a more recent recruit to the Pumas and has settled into the team really quickly. Bella is a versatile player and has been playing in defence since joining the team and is not shy to get stuck in and try to win the ball back when playing - as opposition forwards are finding out!

Evie
Evie has been with the team since the start and found herself playing in defence at the early stages of last season before moving into midfield. Since moving into midfield, Evie has not looked back. Evie is tenacious, really comfortable on the ball and has an eye for a pass and is becoming a complete midfielder with each passing week.

Dela
Dela was a late addition to the team at the start of last season - and what an addition she has been! Dela has a real engine on her and covers every blade of grass each game she plays. Dela is extremely versatile and plays in midfield and also helps out in defence when called upon. Dela has a real knack for sniffing out danger on the pitch and is not scared to go into a challenge to win the ball back for her team. Dela was named the teams Most Improved player last season.

Tayla-Rose
Tayla has been a new recruit to the Pumas this season and has got into her stride quickly. Tayla has proved her versatility this season where she has played in defence and has also played in midfield. Tayla has a terrific work rate and works hard for her team-mates and is improving with each game that she plays.

Isabella
Known as Bella by all of us, Bella joined us right at the start of last season and like the team was trying to get to grips with playing matches but by Christmas last year she was up and running. Bella has flourished into a dynamic midfielder who has a real engine in the middle of the park and has a keen eye for a pass but is not afraid to shoot when given the chance and doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Bella’s performances were recognised last season as she was named Players’ Player and Parents’ Player of the Season.

Emily
Warrior by name, Warrior by Nature, “ Millie” is the ultimate team player and a real driving force in the team - and does everything at 100mph! Even though she is one of the youngest members of the team, her performances certainly do not show it. Millie will cover every inch of the pitch twice over every game. Nicknamed “Pizza Feet” for a couple of dodgy shots (which she hates!), Millie’s performances are infectious and leaves parents feeling tired watching her.

Enya
Enya joined the Pumas this season after coming to training in the summer and has hit the ground running in the games she has played so far. Enya has been playing as a forward in the team and has been causing defences problems with her constant hassling and willingness to run at them with the ball.

Erin
Erin is the youngest player in the team, but you would not think so with the way she plays. Erin plays upfront and has a real knack of being in the right place at the right time and has a real eye for goal. Her first touch is brilliant and she links up play with her midfielders really well, bringing others into the game and her unselfish nature is a real asset to the team.