22 Aug 2026 07:10:43
Around the Grounds.
Who's all taking in a game this weekend?
I'm at Queens Park vs Stennie today, hoping to see McCallion and Lawson getting some gane time.
Then Rangers vs Spartans tomorrow.
22 Aug 2026 08:34:33
Not this weekend EHL, in Crete getting baked.
22 Aug 2026 08:44:17
My daughter's match tomorrow EHL. We've managed to recruit a few new players and really building up momentum for a cracking season next year when they move up to 11 a side.
22 Aug 2026 09:13:33
Giffnock North v Drumchapel. Ross McCormack now playing amateurs.
22 Aug 2026 09:34:19
Not me, recovering from a lovely wedding which had a free bar!!
Should know better at my age.
Have a nice one, chaps.
22 Aug 2026 09:34:28
Yes EHL, away south to watch family.
22 Aug 2026 09:39:54
Lincoln City v Pompey, first home game in the Championship for 65 years.
22 Aug 2026 09:46:02
Just my kids games this weekend. My sons U20's got their first win on the season last night, and my daughter's got her first game of the season tomorrow. She's buzzing for it.
22 Aug 2026 10:02:13
Going back home to visit family and going to Villa v Forrest in a few weeks time, kind of dreading. Last time I went I ended up smashed and barely remembered the game. I woke up the next day with the fear.
22 Aug 2026 10:02:51
Nothing against Pompey whatsoever, but good luck to your team, Lincoln City today, Lincolnblue. 👍
22 Aug 2026 10:25:36
Love to hear that, Rostosto. Grass roots girls are really starting to flourish.
Also, amazes me just how wide a network we have on here and how passionate so many of us are for football at all levels.
I meant to say, John, I've been invited down to Man United womens as Eva (former Hearts head coach) is now in charge. Looking forward to spending some time at their training centre.
22 Aug 2026 10:40:41
Hel, I'm a coach at 2014s, just started 11s, so will be there. Also, I introduced omegaball at training a few weeks back on your recommendation and kid absolutely loved it. They didn't want to have a proper game at the end, they just wanted to continue with that. Any other drills you recommend please share. Cheers mate.
22 Aug 2026 10:43:11
Ehl, sorry.
22 Aug 2026 11:18:07
Brilliant to hear, Dundeeroyal. I really hope the SFA back it as it'll be great for development.
12-year-olds usually struggle with how wide an 11-a-side pitch is when they first step up, which means you end up with a crowded "beehive" in the midfield.
I like to set up a standard pitch, but use cones to mark out wide "tramlines" down both wings and play a normal 6v6 or 7v7.
Rules: Goals scored normally count as 1 point. However, if a team passes the ball into the wide tramline, and a teammate crosses it in for a goal, it counts as 3 points, or 5 for a header / volley.
"Gamifying" the wide areas encourages players to spread out and teaches midfielders to look for wingers and full-backs overlapping in space.
To start with, restrict defenders from entering the wide tramline until the ball enters it - this helps the teams rack up points, but also starts to build the concepts of marking space with young defenders.
Not as fun as omegaball, but once they usually start to enjoy it when the diving headers and volleys are flying in.
22 Aug 2026 11:35:12
EHL really appreciate this, mate. Again, if you can in any way help going forward, please give me a shout.