Players and managers from South Hampstead Football Club celebrate a magnificent season. Inset: Under-13s winners Terryl Harding-Nathan (manager’s player), Devon Ossei-Manyan (most assists), Callum Doyle (most improved player) and Elias Farah (players’ player)

Coaches set to uncover youth talent

Clubs invited to take part in summer friendlies and help budding players

ONE of Camden’s up and coming football teams are inviting top Islington clubs to join in a series of matches throughout the summer in a bid to help uncover the hidden talent that is going to waste across the two boroughs.
Coaches from South Hampstead Football Club are hoping that a host of friendlies against community based Islington teams will encourage scores of talented players to get more involved in the beautiful game.
The idea has more than taken off with South Hampstead, who have continued to go from strength-to-strength since kicking-off as a club three and a half years ago. Having starting with just eight players at their home pitch in Grange Park, the club now boasts more than 65 promising young footballers.
On Thursday all the players joined coaches Martin Lovejoy, Micky Dowsett and Ahmed Mohammed at their home pitch in Kilburn for a special awards ceremony celebrating what has been a magnificent season for the club.
South Hampstead’s under-13s have enjoyed an outstanding season, which has seen them win the league and cup double in the Regent’s Park League, the Unity Cup and the Winchester Project’s Champions League in Swiss Cottage.
Not to be outdone, the club’s under-11s have also won countless honours this term, including the Regent’s Park League and the Winchester Project’s Champions League.
Camden Sports Development Officer Micky Dowsett revealed: “Thursday was such a proud moment for everyone involved in the club, especially Martin who has been with the boys since day one.
“He has been instrumental in making South Hampstead such a success. Without his enthusiasm and encouragement the club would never have happened. Now we want to see what some of the top teams from Islington have to offer and hopefully the experience will help South Hampstead become an even greater club.”
Head coach Martin, who chipped in with the other senior coaches to buy all the players trophies, couldn’t hide his delight with how well Thursday’s celebrations turned out. He revealed: “To see the youngsters enjoying themselves really makes it all worthwhile.”