February 2026 Player of the Month
Although there were only a handful of nominations for February, this might be the tightest contest yet!
Three players were all within just 1 point of winning. Have a read of their fab write ups and see if you can guess why....
U16s February POTM Nomination - Ethan!
This is Ethan’s first season with us, and he has literally come through the crowd and made himself an integral part of the Tiger team.
Having lost 6 players at the end of last season, we had open trials to try and rebuild the team. Ethan’s old team had folded so was looking for a team. During his trial I could see what he could bring to the team, initially as a squad player to cover defensive roles and a backup goalkeeper. We decided to offer him a place to cover these positions as a squad player. I remember explaining to him clearly at the time that another team in Div 2 needed a centre back and he would easily get signed for them and play every game, or he could sign for us as a squad player and fight for his place in a Div1 team – he chose to challenge himself and sign for us and I’m so glad we offered the place to him and he accepted the challenge.
Ethan started off very nervous and was very hesitant in training and games, but as time has gone on he has slowly grown into our first choice right centre back. He has always been a lad of few words and has a quiet demeanour, however we have seen him grow so fast in his game, general confidence and has fully gelled into the team. He is still quite reserved in his character, but boy does he make up for it when he plays. He is now the first choice right CB and the carrot we put out to him has been well and truly grabbed. I don’t think we have anyone else on the team that can slide tackle like him cleanly, with a crunch! Through his own work and rise he has earned the respect of his team, that was not always there from the start and I’m personally super proud that he has managed to not just turn others but turn himself into a believer and succeeded when given the opportunity.
Well done, Ethan, you are a perfect example of the “never give up” attitude we try to instil in everyone and its so heart warming to see your progress and growth in such a short space of time. This is a great grassroots story where a lad lost his team, found himself in a new team and has flourished in and out of football in this important educational year. Just one last thing Ethan – you have been fantastic so a few more smiles please son, need to see that more often 😊 Good luck!
U13s Lions
Our Player of the Month for February goes to Jake. Since joining the squad at the start of the season, Jake has slotted straight into the team and quickly become a key part of how we play. His passion for the game is clear every time he steps onto the pitch.
Jake has taken on the CDM role brilliantly. He does the hard work in front of the back line, protecting the defence with determination and intelligence, while also helping drive the team forward and start our attacks. His work rate, commitment, and willingness to battle for every ball have made a huge impact on the team.
Jake is a fiery and competitive character, and earlier in the season he sometimes found it difficult when decisions didn’t go his way. However, he has shown real growth and maturity, and the way he now channels that passion positively for the team has been fantastic to see.
Jake’s development, attitude, and performances this month have been outstanding, and he fully deserves to be recognised as our U13s Lions Player of the Month for February. Well done, Jake – keep it going!
U14 Panthers
Our player of the month for February is William.
This lad is always wanting to improve and constantly asking the coaches advice on how to get better. He is his own worst critic and can sometimes let his head drop if he misses an opportunity to score.
We have told him to start looking for positives in every situation. This seems to have lifted him and the last couple of Wednesday session he has been standing out positively. He never criticises his teammates, ever and is a model team player.
Will has been involved with Wellingborough town youth since before the Panthers were formed and has probably only missed training a handful of times. His consistency won him Player of the season last season, he has maintained this in the first part of the season. Which may have caused him to go a little unnoticed. But since new year he has really kicked on with his improvement.
Well done William.
Under 11’s
Our U11 POTM nomination is for Jason.
Jason has been in great form recently, scoring freely during February. We've seen headers, individual goals and collaborations that demonstrates Jason's qualities.
In addition to Jason's goals, there have been some assists and great all round performances.
We've seen Jason's altheticism going forward but have had to develop his defensive awareness. We're delighted to see progress with Jason's support play and when he puts together both the defensive and offensive elements, he makes for an accomplished midfielder.
We're looking forward to a continuation of Jason's defensive development to take his game to the next level.
Under 8 lions
February player of the month is Roy Marriott
Roy is the heart beat of the team his eagerness to impress and please his coaches is a testament to his character . All he wants to do is please everyone and become a better player and he certainly is that!!
February especially has been a challenging month for Roy especially at school but when he comes to football it seems like it’s his safe space and his teammates are his safety net he loves football and loves his teammates.
A game in February typified Roy’s character and the character of the team. Losing 5-2 at HT, I said to the lads ”we go and win this half 3-0 “and they duly answered the challenge. Roy was the heartbeat in this comeback. Having early made a mistake from which the opposition scored from Roy was heartbroken I brought him off for him to gather himself together. When Roy was ready to came back on, he had a hand in 2 of the goals towards the comeback. One was a memorable one from which he scored directly from a corner The game finished 5-5
Keep on being you Roy you’re a great little lad and a fantastic teammate 👍🏼👍�
Who were your top 3? The panel almost unanimously had Roy from the Under 8's, Jake from the Under 13's, and Ethan from the Under 16's in their top 3, and it was only the order of them that meant we have a single winner, by just that 1 point.....
Congratulations Ethan - Under 16 Tigers. To come in as you have and cement yourself in just a season is incredibly hard to do, and deserves all the credit!
To Roy and Jake, commiserations this time, but we know how hard you have worked and it's clear you're both doing great things in your teams. Keep going.
Until next time....
