Junior Umpire of the Year!

Will achieved the goal he set himself at the beginning of the season this morning, by umpiring the L4's match. (Unfortunately his old coach wasn't playing as she was away but still it was a big step up). He did really well and Barry the Umpiring development officer for the club took time to come down and watch him and give him feed back afterwards.

We then went on to HBS where he played for the M7's in a mixed friendly to end the season. Back at the club for teas and I was pulled to one side and asked if Will was attending the end of season social tonight. He wasn't because I had assumed it was adults only. Turns out he had been nominated for a few awards and they wanted him there so would squeeze him in!

The fact he had to go nearly sent him into melt down because a) it had been sprung on him and b) he has no trousers apart from school trousers and although not formal it was supposed to be smart!

So off we went to Tesco of all places where I bought two pairs of jeans (the only trousers in his size) and home we came still whinging about going.

However once our of the shower and in some clothes and hair done to (finally) his satisfaction (with sea salt, barbers powder and hairspray!) his mood did a complete 360 turn around and he was up for it.

I am really glad he went because he was nominated for:
Junior Club Person of the Year
The Luke Hobson Memorial Award for Sportsmanship
and
Junior Umpire of the Year.

He won the Junior Umpire of the Year but to be nominated for three awards in one year shows how far he has come in the last seven months. Proud of him.

And tomorrow the u14 boys play in the Regional Plate Finals, as they rotate keepers Will isn't playing in this last big competition and although I thought that would annoy him he has volunteered to go as a Blueharts umpire instead of sulking at home on his PS. Another big step in his developing maturity.