The 2006/07 season was a fantastic success for the Thames Mini/Midi section, we increased in size, our players improved greatly and to cap it all off we brought home our first piece of silverware.

Last season saw our youngest club members enter the arena of competition for the very first time and they did not let themselves or the club down. It was heard said many a time how impressed other team coaches were of our boys and girls, spirit, desire and courage.

We entered several tournaments and each time excelled in each age group. Of course we would all love to be the winning side every time but our players are learning their skills and they proved that they are teams for the future. The Barking festival was our first big challenge and we came so close to take a number of awards home. The under 7 side performed excellently by taking the Third place plate. The under 8’s were just edged out of their own third place but not through their own play but sadly some inconsistent refereeing. The under 9 side just needed to win their last game to find themselves in a 3^rd place play off but despite holding their own for long periods of the game did not manage it. The under 10 side challenged well in their pool but they came up against far more experienced teams and although they gritted their teeth and dug in it just wasn’t enough.

Our second festival of the season was at Chelmsford and although sadly we did not get past the pool stages the teams were once again outstanding in their determination. At every age level the coaches reported back that along with our own supporters the Thames teams were being cheered on by all the other teams around them, not through pity but through admiration of their non stop effort to try right up until the last whistle, this is something in itself to be proud of.

As well as the festivals we went away and entertained at home a number of teams in friendly fixtures. These games were of great benefit to the players as they were able to start building on their training and putting into practice what they have learnt over the previous months.