A group of young footballers had a surprise end to the season when Pompey manager Guy Whittingham dropped in at a prize-giving.
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Guy Whittingham (back row, centre) visits Locks Heath Lions
Locks Heath Lions U11s were delighted by the Portsmouth FC manager’s visit when he presented them with their awards and spoke to the boys about their successful season in the Mid-Solent Saturday League.
The Coaches’ Player of the Year went to Connor Smith, the Most Improved Player was Nathan Watkins, while Harry Couchman scooped the Players’ Player and Parents’ Player award.
The youngsters played in the semi-final of the Hampshire Cup, but were beaten by Rushmoor Saints from Aldershot.
The Lions’ manager Glen Couchman said three players in their team wrote to League Two Pompey’s Guy Whittingham to see if he would visit the footballers and were shocked that he agreed.
“It was all a big surprise,” said Mr Couchman. “They all got the autographs and photos with him.
“It was their first season of 11-a-side football, they were the only team from the Mid-Solent League to make it to the semi-final of the Hampshire Cup and came fourth in the league overall. They’ve done really well and to have Guy there was a brilliant way to end the season and to boost them up.”
He hopes the visit will boost the youngsters morale for the new season in August playing and training at Brookfield School.
