The decade passes by and it has been a significant one in the development of Coventry Sphinx Juniors. Under the chairmanship of Dannie Cahill the club has evolved from the original 4 teams to the present day where every age group from under 8s to under 16s has at least one team representative.
The concept of the club is to develop quality technical footballers with the spirit, discipline and determination to be part of a TEAM unit. Coaches have worked tirelessly on the training ground to practise techniques, nurture the young players and give them the confidence to express their talent.
This talent is bringing success to the club, with cup and league titles and in 2009 three teams won their league titles with unbeaten records and the Sphinx club won the Birmingham County cup for the first time in the clubs history.
The club is always looking to improve with coach education; Darren Whitehouse has just successfully completed his UEFA B qualification, well done to him and to all the coaches and managers who work within the family Sphinx.
The family was tested this year with the loss of our great friend Gibbo our thoughts are still with his family, as a group we can take pride and inspiration from his strength of character, wit and love and desire for Coventry Sphinx Club. We can all move forward in 2010 backed by the memory of the BIG MAN!
The links with Danny Mac and the senior teams is developing well with many players who have come through the junior ranks now representing the senior teams, these players have an in built passion for the club and their increasing quality can only improve the status of the club long term.
The increase in quality is noticeable by the number of players that have been recently identified in the blue and white of Sphinx and selected for professional academies, will the next decade see our first Championship or Premiership player?!
Looking into 2010 we plan to join the Midland Junior Premier League at under 16 level this will prepare the players better for the step up to the Midland Floodlit Youth League and prevent other local semi-pro clubs taking our players.
Finally to everybody involved in the club Players, committee, managers, coaches and parents have a very Happy New Year and a prosperous one for family Sphinx in 2010.
Nigel Starkey
