Going up an age group now, Sunday Mid Staffs Junior Premier League, a side managed by Simon Dawson alongside coach, Alex Davies. Who are all proudly supported by Advanced Flooring Solutions, you can view their website by this link, https://www.advancedflooringsolutions.co.uk/.

Simon and Alex are managing a team that are in their third year of playing together at Eccleshall, however majority of the team have actually played together for six years now.

Simon Dawson spoke on his U12 side.

“Our U12s squad represents everything youth football should stand for — values, team spirit, and a genuine love for the game. Over the years, these players have grown not only as athletes but as young people, forming friendships that will last a lifetime and building memories they will carry far beyond the pitch. At the heart of this team is a clear commitment to togetherness. They support one another, both on and off the pitch and celebrate each other’s successes. Their attitude and resilience embody the club’s ethos: work hard, stay humble, and always play for each other.

Representing the club in the Sunday Mid Staffs Junior Premier League, the team consistently shows maturity, determination, and passion in their performances. But beyond the results, what truly sets them apart is the respect, integrity, teamwork, and a drive to improve every week.
The boys are proud to play for a club with a clear pathway, where every child is supported in their footballing journey. They benefit from a genuinely nurturing environment led by coaches who prioritise development over results, focusing on creating confident, well‑rounded players. The club’s strong community feel ensures that every child feels welcomed, valued, and encouraged — both on and off the pitch.

Three years in, this group has become more than just a football team. They are a tight-knit unit, a group of friends, and a shining example of what can be achieved when young players are given belief, guidance, and a place to grow.  Backed up by an amazing set of supportive parents it has been a pleasure to work with these talented youngsters and showcase their talents under the Eccleshall FC badge. 

The future is bright for this outstanding U12s team — and their journey is only just beginning.”

Below is Simon’s view on each player, who are pictured in order of the photo above. We are unfortunately missing a few but they will be added eventually;
 
Players

Finley Dawson – brave and commanding presence between the posts, Finn combines quick reactions, calm distribution, and an impressive understanding of the game.  Big Geoff to his teammates.  Finn is our number one that bases his game on Jordan Pickford.  Comfortable with his feet and playing from the back, Finn is an excellent shot stopper.  Always looking to improve and work hard, never misses training and his attitude is second to none.  Always supportive of his teammates and has become a big voice on the pitch. 

Jude Davies – Captain and box to box central midfielder.  Jude is an exceptional talent that sets ridiculously high standards for himself and his teammates both in training and games.  A technically elite, hard‑working midfielder who dictates tempo, beats opponents with ease, and gives everything for the badge — a true engine in the middle of the park and a player with huge potential.  Jude is technically outstanding with an eye for goal and a tackle and can leap like a salmon.  Top personality and attitude to football but lets himself down by supporting United.

Alex Vickers – Vice Captain - Blessed with lightning pace, Alex is a constant problem for opposition attackers. Confident and composed, he is excellent with his feet, building play from the back with calm passing, sharp decision‑making, and the bravery to take the ball under pressure. Alex is a fearless modern day defender that brings immense amounts of energy to games and his ability to transition from defence to attack is a pleasure to watch. Nightmare for a variety of reasons in training but a great lad on and off the pitch. 

Owen Richardson – Energetic centre midfielder, quick, technical feet and exceptional movement off the ball. With a naturally low centre of gravity, Owen glides through tight spaces, turning away from pressure with ease and maintaining remarkable balance even under physical challenges.  Coupled with his offensive qualities Owen also displays outstanding work rate covering ground relentlessly and bringing composure and calm to the team. 

Edward Murray – Strong, committed and composed Central Defender.  Eddie is in his first year at the club and has been a revelation.  Eddie reads the game extremely well and his commitment to winning the ball make him an exciting watch at the back.  He is excellent with the ball at his feet in passing as well as carrying the ball at pace. Great personality to have at the club and has settled in hist first season as if he has been with us all his life.   

Devon Pemberton – Another ever present of the squad from the age of 6, Devon is an accomplished defender that is comfortable playing through the lines.  He is excellent in the air and has looked a threat from set pieces in attack.  Always committed and has been a pleasure being part of his journey and watching him improve.  Big personality within the squad and loves a cuppa at training and consistently one of the top performers in the training win a slush puppy challenge. 

Samuel Sharman – Sammy is a creative wide midfielder with golden vision.  He can pick passes and thread balls through the eye of a needle, has tricky feet and is comfortable going left or right in attack.  Cool finisher in front of goal and a great person to have amongst the squad.  Great attitude to football and has become a popular member of the squad since joining a couple of years back. Not sure where he got the ability as he does support Leicester!

Jack Podmore –  Tough tackling ball playing defender that continues to improve year on year.  Strong in the air and comfortable playing out from the back, Jack is seen a real leader within the squad.  Jack has been with the squad since the age of 6 and is an important member of the group.  Not afraid to chop down one of his coaches if they get in his way during a training drill. Talented player as well as always committed and looking to improve make Jack a coaches dream. 

Jude Swift – Versatile and adaptable defender/midfielder.  Jude is comfortable on either foot, giving him a natural advantage in tight spaces and under pressure. His versatility allows him to slot seamlessly into defensive or midfield roles, offering the team reliability, balance, and technical quality wherever he plays. Jude is a dependable, technically gifted, and tactically mature young player, he brings flexibility and quality to every match and has been a great addition in his first season with the team.  Main area of his game to work on is to tie his boot laces. 

Sebastian Kapes – Tricky and pacy winger that has massively improved with his time at the club becoming a key player in attack.  Technically brilliant and consistently providing us with a goal of the season contender, Seb can cut in from the left or attack directly down the right. Bags of ability and defensive side to his game also massively improved. Can cross like David Beckham and loves an assist.  Future Management material as he can’t half talk when on the sidelines!

Jason Rai (Not Pictured)– High‑energy left sided winger, Jason combines explosive pace, quick feet, and fearless creativity to torment defenders. Always positive in possession, he loves to take players on, using sharp changes of direction, close control, and clever footwork to create space where none seems available.  His work rate is exceptional and is equally happy in relentlessly pressing as he is in tracking back.  Dynamic and unpredictable style of play make Jason a real threat in front of goal.  Fantastic addition to the squad this season.

Harry Dakin(Not Pictured) – Strong, dynamic, skilful and hard-working striker.  Harry is a defender’s nightmare as he doesn’t have a gear below 5.  Excellent feet, eye for goal and hold up play means he has already become an important player for the team contributing goals and assists in every game he has played.  Sets himself extremely high standards but worries the coaches weekly that he is going to turn up at the weekend injured due to his high intensity commitment to football in the playground, at school and home.  Already on a training nutmeg warning!
 
If you wish to get involved with supporting our U12s you can get in touch via our social media’s. Instagram (@eccleshallfc / @efcreserves), Facebook (Eccleshall Football Club / Eccleshall Football Club Reserves) or X (@eccleshallfc) or email Simon_dawson@spring.com.