A huge congratulations to Bella Ellaway for winning the Linslade Galaxy FC Player of the month award for April! Bella plays for our U13 Pumas team.

Marketing Coordinator, Natasha Grobler, from Gartec, the trophy sponsor, and who chose the winner out of the team players of the month, said, "I've chosen Bella because she sounds like a fierce young player—unstoppable in front of the goal and armed with throw-ins that defenders just can't handle! With her grit, energy, and game-changing impact, she's more than earned this month's spotlight for the Pumas."

Bella was put forward for the award by her team coaches for the following reasons:

"Bella Ellaway has been nothing short of outstanding this month! As a striker, Bella scored a goal in every single match throughout the month, showcasing her clinical finishing and knack for finding the back of the net. But it's not just her scoring that has impressed—she’s also provided a crucial assist per game with her powerful throw-ins, which have become a secret weapon for her team. Bella’s incredible work rate and determination on the field make her a constant threat to opposition defenses, and her relentless drive has been a key factor in her side's success. A well-deserved recognition for an all-around exceptional performance!."

There were plenty of other excellent performances in matches and training across the Club throughout April and these are recognised by many of the coaches, who put forward these players as their team's player of the month.

Morten Koch (U7 Inter)
"Morten tends to gravitate more towards a defensive role in the team and has always been good at tackling and tracking back, but he has also started to make more forward runs recently and is showing confidence with the ball at his feet. He has continued to improve his ball striking and shooting skills, culminating with him scoring his first goal for the team in April".

Olivia Masterson (U8 Meerkats)
"Olivia has the ultimate Meerkat story to tell this season, worked through her understandable nervousness at the beginning to become an established part of the team, and has recently been getting ever closer to a first goal - it is coming!! This month she has bounced back from a typical trampoline related injury that most footballers have to contend with during their short careers, to put in a series of good displays. Olivia is an outstanding trainer, not only reliable, but keen to listen and learn, and shows a range of attributes for the coaching team to work with over future seasons. Olivia has pace, good positional sense, a powerful shot, and is working hard at trying to win the ball back".

Harley Ellis (U9 Atletico)
"Harley is one of our defenders and has matured into a confident young player. He soaks up the information we give him at training and applies it to matches. His positional sense, ability to read the game and sniff out danger is getting better and better. He is developing strong partnerships with other defenders in our team. He is an integral part of the team".

Nina Burgin (U9 Leopards)
"Nina has been player of the match all month and has been rock solid at the back, keeping us in many games! Well done, Nina!"

Robyn Johnson (Bob) (U10 Bobcats)
"We haven't had many games, but Bob has been a driving force in the games we have played, offering that bit of desire in the middle of the pitch to keep us moving the ball forwards and leading by example. When we have asked for girls to up their work rate during a game, to go about battling for the ball and the desire to win it back, it has been Bob who is first to really set the standard for others to follow".

Joseph Kelly (U11 Barca)
"Barca only played two games in the month due to school holidays, but in those two games Joseph was excellent in the heart of defence. Joseph is really comfortable on the ball, and shows great composure as well as really good footwork. Joseph picked up the player of the match award late in April in our game against Great Linford, but Joseph has been consistently good in matches and in training all season. Well done Joseph - keep up the good work!"

Niamh Tompkins (U11 Panthers)
"I have selected Niamh this month for a number of reasons. Firstly she has progressed fantastically this season and her all round game has really developed. She is a solid defender who has no fear. Happy to put in a tackle or clear the ball even if it means she gets hit and ends up on the floor, she never backs out of it and always, she’s also progressed in her range of passing and ability and confidence to run with the ball. She is a fantastic team player who is willing to do whatever is needed for the team including going in goal if required too. As a team we have also gone through an evolution with new players coming in and Niamh is always the first one to introduce herself and welcome the new players into the team and makes them feel involved right from the very first moment so that the new players can integrate with ease and feel a part of the team immediately. Well done Niamh, keep up the good work.".

Evie Cotton (U11 Lionesses)
"Evie is getting this player of month award for her hard work and effort in training. This season has been tough on the lionesses as it's our first season we knew it was going to be but Evie's performances and effort especially in training had been superb. When I first meet Evie she was shy and hardly spoke to me and was always like nope I'm playing in defence and that's that, but recently I have switched her position which I may add she was not very happy about but she absolutely thrived. So well done Evie keep up your hard work".

Isla Ward (U12 Jaguars)
"Isla has had a great month, particularly in training. Working hard every session to improve her forward play. She always applies a positive mindset and gives it her all. She juggles both matches and swimming on a Saturday morning but doesn’t let that stop her! A fantastic month Isla - well done!".

Amber Hogg (U12 Lions)
"Amber is one of our longest serving Lions and ever present on the left wing. Amber is renowned for her blistering pace and skilful play, which she couples with high workrate and tenacity when tracking players back. This has led to some fantastic battles this season between her and the opposition winger she has been up against. Moving up a year with her teammates has been a fantastic challenge for Amber. Amber has subsequently developed her game, and we have been really impressed by how she has risen to the challenge and the confidence she has shown to try new things and pick out passes that she wouldn't have last season. Most of all, Amber is a brilliant and positive team player who demonstrates her passion for playing for the Lions every week. Off the pitch Amber has a terrific sense of humour and is a key contributor to the positive atmosphere we have in the team".

Jack Forsythe (U12 Porto)
"In our two games this month our striker Jack had to adopt a different role as we played teams battling for second place. With goals having been harder to come by for him recently, he adapted by playing a bit deeper and dropping into midfield more. He got more involved in the build-up play and linked up more effectively, with him scoring three goals in these two matches".

Amber Hackett (U13 Lynxes)
"Amber plays striker for the Lynxes and is a force to be reckoned with. Her strength, speed and persistence to win the ball means in the last two games alone she has scored eight goals! Amber has been relentless with her attacking runs this season, causing the opposing defence considerable problems. This month in particular Amber has shown a determination to stay positive on the pitch despite some tough score lines which is what we as coaches are very proud of. Well done Amber, keep scoring those goals!"

Dylan Morrison (U14 Spartak)
"As team captain, Dylan consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, determination, and a passion for the game. His versatility is impressive, playing in several positions with ease and adapting to different situations. But what truly sets Dylan apart is his commitment and dedication. A remarkable example of this was when he came back from holiday early to play in a midweek game against Wixams Wanderers. The sacrifice didn't go unnoticed, with his parents making an incredible 13-hour round trip from Holland to make the 6:30pm kick off. Dylan's commitment to the team and his fellow players is inspiring, and we're lucky to have him as part of the Linslade Galaxy Under 14 Spartak squad. Congratulations, Dylan and keep up the fantastic work!"

Seb Barnett (U15 Ajax)
"Seb had been outstanding through April as Ajax completed the month unbeaten and conceding just 2 goals. Our diminutive eight right has shown fantastic skills in defence but has also been a shining light pushing forward culminating in a brace against Woburn in out final league game. Every time he steps on the field, he has a big smile on his face and he is a joy to coach. Well done, Seb!"

Well done to all the nominated team player of the months - keep up the great work!