A huge congratulations to Gracie Soper for winning the Linslade Galaxy FC Player of the month award for December! Gracie plays for our U13 Lions team.

Lead Generator, Sarah Raynor, from Gartec, the trophy sponsor, and who chose the winner out of the team players of the month, said, "What amazing nominations and comments first of all!!! But GRACIE SOPER stood out for me. The fact she has been there from the start and helped the team I think this is 100% deserving of the player of the month".

Gracie was put forward for the award by his team coaches for the following reasons:

"Gracie is now a Lions veteran having been with the team since the absolute start. Her game intelligence, positioning, reading of the game, and wonderful passing in central midfield has been a huge asset to the team and has helped to drive the team to some excellent results this season. As well as being a brilliant technician, Gracie is a committed and well-liked member of the team with her teammates making up (and singing) a chant for her in the last game! Well done, Gracie!."

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

Saiorse Hodge (U8 Meerkats)
"It’s been an exceptional month for Saoirse, who racked up an incredible 9 goals, including two hat-tricks, and still somehow found time for a starring role in goal - all across just three games in December. Saoirse has enjoyed a fantastic season so far, hitting 23 goals before Christmas, but that headline figure only tells part of the story of what has been a remarkable month.

Despite openly finding the colder conditions particularly challenging — something often highlighted by her famously quirky choice of headwear — Saoirse’s recent performances have been outstanding. Like all of our girls, she’s shown real bravery, scoring some superb goals, but just as importantly stepping up for the team when it really mattered. During one game she unexpectedly replaced our injured goalkeeper, and in another she delivered a vital and fantastic performance between the sticks under significant pressure, helping to preserve the Meerkats’ incredible unbeaten record.

Saoirse’s talent is clear to see, but what has really stood out is her growing confidence - pressing defenders, winning the ball back in dangerous areas, and showing just how much hard work she’s been putting in on the training ground. A thoroughly deserved Player of the Month - well done, Saoirse".

Toby Ngathe (U10 Atletico)
"Toby is a key member of our defensive back line and slots in seamlessly with whoever he partners in defence. Toby is getting stronger and more confident with each game and each training session. His ability to recover, sense danger and deal with it is incredible. He covers the ground with great speed and with purpose. You don't get past Toby easily, even if you think you have.

Toby is now starting to think more about the ball at his feet as oppose to just kicking it anywhere. He is thinking about taking a touch, passing to a team mate, passing it forward and not into danger. We have recently seen him pirouette with the ball and take players on, something he would never have done previously. Keep it up Toby".

Nina Burgin (U10 Leopards)
"Nina has scored a good few goals, she's a very good team player, is always at training and has great relationships with the girls. Parents describe Nina as “the machine that is Nina” always 100% effort on and off the pitch. Supporting the girls all the time and scored a few goals. Lots of positive energy and never gives up!"

Myla Croft (U11 Bobcats)
"Myla is someone who sets a standard for the rest of the girls, whether it's training or matches. She's started to be a natural leader on the pitch, directing others even when she is on the bench. She continues to grow as a player as well as helping those around her".

Hollie Hedges (U13 Panthers)
"Hollie has had a fantastic start to the season adapting from centre mid to centre back when other enforced changes within the team came into effect. She is a strong and confident player who is happy to put in big tackles and drive forward with the ball when the opportunity presents to do so. As a competent defender she has been able to handle 1 on 1 situations with composure and prevented goal scoring opportunities and has often come away with the ball and driven the team forward again with either a solo run to get up the field or with decisive passes which have put the team back on the front foot".

The whole team (U13 Porto)
"The Porto team are our December players of the month. Despite only one game in December, Porto made it count. In frosty conditions, the team showed resilience and attacking intent to secure a hard-fought win. They bounced back after going behind and got stronger as the game went on in a dominant display. Every player stepped up, showcasing the team's progress with rock-solid defending, grit and creativity in midfield, and relentless forward play. This was a performance full of character, skill, and togetherness. It was a statement victory to end 2025, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead!".

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