A huge congratulations to Matthew Hoskins for winning the Linslade Galaxy FC Player of the month award for February! Matthew plays for our U15 Ajax team.

Group Sales Director, Matthew Champion, from Gartec, the trophy sponsor, and who chose the winner out of the team players of the month, said, "Matthew Hoskins is going to be my chosen player of the month, it sounds like he has been absolutely outstanding this month, both as a player and as a leader. His commitment on the field has seemed to be second to none, scoring in all three games and with maximum effort covering the pitch. But what truly stands out is his leadership. As captain, Matthew's influence extends beyond just his performances. His relentless work rate and never-say-die attitude inspire his teammates to push themselves harder, while his motivating team talks both before games and at halftime to unite and energize the squad. Matthew is the epitome of a leader, setting the standard through his actions as well as his words, and his leadership has played a pivotal role in Ajax's unbeaten run throughout February, a massive congratulations to the team, furthermore he has a fantastic first name!!!"

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

"Our captain has been in imperious form over the last month and has certainly led by example, scoring in all three games. Matthew 'AKA Foxy' has covered every blade of grass and inspires his teammates with his indefatigable work rate as Ajax were unbeaten in February. Not only a great player, but also a great leader who gives some fantastic team talks both before games and at half time.."

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

Barnaby Eaglesham (U7 Inter)
"Barnaby is already showing the makings of a talented goalkeeper and put in a few great performances between the sticks contributing to the successful season that the team is having so far. He has also put in some decent performances as a defender when he comes put on pitch, making a lot of big tackles and then looking to pass the ball on to the midfield to start our own attack. Barnaby is a pleasure to coach, always listening and working hard both in training and on match days.".

Elspeth Cusack (U8 Meerkats)
"Elspeth is an example of the bravery of the young Meerkats players, as like most of them she had suffered a dip in confidence earlier in the season. Most of our girls are playing up a year, and at such a young age it is so impressive to see how Elspeth has shown the resilience to bounce back, put in a series of excellent performances on the pitch and show renewed enthusiasm for the game in training. Elspeth is not only brave in her tackles but brave on the ball. She shows excellent pace and with her skilful dribbling on the wing, she is often found dancing past players and setting up goalscoring opportunities for others. Even when the scoreline is against us, she continues to put a lot of effort in, keeps a smile on her face, and loves to have a laugh with her teammates."

Rohan Oliver (U9 Atletico)
"Rohan has settled into our squad both in terms of training and matches, seamlessly. He is super enthusiastic and passionate about playing and gives his all in both training and matches. It is a pleasure to have him in our team."

Kimberley Elliott (U9 Leopards)
"The Leopards are brand new to the league and played their first matches in February. Kimberley scored three fantastic goals while opposition coaches praised her amazing technical skill and the fact that she never gives in! Well done Kimberley!"

Myla Croft (U10 Bobcats)
"Myla's performances in defence have been exceptional and she is starting to show real leadership qualities on the pitch, helping direct her defensive partners as well as becoming more comfortable and confident on the ball herself to progress the ball out of defence."

James Lewis (U10 Juve)
"James is an all round fantastic lad, he has a great attitude towards training, matches and his team mates, he is a pleasure to coach and makes our job easier, the reason for getting player of the month this month, is because of his excellent performances out on pitch lately, he plays with great intelligence and intensity, using his speed and tenacity to get back and make covering tackles as well as, making great runs with the ball or finding a lovely pass, in the last few weeks he has chipped in with some great goals, with one pretty much taking goal of the season already, an excellent leap at the back post with a driving first time header from a cross, a great goal that Jean Philippe Mateta would of been proud of, keep up the great work James, top lad well done."

Harrison Garrity (U10 Milan)
"Harrison’s commitment for training and game day is 100%. His drive is showing in the success in the Milan performances. Harrison has been with Galaxy for a number of years now. In which we have had the pleasure to see his development and growth first hand. Harrison can play in any role on the pitch with a high level of determination and dedication. Harrison can be a rock in defence and bang in goals up top. His powerful right foot has found the target countless times. Making him a key player for Galaxy and one that other team members look up to. Harrison’s hard work, passion and skill have not gone unnoticed. As now Harrison has been scouted by Luton and will trial at the Luton Town player development centre. We wish Harrison all the best on the trial and fingers crossed for the move to the Luton academy squad. It's been a pleasure coaching Harrison from a young age. Keep up the great work Harrison."

Dom Webb (U10 Roma)
"Dom has been outstanding in defence making him Roma's player of the Month. His strong tackles and great performances have been consistent in the Linslade Galaxy shirt. Dom is a force in defence and any player trying to run through on goal is quickly hunted down with well-timed sliding tackles. During a recent match Dom produced a great tackle on a player who was through on goal. Dom closed him down and timed his tackle to perfection. Dom's determination and hunger to work hard for the team during every match means he never gives up. Dom's performances have been impressive and he's loving his football. He's helped the team gain some great performances and his driving runs from the back often see him running the whole length of the pitch. Well done on being named Roma's player of the month, well deserved!"

Oliver Gavigan (U11 Barca)
"Barca only played two league games and a single friendly in February, but Oliver has shown real improvement during those three matches. Oliver's concentration has really improved, as has his positional sense and general work rate to get back and get the defensive tackles in when needed. Oliver picked up a player of the match award in early February and fully deserves a Player of the Month nomination too. Keep up the good work Oliver and keep nudging your game forwards!!"

Lilly-rose Cowley (U11 Lionesses)
"As the coach for the Lionesses and Lilly-Rose being my daughter it's a tough decision to give this to Lilly-rose because I don't want to be seen as being biased towards her as she is my daughter. The same is also true in matches, and so, when it comes to player of the match awards, I tend to pick other players over her because she is my daughter. But Lilly-rose has been with us from day one and has got nothing but better week in week out. She has out in some magical performances scoring goals on the way playing in every position going on the pitch. She has gone from having no confidence not wanting to take a penalty in shootouts to asking to take the 1st and putting 2 out of three away in bottom and top corners. For these reasons, it gives me great delight to award her player of the month for the Lionesses. Well done Lilly-rose keep up the good work."

Ava Proctor (U11 Panthers)
"Ava has been absolutely on fire this month and has been an absolute beast in goal with saves that any WSL or Premier league keeper would be proud of. Not only is she a great keeper but a great leader of the team as well with her positivity and organisation out on the field bossing her defence around when required. There have been games where she's had very little to do for quite a long period but she has stayed focused and retained concentration pulling off goal saving stops at the drop of the hat, her distribution to put the team on the front foot has also seen her take the team from defence to offence with a single pass from a goal kick and this has bought us opportunities up the field to score and put games to bed."

Tianna Trainor (U12 Jaguars)
"Tianna is an all-action midfielder who has a fantastic season so far - but February has seen her take it to another level. Her work rate in training is continually high which is resulting in dominant match day performances- controlling the centre of midfield, with plenty of goals and assists thrown in. Tianna is skilful and full of energy and she never shy's away from a tackle! The Jags are unbeaten in February and Tianna has been a key part of team. Congratulations Tianna - fantastic month and season so far!"

Freya Hazelden (U12 Lions)
"Freya joined us this year and is one of our most committed players in terms of training attendance. Freya has done well in training and shows a great willingness to learn and develop. In particular, Freya has been working really hard recently on her defensive position in training and transferring this to matches. Freya has demonstrated on numerous occasions that she is a fantastic team player, and is always happy to play in a variety of positions across defence and midfield – including a fantastic cameo role in centre midfield against top of the table Bedford. Most notably in a recent match Freya courageously put her hand up to go in goals and did a great job when our keeper had to nip off at half time.".

Tom Ashpole and Hugo Elkington (U12 Porto)
"It's a joint nomination for Tom and Hugo, who've had strong performances in both of our games this month. Tom terrorised the Newport defence, showing confidence to take them on and it was his cross into the box which got diverted into the goal. He continued the good work in our cup game and his forward run created space for him to turn provider and set up a goal. Hugo has enjoyed playing right back and his solid displays have seen him delivering nice balls down the wing to support our attacks and filling in to stop danger. It was his confidently struck penalty in the final minutes which helped seal our spot in the semi-final of the cup."

Ava Aspinall (U13 Lynxes)
"Ava has had a great season so far but in particular this month her defensive skills at centre back have kept us in the games. In particular our home win against Luton which, in the first half, had Ava not been on fire, with tackles and intercepting passes, could have seen a different outcome. Ava's determination to win the ball and strength defending against some tough opponents doesn't go unnoticed. Ava's passing is improving consistently and her confidence on the ball is showing. Ava's positive attitude makes her a pleasure to coach. Well done, Ava."

Poppy Short (U13 Pumas)
"Poppy joined the Pumas last January having never played football before. She trained with us only for the rest of the season then continued working with the pro coach we use throughout summer. Poppy has made such huge progress in her short football career and you can tell she's taking in everything she's learning just by how good her hold up play is up front and her understanding of the game is getting better. This past weekend it was an absolute joy to be awarded a penalty that she was asked by the coaches to take, after a quick 'No' reply from her I told her we wanted only her to take it. Few words of confidence given by some of the Pumas, Poppy stepped up and smashed it top corner for her first grassroots goal. Keep practicing, keep listening and start working on some celebrations because I feel there's plenty more goals coming."

Daniel Southgate (U14 Lazio)
"Daniel only joined Lazio in January but has instantly fitted into the team and brought us a new attacking dimension. During February Daniel scored and put in a Player of the Match display away at BPR. This was then followed up with two hard working displays against AFC Dunstable and MK Athletic, where Daniel led the line superbly and was unlucky not to grab the goal or two that his performances deserved. Great having you in the team Daniel, keep up the good work."

Niall Welford (U14 Spartak)
"Niall has been a pivotal part of Spartak’s attacking play this season and there are definitely some similarities with a certain Trent Alexander Arnold in the way that Niall graciously brings the ball out from defence to link up with the midfielders & forwards. Niall has been asked to take on a more attacking role from right back this season and he has adapted brilliantly with his crisp passing and pacey scrimmages down the right-hand side of the pitch which often take the opposition by complete surprise. Niall has always been Mr. reliable and is pretty much always the first name on the team sheet when I'm working out my teams. Well done Niall, and keep up the good work.".

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