One of Carlisle’s top Italian restaurants Sanna’s hosted the Clubs annual first team end of season celebration and there was fun, laughter, food and even tears on show as the Clubs first team staff and playing personnel were present to discover who would collect the coveted awards.
The evening was superbly organised by first team assistant Neil Walker and it was Neil who opened the evenings proceedings with a speech recapping on the Clubs eventful first season in the National League. There were some novelty prizes for some of the characters in the squad, most notable Andre ‘noodle arms’ Pais picking up a certificate for not being able to complete a man press up and Ben ‘six pack’ Greig winning the award for the most work shy on the training ground. Awards they will be looking to do their utmost not to retain in 12 months time. Former Head Coach Al Tindall heaped praise on the work of the volunteer workforce in particular student Physio Miles Wason and Club reporter George Pacitto who have done an incredible job in ensuring the Club functions to professional standards on an amateur budget. There was praise to for the commitment of the players and a prediction that the with the quality in the squad the next 12 months would see a rapid progression on court. New Head Coach Merv Beacom reiterated this expectation and introduced himself to the lads and said how much he was looking forward to the challenge.
The main award winners on the night were:
Top goalscorer: John Heyes scooped the prize with 7 league goals from 4 appearances in what was a short season for the Club. Runner up Luke Miller has 4 in 3 games.
Players player: Andrew Wills was voted by the playing staff as the most influencial player of the season. This was undoubtedly because of his influence both on and off court. His presence in goal has at times won us points and his personality of court is infectious. A top player and a great personality in the dressing room.
Managers player: John Heyes took his second award of the evening as voted on by the fist team coaching staff. John took this prize because of the journey he has been on through the season. In August he was nearly dropped from the squad after several breaches of the Clubs rules and consistent failure to live up to the Club values. However after some guidance and a refocused approach once the season began John began to define a role for himself role as a leader and by the time the season concluded his performances on court and his journey epitomised everything that Carlisle Futsal Club is about. A 5 minute hat trick to seal an away win against Hull just one of the examples of this. A thoroughly deserved winner for season 2014/15.
John Heyes was overwhelmed to pick up the player of the year and fighting back the emotion commented ‘Thanks honestly this is unreal, i honestly cant believe it. Im so proud.’
Congratulations to all. Bring on 2015/16. This is ours.
Here is a link to all the photos from the evening click here
