We’ve caught up with Mike Cody this week, who alongside the dedicated coaching team of Paul, Shane, Andy, Jack and Steve, run the under 7 boys section of the club.

That along with their other commitments to Hawarden across various age groups! Paul Atherton for one has been involved with Hawarden Rangers for 8 years and coaches across three age groups. He’s also part of the clubs executive committee!

Mike has also been at the club for over 8 years and has 10 years of coaching experience, something he has been passionate about since his time as a professional footballer. Mike took his first step into coaching to help his 4-year-old son Jack at the start of his Hawarden journey and has loved it ever since.

“The best thing about being a coach is seeing the boys develop. The improvement on all of the boys is just great to see and to play just a small part on their football journey means so much.”

Here’s what Mike had to say on…

the focus of the coaching group…
We focus on skills, combination play, working as a team, work hard and have fun. We want the boys to express themselves without the fear of making a mistake.

recent successes as a group…
During the past 18 months we have won several tournaments we have entered and had fantastic feedback from other clubs and coaches on the standards our boys set. Their behaviour has been impeccable.

individual successes…
We have three boys at Manchester United and Liverpool FC Academy Satellite groups who are doing very well. We also have one boy playing a year up for Connah’s Quay Academy Nomads u8’s. The above are fantastic opportunities for the boy’s development and fantastic experiences. They are all definitely better players for it.

the aim for the season…
All we aim for is for the boys to develop and play with a smile on their face; if that’s happens, then job done.

the support of the patents…
Parent support and involvement is second to none. We have an extremely committed bunch of people who have all the boys best interests at heart. They do not just focus on their own sons, but the entire squad. We have a group of mums that basically formed a group to help raise funds and they do all organising for events such as Halloween or Xmas Parties.

We are extremely lucky to have parents like we do!

and finally…
One thing to highlight is the unwavering support of the U7 Coaching Team. Paul, Shane, Andy, Jack & Steve. Their commitment is beyond compare and the boys are better off for it. They’re all unbelievable lads.

We look forward to the continued success and development of our under 7's both on and off the field, most of all seeing them all with a big mile on their faces!

#DontBeAStranger