COACHES CORNER: U16 WEEK 4
As the Northants Knights U16 team heads into their final tournament of the regular season this weekend in Coventry, Head Coach Liam Docherty is feeling focused, fired up, and proud of what his team has already achieved.
Coach Liam said the team are locked in on the final 2 games of the regular season.
“We’re ready to go for this tournament,” said Coach Docherty. “We’ve got the chance to make history — the first Knights U16 team to go 8-0 and win back-to-back divisions.”
The Knights have been dominant all season, but the mission for Saturday is clear: win both games, stay undefeated, and lock in the highest playoff seed possible.
“That’s the main goal — win both games and finish the regular season undefeated,” Docherty explained. “We know what’s at stake.”
The biggest challenge? Facing a fresh Coventry team who will only play one game due to Leicester pulling out, while the Knights must dig deep for two.
“That’ll be tough. We’ll have to play smart and stay locked in across both games, especially knowing Coventry will be rested and ready.”
Despite the physical challenge, the team’s effort and mindset have never been in question — and two players in particular have stepped up in big ways.
“Danny Tabs and Tommy Walsh deserve a huge shoutout. They’ve both moved into new positions and are killing it. They always put the team first and just get the job done.”
Tommy Walsh (84) has been one of the standout players, playing multiple positions to help the team.
What makes this group even more impressive is just how fresh they are to the sport.
“This team is special because 90% of them are rookies,” said Docherty. “But with the right coaching and effort, they’ve proven that experience doesn’t always matter.”
For Coach Docherty, the season has been more than just wins and stats — it’s been a personal journey too.
“As a rookie head coach, I was nervous going into the season. I just wanted the lads to be competitive. But they’ve given me so much more — they’ve gone above and beyond.”
Now, as they prepare to take the field one last time before playoffs, Coach Docherty has one final message — not for the team, but for the people watching.
“To any parents, guardians, grandparents, friends or family — come down and support us. There’s no better feeling for the boys than coming off that pitch to cheering supporters who know they’ve given 100%.”
The Knights U16s take the field this Saturday in Coventry, with a chance to make history and inspire the next generation of Knights football. Be there if you can — they’re not just playing for wins. They’re playing for each other.