Young football stars from East Coker and Merriott will follow in the footsteps of professionals Chris Weale, Craig Alcock and Martin Cranie when they battle for the High Holborne Shield tonight.
Under-12s teams from Merriott Jets and East Coker Cockerels will take to the Huish Park pitch tonight at 6.30pm.
Coker currently top Yeovil and District Youth League Division One, while the Jets are one of 22 Merriott youth teams that stay true to the club’s train hard, play easy ethos.
The Cockerels – many of whom are avid Glovers’ fans – beat teams from Martock, Perry Street and Somerton to set up a semi-final with Aller Park Rangers that they won 7-1.
Coached by Rich Goddard and Nick Langdon, the team also places enjoyment at the heart of their game, striking a balance with the right level of intensity they believe makes them competitive.
Expressing their pride at reaching the final, the Coker coaches praised their players as a credit to the club as they maintain a fluent passing style that has not been compromised by games becoming more physical with age.
Jets eased past Ilminster Tigers, Ash Rovers and Ilchester Hammers on their way to Tuesday’s encounter, having been formed in 2010 for a group of children who had either not played before or needed a team they could feel part of.
Hard work and commitment has seen them since reach the Nigel Broome Cup and Champions Plate finals, before progressing to the Terry Hazell Cup semi-final and winning their league in 2013.
Under the guidance of manager Martin Hooper and coach Chris Hill, Merriott have already won the Richard Blackie Cup this season.
