Having had a break in training over the festive period, all of our staff and players were looking forward to getting back into the routine and back to playing some games, though mother nature had other plans for us. I'm sure we'd all like a white Christmas, but a white new year I'm not too sure about, so having only two training sessions under our belt, I could see that our age groups, particularly the younger ones, were chomping at the bit with the upcoming fixture against Arsenal Girls COE.

I think it is fair to say, that if you want to know what the bench mark is in female football, especially at COE level, you look to the likes of Arsenal. These encounters help you to gauge where a players at in terms of ability. Has the player/team developed since the last time they came up against this opponent. With the COE being 'the Future' of the First Team, it is important to constantly review where we are at. This ensures what we as coaches are doing in training is actually effective and developing the girls as best as possible given the little contact we have with them. There is also responsibility with the players to ensure they retain the information their given, apply it, and tick over with out of training by themselves, (such as technical practices for the 10's, 12's, 14's, and a physical routine for the 16's).

The under 10's have really impressed me throughout the course of the season so far, with their technical ability, confidence to get on the ball, think about what their going to do, and execute it. Their enthusiasm is second to none, and credit goes to Sophie Morgan, she certainly lives every moment on the side line, (very similar to myself).

They matched Arsenal for ability and also showed good composure for such young players, despite the score, players still wanted to have the ball at their feet, take on players or make combination passes, truly playing 'the Bristol Way' to the end.

Under 12's certainly showed me a thing or two on Saturday. Technically we were very good, always happy to get the ball when under pressure, a skill players will certainly need in order to compete at a high level as they get older. But more pleasing to see was the enthusiasm our players showed in this fixture compared to the reverse fixture away to Arsenal. Perhaps it was being in our environment, I'm sure Ajamu played a part in making them feel comfortable and again, despite the score, always looking to get on the ball and be aware of options to them.

The 14's have low numbers, which will always ,make it tough to compete on week to basis at your full capability, but we will solve that, in the mean time, I can only imagine, that it would be slightly frustrating as a coach, trying to plan session for a certain number, and then finding two or three players aren't able to attend for whatever reason which then effects the whole session, credit Rachel and Grace for getting on with it. But those who attended Saturday didn't seemed affected by it one bit. They showed 'the Bristol Spirit'. Wanting to compete, trying to build up their chances through possession.

Our 'Next Batch', the Under 16's are finding out that the small things add up to big differences. One or two players certainly came prepared for the fixture, but the team is what counts and as a team, we allowed a very good striker opportunities to exploit us. The girls will certainly need to learn from these experiences if they are to succeed at college or even first team level. I am pleased with the ability of this age group, and along with Mark, we have identified those with potential, but all of them will need the right attitude in order to kick on and get a once in lifetime opportunity at being an Academy player.

With a weekend off, it gives our coaches and players the chance to reflect and prepare properly for our next fixture. In the mean time, all the best to our First Team in their FA Cup fixture against West Ham this Sunday.

Dan Tanhai.