THE PHANTOMS 05 BLUE, LIKE THE REST OF THE TEAMS, FACED CHALLENGES THIS SEASON DUE TO THE NEW age rule, resulting in changes within the team and a new coach in Anton McEwan. That hasn’t slowed the Phantoms down, however. Asked about their playing personality, Coach McEwan replies, “The Liverpool way. Brave, hard-working and entertaining — to both sets of fans — by keeping the ball, but able to go direct too.” Passing is a fundamental that is the signature of the team’s style of play. And they are, the coach says, “brave in our defensive third and we defend by keeping the ball if possible.” McEwan feels that the players motivate themselves and each other through peer pressure. They hold themselves accountable, and each other accountable, to the next level of excellence. Goals are set for progress, not only for soccer success but for team and individual development. The players are a close group, able to work things out among themselves. “They effectively do not have positions. They interchange and support each other physically and mentally,” McEwan says. “This does not mean they agree on everything, but they do resolve the problems presented to them by the other team, and the self-induced ones.” For now, the Phantoms 05 Blue is looking forward to the next training session to try to improve their quality and to State Cup.