Now we are half-way through the season and surging up the table, our team is really starting to come together. A combination of new signings and the old guard have blended well and have held us in good stead coming into the business end of the season.

…Sorry, I’m not talking about Ipswich Town; I’m talking about the starting eleven at The Dogs Squad CIC! Here is our fun little post about our own ‘Ipswich’ team that includes some of our well-loved dogs at the Ipswich branch of The Dogs Squad CIC:

GK - Tilly

Tilly is a new signing for us but has slotted straight into the team and we hope she becomes a mainstay into the starting eleven for years to come.

Tilly came to us as a double signing, and joined with her older brother Chester (pictured next to Tilly). We are impressed with what both of them have contributed to the team in such a short space of time; but Tilly just pips her brother to the post this time around.

LB - Layla

This gorgeous Springer Spaniel has been with us from the very start and has maintained her starting position as we have soared up the leagues.

She is not as young as she used to be; but you wouldn’t guess it judging by how nimble she is and her willingness to play from the get go. She is not afraid to get stuck in when someone is offering cuddles either…

CB - Archie

Every great team needs a solid, dependable centre back. In our case, you need to look no further than Archie.

Every member of the coaching staff absolutely loves Archie, and he is the heartbeat of the team when our backs are against the wall. Nowadays he spends more time sitting back in the doghouse rather than getting forward and playing in the field, but he still gets himself up there from time to time to show the rest of the team that he hasn’t lost a yard of pace when called upon.

CB - Orla

Many defensive partnerships consist of an established rock and an understudy. At The Dogs Squad CIC, we feel that we have found the perfect balance.

Orla’s youthful exuberance compliments Archie’s reading of the game perfectly. She is always hunting for the ball and loves to run around and seek it out, while at the same time she is happy to absorb Archie’s experience and learn from it.

RB - Milo

Short in stature, but don’t let that fool you. Milo mixes the best of both worlds in what you want in a full back.

Although similar in looks to his counterpart on the opposite flank; they are not related. You wouldn’t guess it though considering how well they play together. Milo loves to get down the other end of the park and make himself known with the other playful dogs, however he is just as comfortable sitting back and marking some of the members who give him pats.

CDM - Barney

Like many CDM’s in a team, Barney is arguably the unsung hero of the squad.

Many are distracted by his soft ears and his wide eyed gaze, which Barney can use to his advantage when pinging a ball effortlessly around the field. Loves a cuddle, and also isn’t afraid to get stuck in on the agility course, which is all you can ask for when you want a decent defensive midfielder.

LCM & RCM - Solo and Rue

These two are a solid midfield duo that have a telepathic reading of each other’s game that you just can’t teach.

Solo joined us as a youth academy graduate, and now he has been playing alongside Rue for six months which in turn is really reflected on his overall playing ability. Both have energy for days, and aren’t afraid to show it for any members of staff willing to match their energy levels.

LW - Evie

Our Border Collie mix is your typical winger that every team wishes they had; slim, bags of pace, unlimited energy, a real hunger for the ball and will play her heart out for the team from the very first whistle to the last.

Evie was rotting in the reserves for her previous club Sheepherders FC before manager Lisa Correll picked her up on a free transfer and resurrected her career. This shrewd bit of business from the manager has helped Evie come on leaps and bounds, and she is now a mainstay in the starting eleven with many supporters wondering how we survived without her. As a mixed breed, she still hasn’t declared which national team she wants to represent; but we will support her decision whoever she decides to eventually play for…

RW - Olive

Olive was always a solid player that knew how to play, but fans couldn’t help but think something was missing in her game and we couldn’t quite place what it was.

That was until we signed her fellow countryman (and by that, we mean another pug…) Percy. This has really helped with her link-up play and now we regularly see her sprinting down the wing playing with whoever wants to join in.

ST - Maisie

A diminutive striker that is full of energy and pops up everywhere. There have been many dogs over the years who have wanted to take her place in the starting eleven; but no one has come close to replacing our Maisie Moo…

Maisie is part of the famous ‘Cavapoo Crew’ at The Dogs Squad CIC, which is a core group of players that are inseparable and look out for each other. They are far from lazy and want to play all day, which reflects on Maisie when she is on the pitch leading from the front.

IMPACT SUB - Lexi

The perfect plan B off the bench. Lexi doesn’t have the legs she once used to, but this utility player is probably the most vital player in the team.

She has tons of experience and will be called upon whenever needed if a member, volunteer or staff member wants to stroke a dog. That doesn’t mean she won’t play; far from it! Lexi is more than willing to show that age is just a number and is not afraid to get stuck in with the big dogs, matching their energy step for step if they are stupid enough to challenge her…