It has been a few weeks since the last Youth Development Phase update and I am happy to report that all age groups have had a successful few weeks.
Our Under-13s, 14s and 15s all attended the Wolves Cup tournament during the October half term break. All age groups acquitted themselves well against some very good category 1 and 2 teams and all had a chance of getting to the final in their last match. Unfortunately we just couldn’t secure the wins we needed but it was a great experience and was enjoyed by all players and parents who attended.
The under 13s have had a busy few weeks with the Wolves Cup fixtures, an EFL Festival and an away friendly vs Reading. They had a great result in beating Yeovil this weekend on the back of all of these fixtures. The boys have been working hard and deserved their victory with an impressive performance to take the three points.
The under 14s have turned their performances and results around recently after a slow start to the season. The have lost only 1 of their last 11 matches in academy fixtures and tournaments with that loss coming to a very strong Wolves team last week. They have a very tough fixture this week vs Swindon who they lost convincingly to only 5 weeks ago so this is their chance for revenge and to showcase their growth after what was a poor performance on that day.
The under 15s had a good, solid performance away to Newport last week in the Floodlit Cup. They ultimately lost the match but were very competitive throughout and were unlucky not to get something out of the match as they created enough chances but just didn’t get the rub of the green that they needed. We currently have a lot of trialists at this age group; having just signed three new players, we are working hard on improving the squad and it is starting to show in their recent performances and results. The hope is that hey can push on and have a successful second half of the season now.
The under 16s have had a successful few weeks as well. Beating both Bristol Rovers and Newport comfortably in the Floodlit Cup and currently sit 3rd in the league table at the half way point of the season, only 3 points off the leaders. Last night they were electric for the first half against Newport before dropping their levels slightly in the second half, though they still ran out comfortable winners in the end. More of the boys are now being integrated into the under 18s squad on a weekly basis which is pleasing to see. With 5 of them now having been involved in under 18s fixtures so far this season, that number is only likely to rise over the next few weeks and months if their performance levels remain the same.