The Academy U18s game against Forest Green Rovers this weekend - that ended 1-1 - was the first in the Youth Alliance Merit League for the Under-18s after a very encouraging pre-season.
A recent 1-1 draw with Walsall was a really great test for the young Robins to see where they are at heading into the season, after wins against Evesham U18s, Kidderminster U19s and draws against Tuffley Rovers and Cheltenham Saracens.
A 2-1 defeat to Bristol City U18s was a really good performance against a higher categorised Academy and the players are looking forward to getting started this Saturday.
What has also been great about pre-season is the amount of game time and opportunities Academy players have had with the first team. They have acquitted themselves extremely well and been supported by all staff well, so hopefully the next George Lloyd and Matt Bower isn’t far away!
The U8s to U15s in the Academy are still in pre-season with their official Football League games programme starting in September. The U16s also faced FGR last Saturday as their games programme takes place.
Pre-season is always busy for the Academy and it is great to welcome new players to the club. We recently signed Olorunifemi Agbabiaka, Charlie Paterson (both U15s), Rio Spencer (U14s) and Zion Junior Okeke (U9s) so a big welcome to them!
Don’t forget to follow us on twitter @ctfcyofficial for updates and we look forward to seeing you at the training ground soon for games.