On Saturday morning, we travelled to Clayton Wood, the impressive training facility of Stoke City Academy. It is also the base for their first team, and often in the past, we’ve spotting their players leaving the complex prior to games.

Our U10s and U11s competed against Stoke and both games were of superb standard.

Speaking afterwards, U11s coach Ash said:

“The Under 11s enjoyed another fantastic experience, with a game away at Stoke City. Playing on a wet, grass pitch, play was extremely fast and players were initially struggling to get used to the surface.

“Following the first quarter, our players grew more into the game and played some incredible football. Their playing out from the back, as well as their movement allowed for one and two touch combinations which were unbelievably fast and fluid.

“This allowed for a very exciting game and mass amounts of chances to be created. Being 7v7, the players were tested in various situations and gave a fantastic account of themselves in a highly competitive game. It was another great opportunity and I can only thank Stoke City for the fixture and hospitality, allowing for this experience for our players.”

It’s great to give our players the opportunity to play against top quality opposition on a consistent basis. Last week, our 11s played in a tournament with Sheffield United, this week Stoke, next week Wolves. That’s why we feel we are the perfect place for players to learn, improve and challenge themselves. Take away the pressure of win/lose, it’s about the development of the player and that will always be our main priority.

Our U8s and U9s travelled to Deeside Leisure Centre for their final Futsal contact. Playing a number of short games against different Welsh Academy teams, it was really enjoyable for our youngsters. We’ve spoken numerous times in the recent weeks/month regarding the Futsal. I really enjoy the format of it and I know the players do too. Next week our U12s and U14s compete in the semi-finals, seeking a place in the national finals in Cardiff.

On Sunday, we welcomed numerous teams to Park Hall Stadium to compete against our Academy.

Kicking off the day, our U7s and U9s faced Elite Player Development, a coaching company from Liverpool. Our U8s also faced two Elite teams, as well as welcoming Flint Town juniors, for a four team round-robin.

It was great to see our first team pitch alive with energy and fun. Football is at its most innocent and purest at the younger ages. Seeing U7s goal celebrations can’t not make you smile. There was great support from the parents also, cheering all the goals emphatically. The players must have felt extra special, which is what it’s all about at this young age – enjoying yourself playing the game we love.

Our U8s and U9s were also fantastic and really enjoyed the day. We thank the travelling teams for the great standard across the board.

Our U15s and U16s welcomed Wrexham to The Venue. Both games were competitive – feisty at times without ever boiling over. The standard of both games was very good. I was impressed with how players from both age groups have taken on points from the previous week’s training topic, or the game plan set, and executed them perfectly.

Our U12s welcomed Bangor City for the rearranged Super6 fixture from earlier in the season. Bangor came with a game plan to defend deep and frustrate, and for large spells they did that. I thought they were superb. For their players to take on that sort of information at a young age, while remaining disciplined, is very impressive. Credit to our 12s for being patient and to keep probing and a very good challenge for our players.

Our U13s welcomed two teams to Park Hall for a three team round-robin. Flint Town United and MHS jfc from Liverpool made up the round-robin. Our U13s continued recent improvements and were fantastic throughout. Both Flint and MHS caused two very different challenges in relation to how they set up. Both games were very enjoyable and we thank them both for travelling to us.

As we conclude the weekend, there were two great days of development football for our aspiring players. It was a really enjoyable weekend for all groups. Next week, we look forward to U12/14 Futsal semi-finals, hosting Stoke City, and travelling to Wolves among others.