The new year has got off to a great start for The New Saints FC Academy, with some fantastic fixtures and experiences for our young Saints, writes Jason Brindley.
Over the weekend, we travelled to the Sir Jack Haywood Training Ground to face CAT1, and English Premier League side, Wolverhampton Wonderers.
The under-12s get set to face Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves have one of the most respected Academies in the UK, frequently developing players for their team and other pro clubs. Their training ground is also state of the art, so they were great facilities for our players to showcase their talents against top opposition.
It was a fantastic experience for our U12s, who were involved in a great game. The boys were incredible and really took the game to Wolves. They have come on so much this season, both individually, but also collectively. I think the introduction to competitive football has really helped them, as they have a really good mentality and are hungry to succeed. It was a really impressive performance.
Small-sided games for our U9s
Also on Saturday, our U9s hosted AFC Telford United. Our U9s, the ‘Crazy Gang’ as we call them, are a top group of youngsters with so much energy. They all came early to watch our first team in an in-house 11v11 game and were chanting from the balcony.
They have also come on well this season – we feel that the new format with the FAW on mini phase games has really helped this. With fewer players on the pitch than before, they have more actions on the ball and are always in a position to affect the game.
We played two small-sided games so all of the boys were playing, and they played some really good stuff throughout.
Our under-14s celebrate a goal against Cambrian and Clydach Vale
Also on Saturday, our U11s welcomed Stockport County to Park Hall Stadium. Our U11s are another top group with some amazing players. It was a tough game, and we experimented with 9v9 for one of the first times, so it was good to see how the players tried to adapt to the new scenario they were facing. The group move into 9v9 format next season, rather than their usual 7v7, so it’s good to drip them into it from time to time, preparing for next season.
On Sunday morning, our U10s hosted local side Christleton in another really entertaining game. Some of the quick link-up play and 1-2 football was great to see.
The under-15s took on Colwyn Bay
Our U15s and U16s hosted Colwyn Bay in rearranged FAW Academy Cup fixtures. As the season starts drawing closer to a climax, both groups have performed well, and find themselves in good positions in their respective tables.
While the main aim of the Academy and emphasis on the programme is individual and collective development, we always want to compete and do well. Having that winning mentality, as I mentioned earlier in regards to our U12s, is part of development. Obviously it’s not necessarily why we win, but more how we win, and that’s by playing our way, the TNS DNA.
More action from our U14s fixture
Our U14s welcomed Cambrian and Clydach Vale to Park Hall Stadium in what was a superb game of football. Cambrian always have top-quality teams and their U14s were no different. It was a game of two halves and I think a fair scoreline in the end.
To complete an action-packed weekend, our U13s also travelled over to Wolves on Sunday.
The sun shines over Park Hall during our U14s game
As expected, it was a tough game but with plenty of positives. The lads were certainly challenged, and that’s one of the most important areas of development, being pushed and figuring things out in real-time.
As we conclude, it was great to have a weekend full of football. There were some really exciting games against top opposition. Our fixture programme continues to grow and improve, which I think is down to the players. The level now is as high as it’s been during my time at the club. We’re looking forward to further exciting fixtures, and learning opportunities, over the remainder of the month and season.
U12s at the Sir Jack Haywood Training Ground
