It’s been some weekend for The New Saints FC Academy, with top draw fixtures against some of the best teams in England, writes Jason Brindley.
On Saturday morning, we took a mixed Foundation Phase age group to face Wolves in two mini format fixtures.
Like I mentioned last week, Wolves Academy is right up there in the UK for developing players for pro clubs. They really are excellent teams, full of outstanding players.
Another trip to Wolves
I was delighted that our youngsters played without fear and really embraced the challenge. Both games were extremely close, which is what we want. We want our players to be in a game. We want them to battle off the ball, be brave to get on it and to play. We thank Wolves yet again for the fixtures and look forward to facing them again soon.
Alexandra Park Training Ground
Also on Saturday morning, we took our remaining Foundation Phase groups to Crewe Alexandra. Crewe are another prestigious academy that have a history of developing players.
The format and pitch size wasn’t what we were used to, however we quickly adapted well to the challenge. I think, against the ball especially, we were very good, as we hunted together and had lots of regains high up the field.
An U10s team talk against Crewe Alexandra
They were really entertaining games. We thank Crewe for hosting and again look forward to more fixtures in the near future.
Our youngest Academy age group, our U7/8s, welcomed Airbus Academy to Park Hall Stadium for a frosty morning fixture.
Despite the very cold pitch and conditions, both teams lit it up with their energy and fun. It was really good to see. Airbus always have good teams that give competitive games across the board. We thank them for travelling.
Our under-11s also took on Crewe this past weekend
On Sunday morning, we welcomed Newtown to Park Hall Stadium to face our U16s in a rearranged FAW Academy Cup fixture. Newtown caused a few problems with their defensive shape. Once the players started moving the ball a little quicker though, we played some good stuff and created and took some really good chances.
Our U12s welcomed Kidderminster Harriers to Park Hall and continued their recent form with another excellent performance. It was a battling game at times, and the boys certainly didn’t shy away. We thank Kidderminster for coming over and will be playing them with other groups in the near future.
U12s vs Kidderminster Harriers at Park Hall
To conclude an amazing weekend, our U15s travelled to Liverpool Academy. Commenting on both the fixture and experience, U15 lead coach and LDP coach Kieran said:
“Our U15s put in a brilliant team performance vs Liverpool Academy on Sunday.
“Our lads played superbly well, showing good composure and purpose in possession, along with great energy and character out of possession and in transition.
“Players were exposed to different challenges this weekend (i.e. false forwards and full backs), but adapted well by finding real-time solutions and demonstrating good game intelligence.
Kieran delivers his Liverpool team talk
“It was great to have the highly regarded Alex Inglethorpe watching our game.
“It has been an excellent season to date for this age group having already played Birmingham City, Sheffield Utd, Wolves and Stoke City.
“We thank Liverpool for this excellent opportunity and experience for our players.”
Our U15s at the AXA Training Centre
As we conclude, January has been an excellent month already for our young Saints. The break from FAW Academy league fixtures has allowed our Academy youngsters the opportunity to challenge themselves against a variety of different top opposition teams. We have an elite programme, and the fact that we attract and can compete at this level shows the strength of the work the coaches are doing, but also the level of player we are working with and developing.
The under-15s in action against Liverpool.
