It has been a brilliant start to the new season for our Youth Development Phase players, writes Kieran Lee-Birch.

Last weekend, we finished our pre-season games programme, our aim during this time has been to expose our players to as many different challenges as possible with a variety of fixtures. Games against Wolves, Everton, Stoke and Crewe same age provided us with problems to solve out of possession and tested our lads’ soft skills, ie their resilience, communication etc.

Our Academy U13s, U14s and U15s assisted coaches on the UEFA B Licence residential at Colliers Park.

Some games were played against teams older than us for the physical challenge, others against opponents we believe are similar level where fine margins and transition moments were key, we also played opponents we knew we could dominate.

It’s important we get the balance right between exposure and success for each individual, we regularly move players across age groups to make sure they get the correct challenge. Communication between our staff has been excellent in making this happen.

Our U13s visited Burnley.

We have also enjoyed celebrating lots of success over the summer. Firstly, former Phase players Josh Lock, Nick Grogan, Billy Kirkman, Reece Warder, Rhys Edwards, Tom Williams and Ellis Turner were given professional contracts, joining former Phase players Louis Bradford, Ben Clark and Jake Canavan in our first team squad.

Gethin Roberts, Jake Humphreys, Lewis Wynne, Kian Nolan and Niall Raby were selected and did amazingly well at the Cymru Cup. On the back of that, Lewis and Jake will become our first-ever players to represent TNS in a National Age Group Squad.

Gethin, Jake, Lewis, Kian and Niall at the Cymru Cup recently.

Success is no accident, we have some really talented players within our phase with brilliant attitudes and enthusiasm for the game. To support them, we have an outstanding team of Coaches in Liam, Ash, Jack, Lenny, Hudson and Rob.

Our programme continues to develop and provide a platform to help, challenge and opportunities. New additions to our programme such as individual gym programmes, Veo, analysis, well-being support, two new FT Coaches and weekly IDP sessions will only enhance our ability to help, support and develop our young people.

We are looking forward to what promises to be another exciting season of fun, growth and success.

The U16s took on Stoke City at Park Hall.