Over the weekend, The New Saints FC Academy U15s and U16s travelled to Scotland to not only support our first-team in their Scottish Challenge Cup semi-final, but also play friendly games vs Falkirk and Stirling Albion Academy.

 It was an early start leaving Park Hall at 6am on the Saturday, but we arrived in Scotland shortly before midday ready for games against Falkirk Academy. 

 The games were played at their 8,000 seater first-team stadium, which was an amazing experience for all players, coaches and parents. 

 Both games were highly competitive and of a good level. We thank Tony Begg at Falkirk Academy for helping us to organise these games. 

 After our games, players, their families and coaches met up with the official supporters’ bus for food and drinks. There was a really good atmosphere. We had the chairman, supporters, players and their families, and coaches all together.

 We then headed for the game, where our first-team were backed by over 140 fans, and our Academy lads were in fine voice!

 It was a fantastic TNS performance and a brilliant experience for everyone involved. At full-time all of our first team and Academy were celebrating together, creating really good memories for everyone!

 On Sunday, we made the short trip to Sterling Albion Academy for more games. Again both games were of a high level and very close. It was nice to play new opposition and experience new grounds. 

 After the games we made the journey back down with the Arsenal vs Liverpool English Premier League game on, so there was lots of banter on the bus.

 Discussing the weekend, Head of Phase, Kieran Lee-Birch, said:

 “It was a really enjoyable two days with our players and their families.

 “When the tie was first announced, the lads were keen to go up and support our first-team. These groups in particular haven’t had an overnight trip since COVID-19, so we wanted to give them this experience.

 “We were able to organise highly-competitive games against strong Scottish Academies in Falkirk and Stirling Albion too, which meant the lads could play games while up there and experience playing in professional stadiums.

 “The first-team game was brilliant. Our lads had the drum and made a lot of noise. It was a special moment when we all celebrated together at the end.

 “I would like to sincerely thank our chairman, Mike Harris, for helping us make the trip possible by offering free transport to and from Scotland. I would also like to thank Will [Catterall] and Simon [O’Reilly] for all their support with organising the trip, as well as Jack [Ellis] and Liam [Kelleher] too for looking after the football side of things.

“Finally, a big thank you to the lads and their parents for a brilliant two days. It was nice to bond with everyone away from our normal setting.

 “We are now in the process of organising the final, come on the Tins!”