It has been a busy start to the 26/27 season for the academy, with both our U18’s and U16’s travelling the country to play fixtures.
Returning in late June, the U18S have played friendlies against the likes of Norwich City, Blackburn Rovers, and Bristol City, with all games highly competitive and showcasing the high ability of the new group. They have also begun their U19 National League campaign with draws against Woking and Southend, and an away win vs Sutton. September also brings with it their entry into the FA Youth Cup and after a 4-0-win vs Merthyr Town away we are now due to play Slimbridge at The New Lawn on Wednesday 14th October.
Several of our second-year scholars are also out on work experience loans, such as Gennero Bifulco at Slimbridge, Josh Malpass and Malmesbury Vics, Max Connor and Lewis Williams at Wootton Bassett and Ollie Trigg and Zemen Osawe at Dudley Town. We see this as a valuable exposure to men’s football for these players and look forward to seeing their progress over the coming months.
Finally, our U16’s have been highly competitive and well-travelled in the lead-up to their scholarship decisions. With fixtures against the likes of Arsenal, Swansea City and Bolton Wanderers, they continue to exhibit our ‘FGR behaviours’ with the hope of being registered as an U18 for the 27/28.
Overall, it has been a hugely positive Q1, and we look forward to seeing the development of the programme and players as we approach the festive period.
