To cap an excellent season of progress from the Centre of Excellence U9-U16, over 60 young U's players participated in the Norhalne Elite Cup in Denmark.

Whilst tours present a challenge for all players in terms of performance consistency, preparation and recovery, and the removal from their normal routine in a different environment, it is also a chance for the players to express themselves with many performances in a short space of time.

The standout performers on the tour were our youngest age group in the U9 squad, which contained two U8 players. Due to very late withdrawals they faced a tough schedule of performing with no substitutes. Despite this they applied themselves throughout, working tirelessly for the team cause and defeating all who they faced, including a superb victory over Brondby and then winning the final against Southend United.

In the U11/12 competition the squad reached the semi-final after topping their group but were narrowly defeated by Aalborg, and there were notable performances in other age groups including the U15 team defeating Gothenburg.

The players involved this season should be rightly proud of their progress and achievements on an individual and squad level. We are progressing well as a scheme and DESPITE all of the well documented issues with no funding or protection of our players we are aiming to have the best Centre of Excellence in the country.

We have secured fixtures against some of the top Academies in the country in the coming months to test ourselves, whilst we will be introducing a number of exciting new initiatives to accelerate the players' development at the commencement of the new season.

Whilst the Wembley dream did not happen again this year, it only makes us stronger in our resolve to continue the fight for change and to give our young players the best possible opportunity to reach their potential. We are very proud of the development of our players and our growing reputation among our peers, not only for the style of football we aim to play but also the way the boys conduct themselves on and off the pitch; they are a credit to the club.

The Youth Development staff will spend the coming months scouring the region for the best young talent to enhance the quality of the scheme at every level and we look forward to more success in the season ahead.

Matt Walker
Centre of Excellence Manager

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