A month of fantastic opportunities for our COE Players
As November comes to a close we reflect on what has been a fantastic month for our programme. In total the Centre of Excellence teams took part in 3 showcase games against 3 of the North East's academy sides, Sunderland, Newcastle and Middlesbrough.
First up were our under 11's who were invited down to 1st team training ground Rockcliffe Park on the 11th November to play under the lights.
The lads were fantastic showing what they are all about playing some very attractive football, against a very technical middlesborough outfit. We received some very positive feedback from the Middlesbrough staff after the game, the lads were a true credit to the programme.
The hospitality from the Middlesbrough staff was excellent and we look forward to returning to Rockcliffe in the near future.
Next up was our U9's who travelled to Little Benton to take on a Newcastle United side, the lads played 2 games and were fantastic in both against a very talented group of footballers from Newcastle Utd.The feedback from the Newcastle Utd staff was fantastic and we look forward to returning back to Newcastle early next year.
Our last showcase game of the month came with our under 15's and took place at Ford Hub infront of a crowd of over 150 people against Sunderland Academy, We spoke to Head Coach Darrell Franciosy following the game,
“ I was delighted to see the players given another great opportunity this month to continue their progress and development playing against Sunderland AFC Academy. The effort and application the players shown in their preparation for the game and on the pitch was excellent, credit to the full squad with every player contributing positively which saw the team earn themselves a superb 3-0 victory in front of a 150 strong crowd.
Plenty of areas to work on individually and as a team but delighted with the improvements and we look forward to the upcoming showcase games the program continues to deliver”
Lead Analyst Connor McHugh attended the game and provided match report and stats from the game.
We have also had fantastic results and performances with our under 7's who have started there season well in the Russel Foster league and our under 8's who have started the first 3 month unbeaten.
A brilliant start for our under 12's in the pinpoint league where the lads have really developed an identity and a way of playing and have continued there brilliant cup run winning the last round on penalties.
