Players from the Under-16s squad, who were on their school holidays, completed a six-week full-time training programme which included games against Charlton, Stevenage and Fulham.

Professional Development Phase Coach and Lead Under-16 Coach Rossi Eames has been delighted with their development and progress but he still hopes to see more from his young Bees.

“The group have worked very hard over the summer and they’ve shown tremendous commitment in every session.

“They have set an extremely high standard for themselves on the pitch and off it but we expect nothing less and they have set a great example to the Under-14s, some of which have stepped up.”

Eames continued by stating that the players who progressed from the Under-14s and 15s this year have adapted well providing great competition within the squad.

“The group works very well as a whole and they demand high standards from each other in all areas of the game be it technical, tactical or physical.

“They have also learned that the finer details in training can have a huge impact on their development as a team and as individuals.

Working in line with the Academy syllabus and coaching programme the squad have focussed on defending as a unit and their coach is pleased with what he’s seen.

“The players can give themselves real credit for the progress they have made as individuals and as a team.

“Though the topic results in a large amount of tactical understanding off the ball they have also learnt that the best form of defending is to keep possession and not give the ball away cheaply.”

With the new season in full flow a number of the Under-16s have already stepped up to the Youth, this not underlines their quality but the quality of the coaching on offer. Eames says there is no better feeling that helping a youngster realise his dream.

“As a coach there is no greater feeling that seeing players you coach day in day our progress to the next level.

“Our Under-16s can look at the likes of Luke Gambin, Elliot Johnson, Mauro Vilhete and Iffy Allen and see a clear pathway to the first-team.”

Eames added: “However, they have to realise that these opportunities will be not be handed on a plate and that in order to be provided with one they have earn their place in the Youth Team."