With only two remaining fixtures for the Academy this season it has been a year of unprecedented success and results for the Academy teams.

Remarkably the Under-13 and Under-14 teams have only lost two games all season and both teams remain completely unbeaten at home. The Under-13s have played 21 games losing twice and drawing only once amassing a total of 81 goals scored and only 38 conceded. 

The Under-14s have also played 21 games, winning 16 drawing three and losing just two. They have scored 88 and conceded a remarkable 19 goals, less than a goal a game. Moreover, in their last six games they have managed to keep five clean sheets conceding just two goals which came against Ipswich Town who they came back to draw with 2-2.

The Under-12s have an equally impressive record having won all their games this season barring two losses. 

The Under-16s age group have played 30 fixtures, winning 18, drawing three and losing nine times. They have scored an impressive 71 goals while conceding 49.

The foundation phase which includes the Under-9 to Under-11 age groups have similar records. 

These statistics and article may lead people to believe that winning at the Academy is the most important thing – it isn’t. Player welfare and performance are the number one and number one priorities at the club. However, instilling a winning mentality is a crucial part of the game and philosophy at the Academy. Coaching confident players that like to win is an environment the staff work hard to try and create. 

Creating more competitive games has been the problem for the staff this season, so friendlies against Premier League Clubs and playing several players ‘up’ across the age groups has become common place including 13 and 14-year-olds playing Under-16 football and 15-year-olds playing Under-18 and even first team fixtures in the Hers Senior Cup. 

Well done to all the players and staff at the Academy for further progress being made in what has been another fantastic season for the Academy.