Academy Success at the ESF Football Festival

Last weekend, our Academy U10, U11, U12, U13, U14 and U15 squads spent the weekend at the ESF Football Festival at Butlins in Skegness. The football festival is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK with up to 400 teams and 14000 people attending annually.

Players with their coaches and families arrived at Butlins on Friday afternoon, ready for a weekend full of footballing action. The main focus of the tour was to build on the social bonds within the squads and also to enjoy the facilities at the venue and play some football against sides from all over the country. The boys relaxed by swimming and using the fantastic facilities on site.

Football Review:

U10 – continued to progress and played some fantastic football and enjoyed the experience. They also supported the U11s during some of their games.

U11- also enjoyed the experience and are developing in to a very good footballing side.

U12 – Beaten in the semi-final on penalties by the eventual winners.

U13 – Supported the U12s in their final group games and played very well winning the tournament and earning a place at the National finals at St George’s Park in July. Callum Farmer got a special golden ball award for scoring a 30 yard screamer.

U14 – played very well and also supported the U12s when they were not playing themselves. The 14s reaction at the end of the U12s final group game was very special and something the U12s will remember for a long time. The U14s also won their tournament and go to St George’s Park.

U15 – Completed the hat trick buy also winning the tournament and will also be going to St George’s Park. Ethan Fellows won a special golden ball award for a spectacular goal.

 

All the trophies were presented to the players by ex-England and Nottingham Forest manager, Stuart Pearce.

Martin Jenkins, Head of Academy, is rightly incredibly proud of all the players and coaches after such a hugely successful weekend. “Huge congratulations to the lads for a really special weekend. The lads work hard during the season, at training and in matches and so it’s really pleasing to see all that hard work pay off. Throughout the weekend, they were a credit to themselves, their parents and the club. The bonds and memories made on this tour will stay with them for a long time to come.

“I must say a huge thank you to all the coaching staff and parents, without whose support these events wouldn’t be possible. We’re now looking forward to the trips to St George’s Park in the summer”

One of the squads with their winners trophies!

 

AFC Rushden & Diamonds

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