CONGRATULATIONS to our AFC Rushden & Diamonds U21 Academy team on a super successful 2020-21 season.
Despite the multiple lockdowns and curtailment to the league season, they played 20 games; developed and improved their technical and tactical abilities and have grown hugely as individuals and as a team, with dedication to the professional development culture created within the AFC Rushden & Diamonds U21 team.
This season was the first year of the U21s aimed at attracting and retaining the best local talent. A hugely successful year it has been both in terms of results on pitch, but also player development. 4 year veterans of the U21s Fraser Corden and Jack Kimber training with the 1st team in Pre-season and at 19 years old plenty opportunities for the future for both of them. Along side Fraser and Jack, there are 5 more U21s training with the 1st team, with goal creator Ben Morley, U21 captain Morgan Garrington, strong centre half Josh Going, creative right back Kai Williams and defensive centre mid (quarterback) Jordan Leivars-Brierley.
This year has seen the U21s play of teams in Step 5 and 6, games against strong men’s teams, (UCL Prem Pinchbeck Utd 2-3 loss and South Mids Div 1 Buckginham Athletic won 4-3), plus a victory over our Hayden Road hosts Rushden & Higham Utd (won 2-0). In the league, the team finished Runners Up in the strong Midland Football League U21 East Division, their highest ever position.
We wish to thank all of our commercial sponsors who made this season possible, creating the best professional setup for the U21s team.
We wish all the best to those flying the nest to new challenges, as each of them have individual football / education / career pathways. We will stay in touch and follow their careers with interest.
For those offered for next season, the U21s will look to grow even stronger and the performance bars will be stretched even more. U21s are going after Loughborough University U21s and UCL Prem teams! Enjoy the Euros and as we prepare for the next exciting season ahead.
1st Team Men’s Teams games
Great results and several near misses.
Final league table
Runners Up in the Midland Football League U21 Division East for 2020-21.
U21 Complete Season Schedule
Dunore Energy U21s Players’ Player of the Season : Dan Byran
Strong intelligent central defender comfortable on the ball and in the air.
Special thanks to Dunore Energy energy and utilities procurement + management. http://dunore-energy.com Telephone 01933 427601
Gladstone Construction U21s Managers’ Player of the Season: Fraser Corden
Gifted creative central midfielder comfortable on either foot.
Special thanks to Gladstone Construction civil engineering and groundworks. http://gladstone-construction.co.uk Telephone 01933 680622
LMR Building Supplies U21s Top Goal Scorer of the Season: Dylan Surace
Explosive striker with keen eye for goal. 11 goals, 3 assists in 18 games.
Special thanks to LMR Building Supplies. @LmrBuilding sales@lmrbuildingsupplies.co.uk Telephone 01536 851660
Platinum Automation U21s Fans MotM Award for the Season: Jack Kimber
Intelligent centre midfielder has added 9 goals, 3 assists and 3 motm awards.
Special thanks to Platinum Automation, your Automated Gate specialists. http://platinumautomation.co.uk Telephone 01933 717072
John Arnold & Sons U21s Top Goal Creator of the Season: Ben Morley
Technically gifted winger, brave and direct at goal. 13 assists in 13 games.
Special thanks to John Arnold & Sons paver hire, asphalt, groundworks. Telephone 01604 753168
Just Comp & Bifolds U21s Top Defender of the Season: Owen Morton
Technical ball playing fullback with tenacious energy on the wing.
Special thanks to Just Comp & Bifolds doors, roofs and conservatories. Telephone 01604 947171 or find them of Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/JustCompAndBiFoldDoors/
U21 Complete Season appearances lists for 2020-21
U21 Man of the Match awards
U21s Goals and Assists table
