Academy annual visit to the Keele International Cup
Our Academy U9 and U12 sides signed up for the Keele International Cup for a second consecutive year this summer which gave them the opportunity to pit their wits against sides they wouldn't normally get to play.Academy coach Ben Benson said: "We were delighted with how the academy teams conducted themselves throughout the tournament.
"Both the U9 and U12 teams finished runners up overall in their respective age groups. The under 9s lost in the final against Club Futsal, whose players are made up of West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City lads. The U12s finished runners up after beating Walsall 2-0 in the play-off final.
"Results aside we were delighted with how the teams performed. We stress week in and week out that we're not interested in results. It's about how the players perform and whether they can carry out the playing ethos we have.
"We always say we take performance over results and we are happy at this stage with the attitude they are showing. Both age groups have also shown that a positive approach brings good performances anyway.
"The main reason for entering any tournament is to give the players a learning experience. We hope both age groups will now use this as a catalyst to push on and hopefully it gives the staff, parents and fans the opportunity to see the positive work that goes on at the academy.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate the staff, players and parents involved. We are already looking forward to entering teams again next season."
