Aberdeen 12s and 14s
Two squads from Aberdeen FC’s youth academy have just returned from a very successful trip to Repton in Derbyshire competing against a number of the English Academy sides.The 14s and the 12s squads have spent this week playing up to three fixtures a day against teams such as Watford, Millwall, Sheffield United and Leicester City.Each squad played a total of seven fixtures and put together some excellent performances in preparation for the new season.
The football festival enables Academy teams to stay on site at the Repton School and enjoy playing matches with the prime focus being on player development.With this in mind, attendance at the festival is on an invitational basis and Aberdeen FC is proud to have participated in the event for the past six years.
Head of Junior Academy, Gavin Levey commented ‘This was a great trip for the players who should be proud of the way they represented the club and themselves in England.The playing style which the boys demonstrated in matches and the way they conducted themselves off the pitch was fantastic.It’s great to be involved in such a well organised festival and I’m sure the experiences gained from this week will become lasting memories for all the young Aberdeen players.’
The 14s rose to the physical challenge of playing against some very strong sides from south of the border and after some very good performances in other games, the boys completed the trip with four goals against Watford.
The younger side enjoyed a unique experience playing in the English FA 9-a-side format, which ensured the games were played at a high tempo and encouraged players to move the ball quickly, being creative when in possession.This resulted in a number of very entertaining games, with the Aberdeen side scoring thirty goals and conceding only seven.
Aberdeen FC Head of Youth, Neil Simpson who attended the trip to oversee both squads was delighted with how the players had performed in England.Neil said ‘It was great to see all the boys playing so well and enjoying what is a great learning experience.The parent’s and families who also travelled down to watch the games helped create a great environment. On behalf of the club, I would like to thank the coaches, Frank McGettrick, Stephen Boddie, Liam McGarry and Gavin Levey for doing a great job with the young players.Further thanks go out to our kit man and goalkeeping coach Shaun Beattie, physiotherapist Aimee Clark and ‘Butch’ the bus driver from Central Coaches.’
The next youth academy pre season trip starts on Tuesday, with a trip to North East England for the Under 15s who will face Middlesbrough on Tuesday evening and Sunderland the following day.
