A group of Football Federation South West’s best young players are currently enjoying a tour of England which includes professional games and a guided tour through state-of-the-art English Premier League facilities.
The ‘trip of a lifetime’ was organised to give players a chance to see how the soccer loving nation embraces the sport and gives their youngsters the best chance to succeed.
When the trip was announced in February, FFSW technical director Jack Eades said it was unprecedented for country students to have this opportunity.
“People in England live and breathe soccer – more people go to their local games than church,” he said.
“Our boys usually only play for a term at school or play it as a second or third sport.
“Some of the lads have never left the country, so it will be a brilliant experience for them.”
Flying out on May 12, the students landed at Heathrow and took on West Bromwich Albion’s under 15s on day three.
Eades took to Facebook to post a report on the sides’ first match.
“The Australians found their feet early and had some close chances early but the home side found the board first with a successful header off a strong cross,” he said.
“The visitors dug in and s lofted corner swung in by Samuel Riches found the head of Adam Fields who rose well to head towards goal.
“A clearance off the line and a jostle for possession eventually led to Will Jackson stabbing the ball home from six yards to make the score 1-1.
“As the second half started, West Bromwich Albion began to dominate and occupied the FFSW defensive third with good possession and neat and tidy passages of play.
“The players started to realise the step up in speed and tempo of football being played and conceded the 2nd a penalty and 3rd goal a corner, without reply.
“The home side put on another two goals (5-1) but the FFSW players did not disappoint and kept going.
“A sense of pride struck me as I looked on at a “never say die” attitude from the FFSW boys and even as WBA’s sixth goal went in, we still managed to get back on top of the game and respond with our second goal in last few minutes of the match to finish 6-2.
“Not only was the timing of our second goal a good indication as to the mentality of our players, it was also a sign that we can play, we can compete and we can handle the tempo and style of play which is shown by England elite young players.”
The players are now preparing to play Cambridge United.