NEWS

APRIL: UNDER NINES TURN ON THE STYLE

Easter was a busy time for under nine players attending FDS's Northampton Town development centres. On Sunday 20 March a select group of players played in a trial game against the Centre of Excellence. As a result of their fine performances Anthony Martin from Peterborough and Tommy Payne from Northampton have begun six-week trials at the Club. Congratulations and good luck to both of them. Other notable performances came from Jacob Bourne from Daventry, Jack Osman and Mohammed Ashraff Abdurahman from Peterborough, and Zak Warrener from Stamford. These boys along with many others who enhanced their reputations will continue to have their progress monitored carefully at their development centres. Then on Wednesday 23 March the pick of the under nine players from the Peterborough and Northampton development centres met in Peterborough for a futsal challenge. The challenge was organised by their coach, Angus Meichan, who as Northampton Town's current Under 9 Coach has a particular interest in the progress being made by players at this age group. The boys were split into four teams: Peterborough A, Peterborough B, Northampton and an All Stars team that included Zak Warrener from Stamford. Each team played each other twice. The standard of play, as well as the attitude and behaviour of the players, was superb; just what we expect from our players. The teams were very evenly matched. A single goal from either the Peterborough A or Northampton teams in their final matches would have won them the tournament. In the event there was nothing to chose between the teams at the end of the tournament, the result being a four-way tie with each team winning 3 of its 6 games. It can now be exclusively revealed on the FDS website that the winning team on goal difference was Peterborough A. Top scorer with 8 goals was Ollie Long, followed by Zak Warrener with 6 goals.48 goals in total were scored. The players taking part were: Peterborough A: Anthony Martin Ash Abdurahman Jack Osman Ollie Long Peterborough B: Declan McNally Daniel Powell Brad Lynn Charlie Noller Northampton: Dan Wilkin Tommy Payne Tom Mackenzie Charlie Wright Harry Reynolds All Stars: Gavin Meichan Josh Baker Zak Warrener Dan Aswell These events show that there are many fine prospects training with FDS at the under nine age group. FDS plan to organise regular competitive games and tournaments for its development centre players to assist in their development. Plans for the under nine age group include an overseas tour next year.