FLEETWOOD, Lancs, 08 June, 2009

UNDER 18’s END OF SEASON REPORT.

Successful, sometimes frustrating but most of all enjoyable is the way the management team of Fleetwood Town Under18’s would describe the 2008/ 2009 season.

Playing in the Lancashire Football Association Under18’s Floodlight League the team finished a very respectable third and finished the season with the last five games undefeated.
During the way some excellent performances, noticeably the victory away from home against the eventual league champions Myerscough and Southport Football Club.     
But it was really in the FA Youth Cup competition that Town enjoyed most of their success. Reaching the first round proper, the first team in the area to achieve this and a home fixture against Oldham Athletic was the reward. Although not winning, the plaudits that Town received were extremely encouraging and echoed the feeling of the Fleetwood Town staff that the boys had done the club proud.

However winning Football matches, although important is not just what this particular age group is all about. The aims and objectives have to be the development of the individual player. This is important to the longevity of the football club and success with this team is, and always will be producing players that will eventually push for selection in the clubs 1st team. But to reach this standard the first step is to challenge for a place in Steve Edwards second string and to this end the team has been successful in introducing several players to reserve team Football this season.  

The frustrating issues this season, has been with certain players not reaching full potential. Despite all efforts from the coaching staff players must realise that to reach that next level they have to buy into the ethos of Senior Football at Fleetwood Town and a great deal of this is self discipline, hard work in matches and at training and self confidence without these the young players will not succeed.

Unfortunately, but inevitably we will not be signing certain players on for next season. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all these players for the commitment and dedication to Fleetwood Town Football Club and wish them all success in their future Football careers.

The future at Fleetwood Town Football Club is exciting with the emergence of the Football Development programme. The club has worked hard selecting players of the correct calibre to represent Fleetwood. Under 18’s Manager Mike Sumner and assistant Mark Bowley are looking forward to work with those players that are selected to play in the under 18’s squad.

Mike Sumner said “We have some good players on the development programme. We have watched all the training sessions and games so far and I’m sure if these lads are prepared to work hard and listen to the advice they will be given they have every opportunity to have a successful career at Fleetwood Town. Together with the excellent players already at the club we should do well next season”.

Assistant manager Mark Bowley said “I’ve really enjoyed my first season at Fleetwood Town... Everything is in place for success at this club and the development of the young players. Everyone has worked really hard to make this work and I am proud to be associated with it”