Youth players coming of age
2 December, 2009

The youth system at Fleetwood Town is improving at a steady pace since Micky Mellon took over the additional role as Director of Youth earlier this year. 

In addition to first team duties, Mellon is responsible for the Player Development Programme and the current batch of under 18 players at the Highbury.

As well as representing Fleetwood Town in three youth leagues, including the Football Conference Youth Alliance, the youngsters are also being hand picked to play elsewhere and gaining representative honours along the way.

Town pair Jordan Holmes (under 18) and Jack Duggan (development programme) last Saturday commanded the centre of Lancashire’s defence when the county side overcame West Riding FA in the Northern Counties Championship. (match report).

Under 18 captain Adam Sumner (pic) has been selected for final trials with the English College FA side and is eligible through his studies at Myerscough College

“I was invited to the northern trials and made my way through. It would be a big honour to be finally selected. I’m pleased with my football this season.  I’m gaining plenty of experience, including playing for Fleetwood Town Reserves.  Our youth teams are also doing well in the various leagues and cup competitions. We have a good setup and everyone is involved.”
 
In addition, left-back Sumner is one of six Fleetwood Town youth players who have been loaned to other Fylde-based clubs.

The defender has joined AFC Blackpool, where he appeared for Fleetwood’s first team in a preseason friendly last summer.  He is joined by Grant Dell, who was an unused substitute in Town’s recent FA Cup tie at Kidderminster Harriers.  

Goalkeeper Nathan Thomson is spending a loan period at Thornton Cleveleys, whilst Mick Booth has gone to Norcross. Joe Camozzi and Mark France are both at Freckleton.

The club are running development programme trials on Monday 21 December 2009 for candidates considering the programme once they leave school next year (current year 11 students). Club chief executive Steve Curwood can be contacted for further information or booking a trail place on 07773 027706.

The club currently has over 20 players taking part in the club's full time development programme which is run in association with Blackpool & The Fylde College.
 
The two year scheme provides full time education at the college's Bispham Campus, with the scholars working towards a BTEC National Diploma in Sport Qualification (equivalent to 3 A levels). In addition to the academic side they also participate in three, two hour training session an each week.