HAPPY NEW YEAR 2017 LICHFIELD CITY ACADEMY STARS
Lichfield City Football Academy enjoyed great experiences in 2016 with a new team starting together. Pre season the lads enjoyed several experiences at St Georges Park where they won a tournament, got changed in Wayne Rooney’s England teams changing room, met the present England u21 team and had pictures with Marcus Rashford. Watching England internationals and premiership football stars live, is a wonderful experience for Lichfield City football Aacdemy players.
The lads have had West Ham, Arsenal, Manchester United, Leicester City and Chelsea coaches develop their football experience with personal coaching. The Lichfield academy players enjoyed a tough 5 weeks of pre season- the highlights drawing 7-7 with Nuneaton Borough where they were 6-1 down at HT. As a coach you recognised at this stage we were developing winning characters and this was evident beating Birmingham City youth team 5-1 at home.
For Lichfield Academy players receiving their match shirts and new training gear was an exciting experience with a game of golf in Lichfield with ex England and Premiership striker Dariuz Vazzell. Encoraging words at the presentations took place and this was another first class experience for young football stars to feel inspired and motivated. The lads look smart and professional in their academy gear.
Starting academic work and training each day is a tough challenge and the lads with real ambition and desire to achieve their goals to go onto university or professional sport have maintained their attendance and attitude very well. This is evident with their consistant football appearences and it is great to witness Lichfield academy stars emerging into bright young men. The team has great character and desire to do well and the lads team spirit is amazing to witness ( music taste im not sure) the lads love a sing song before and after matches- especially when they win.
As a coach im looking for everyone to have discipline & an opportunity to develop, for professional characters and skills to be achieved and for winning mindsets to occur with the students in order they grow with confidence & freedom to express their talent in a safe environment for their career to grow. To witness the team spirit and talent shining through so quickly with the Lichfield City football Academy players is fantastic.
The Lichfield Academy players have reached the last 16 of the cup with an awesome win over Burton Albion FC. In the College league they have drew away at table top side Moreton and beat recognised football clubs Burton Albion, Newcastle Town and Romulus FC. The academy side on a saturday sit 9th in the league out of 30 teams- a fantastic start to the season, with several wins including beating Tamworth FC away and drawing in the last game before Christmas break with Telford FC. These local football clubs have more experience and reputation than Lichfield City FC academy but it goes to show we have a great team spirit and are looking to progress the new side with a professional and fun approach. Won 10 Drew 2 lost 7 so far. 2017 the lads have two leagues and cups to go and achieve success.
2017 will allow the players to achieve their A level qualifications and complete their first full year at the academy. Further football training and development with the options to go St Georges Park will enhance the players. The football matches we will be involved in will strengthen the team spirit and who knows what wins the lads may have if they work hard and attend training. The Real Madrid tour should be a wonderful experience- training at Real Madrid with reserves coaches and playing a match against a local team. Real Madrid tickets against A Madrid will be a fantastic game to witness live as both teams fight for the la liga title. A tour of the famous champions league staduim will be awesome for the lads and who knows if we meet any world club champion players. To sit in Ronaldo position in the changing room should be fun.
Hard work and fun times ahead for Lichfield City Football/Education academy players. Good luck!
