*BS*Dover Athletic Youth Section have formed a new Under-13 team for next season and have already played their first competitive matches.*BF*

New Youth Section Chairman Daren Smith reports on their first tournament:

“The team got off to a fantastic start when they took part in the prestigious Kent League 6 a side tournament at Corinthian.

“Playing teams that will be competing in the Kent League next season, Dover Athletic played some superb football in the group stages beating Chatham Town A 5-0, Holland & Blair A 1-0, Danson Sports 1-0, APM Holtwood A 3-0 and Bredhurst Juniors A 3-1.

“In the semi final they deservedly beat one of the other group winners Park Regis 3-1 before lining up against Welling United in the final. In the end the boys could do no more, losing 3-0 in a tight game to a very good team.

“The team really caught the eye not only for their kit (sponsored by S&P Brisley Accident Repair Centre) but also for their excellent attitude and fantastic style of football that saw them win many admirers.”

The team was made up of Ollie King, Lewis Thornby, Ollie Nedderman, Ryan Hanson, Ollie Joannides, Connor Lovell and Tommy Walmsley-Dance.

The Under-13s are still on the lookout for one to two talented players to strengthen the squad for next season, so if you are currently in Year 7 and want to be involved please call Simon Hanson on 07899 603301.

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*BS*Mike Sandmann provides his end of season report on the progress made in the past 12 months by the club’s Academy players, which has seen a young squad mature and develop quickly:*BF*

The Academy finished the season on a high Wednesday after beating Bromley 2-0 and it was the performance that was really pleasing for myself and Rob.

We were unbeaten in the last five games, which the players will be pleased about but for us the performances and development of the players is always our main focus. This development has been clearly evident in the progress that has been made from the start of the season to the end.

It’s been a tough season for the players, with a squad made up of mainly first years. They have had to learn quickly, competing against older and more physical opponents. The players have learnt to move the ball a lot quicker and to keep the ball for longer periods of the game, recognising when to change the tempo of the match.

They have all become a lot more confident in possession and are not afraid to express themselves in the final third, which has been particularly pleasing.

*Lpic1*We will keep together a large majority of our squad, as well as welcoming some new players into the Academy which I’m looking forward to working with next season. I am confident that the players will continue to learn and develop throughout next season.

Hopefully some of them will follow in the foot steps of Lloyd Harrington, Sean Raggett, Tom Axford and Dave Pilcher in gaining first-team experience. We were delighted to see Lloyd recognised by the supporters with an award for his performances this season.

A special mention to Alistair Wren, Joe Ellett, Luke Fewsdale, Corey Watts and Shannon Harris, who will be leaving the Academy this summer, having completed their second year with us.

*BS*Mike Sandmann provides his end of season report on the progress made in the past 12 months by the club’s Academy players, which has seen a young squad mature and develop quickly:*BF*

The Academy finished the season on a high Wednesday after beating Bromley 2-0 and it was the performance that was really pleasing for myself and Rob.

We were unbeaten in the last five games, which the players will be pleased about but for us the performances and development of the players is always our main focus. This development has been clearly evident in the progress that has been made from the start of the season to the end.

It’s been a tough season for the players, with a squad made up of mainly first years. They have had to learn quickly, competing against older and more physical opponents. The players have learnt to move the ball a lot quicker and to keep the ball for longer periods of the game, recognising when to change the tempo of the match.

They have all become a lot more confident in possession and are not afraid to express themselves in the final third, which has been particularly pleasing.

*Lpic1*We will keep together a large majority of our squad, as well as welcoming some new players into the Academy which I’m looking forward to working with next season. I am confident that the players will continue to learn and develop throughout next season.

Hopefully some of them will follow in the foot steps of Lloyd Harrington, Sean Raggett, Tom Axford and Dave Pilcher in gaining first-team experience. We were delighted to see Lloyd recognised by the supporters with an award for his performances this season.

A special mention to Alistair Wren, Joe Ellett, Luke Fewsdale, Corey Watts and Shannon Harris, who will be leaving the Academy this summer, having completed their second year with us.

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