They are local players, who have progressed through the age groups within the Foundation set up, and have been identified through 21s Manager & Pathway Coach, George Housham, as players who have impressed with their ability, attitude and application.

Working closely with First Team Manager, Russ Wilcox, George has worked hard to supplement Wilcox’s side, in what can only be seen as a win-win, for both sides of the coin. The local up and coming talent will only benefit being around the first team, with the management team of Russ Wilcox & Kevin Pressman, boasting well over a thousand competitive league games between them.

They can see the pathway to the first team, and the standards they need to meet. Supporters can see the up and coming talent from within the town & surrounding areas. And the management have the bodies to ensure that players’ loads can be managed in the right way.

Six players linked to the Under 21s were involved in the first pre-season friendly. A 4-0 win away from home against Step 5 side, Frickley Athletic. A game in which goalkeeper, Thornton Checkley kept goal for the final ten minutes, keeping a clean sheet. Cameron Davies, Noah Ward (a youngster who has been with Trinity since U8s) Charlie Beale, Charlie Doble & Kyle Smith all gaining valuable experience & minutes on the pitch, with established Step 3 players.

Beale, Davies & Smith all travelled with Trinity for the trip to Lincoln United in the Lincolnshire Senior County Cup, again gaining valuable matchday experience as the side ran out 4-0 winners to progress to the first round proper of the competition.

Most recently, away at Basford United, former under 21 ‘keeper Jake Sykes played the full ninety minutes in a 1-1 draw. Looking to impress in the absence of regular first team ‘keeper Callum Hawkins, who was injured in the cup victory at Lincoln United earlier in the week. Also getting minutes again were Beale & Doble. As well as experiences for Alfie Eccleshall & Jaxon Stevens.

Speaking to George after his youngsters’ latest run out, he was understandably made up: “I’m a proud manager to be honest, I have been In touch with Russ a lot over the last few weeks – he’s asked a few of them to go training with the first team – and they have impressed. So much so, he has asked if they would like the opportunity to come along and be a part of the friendlies, while he manages the minutes of the players.”

“As a group, they’ve come in, played well, and done what Russ has asked. And there’s not a lot more than you can do, when you’re getting minutes, at sixteen. It’s really positive for the club.”

“This year, at 21s level, we are looking to consolidate what we have brought through from the Foundation last year, we’re building a closer working relationship with the first team, under their umbrella and it’s only going to go from strength to strength. And these first few friendlies have just underlined that.”

Wilcox praised the efforts of the youngsters, as he said: “Credit to the Under 21s & their manager George – he has been great, giving the lads the opportunity, allowing us to rotate as we have needed to. They’re under the club umbrella now, so let’s see how they develop.”

“They’ve got things to learn, we know that, but some of the lads that have been involved so far, have been sixteen and seventeen years of age. Hopefully we can keep developing them, George can keep on working with them – and we can maybe see some of them in the squad, during the season.”

Words: Rob Hughes (@AATM_Media)
Action Image: Sean Cook (@FoxbyMedia)