Walker Looks Ahead to FA Youth Cup Clash

The club’s youth team begin their FA Youth Cup campaign away at Ashby Ivanhoe on Monday night (1 September), and manager Paul Walker is excited to get the real action underway.

With a mixture of new blood and boys with a season of midweek football under their belts, Walker had the following to say ahead of the trip to Leicestershire.

Walker said: “Pre-season has finished and we start properly on Monday Night in the prestigious FA Youth Cup away to Ashby Ivanhoe.

“It’s been a good preseason, starting back in May and getting massive interest in the squad, which was so pleasing.

“With training sessions and plenty of friendlies, we have established a good, hardworking squad who want to progress and develop together.

“We feel we have a good balance of young and older players, led by Joe Troth as captain, who has been showing great leadership.

“The season looks bright with a good bunch. Progression is a massive part of the club at all ages - the midweek 18s gives this in all angles.

“16-year-olds step up to this higher level, and 17 and 18-year-olds are getting opportunities in men’s football with the club’s reserve team, with many examples in seasons gone by.

“The first team is the ultimate goal, with some from previous years going on to sample a taste of senior football at Step 3. The future looks very bright for this season and for the years to come.

“This could not be done without a good and dedicated management team, thanks to Dave Lewis, Mark Britton and Adam Frost.

“Good luck to the squad and enjoy a great journey.”

The Young Daniels’ tie at Ashby Ivanhoe kicks off at 7.30pm at The Element Ground, Lower Packington Road, Ashby de-la Zouch, Leicestershire, LE65 1TS, and it would be great to see as many fans as possible getting behind our boys.