English Schools' Football Association

It has been a memorable experience for all the players and staff, as we gained vital preparation time before the Centenary Shield games. The training facilities provided by Valencia CF and organised through Inspiresport were truly excellent. Andy Blight and I were able to put in some quality time on the training ground. Valencia CF U17’s provided the ESFA team with a very stern test on the field. It was a fast paced high quality game with both sides playing football through the thirds. (See match report here). Although we lost the game 2-0, there was a lot for us to be encouraged about. We created opportunities to score against a well drilled professional team; we also limited them to very few goal scoring chances. The difference was purely that they were more clinical in front of goal.

Having seen how much Valencia CF put into their youth development and the way they embrace the community too, it is no surprise that they consistently produce players from their club, that grace the world stage in the game. We can learn a lot from them in this country, a well-resourced facility that is geared towards playing football the right way and that is accessible to all is admirable.

We can now look forward to the International games. The players acquitted themselves extremely well, and confidence in each other has been enhanced. I can only thank the rest of the management team for being so professional in helping to foster the team unity that I believe we are creating.

Finally this trip is only possible through the relationship that we have with inspiresport plus the work from those in the ESFA office. I am definitely speaking on behalf of all the team that it was a very successful learning experience for us all. Next stop Lincoln City for the challenge that Wales SFA will undoubtedly pose us.

To see the profiles of this season's U18 Schoolboys please click here.