Edukick England V FC United

The lads had their first target game on Monday evening under the floodlights at Bolton Arena.

In a cold and very wet first half the lads got off to a bright start in the game, looking the better footballing team. Although they were on top the lads soon found themselves 2 down with 2 lapses of concentration.

The attitude of the team was excellent once again and heads didn't drop, just on the stroke of half time Miguel converted a well executed corner to get them back in the game, and give Miguel 3 goals in 3 games.

The second half was very competitive with both teams playing at a fast tempo right up to the final whistle. With the lads pushing hard for an equalizer they were caught out at the back right on the final whistle to concede a third.

Overall a great learning curve for the team and they can be pleased of the performance against a well established team, who are part of the break away club from Manchester United when the Glazers took over the club. Along with this a team that have been together for a few seasons and trained from early August.

Two premier League scouts were watching on and had some very positive feedback for James and the coaches, and have indicated they will be returning to future fixtures.

Another excellent performance from Miguel, and a 3rd goal earned him the Man of the Match award.

Settling in Well!

Moving into week 5 of the programme and the lads are settling in very well with the English lifestyle, and getting comfy, sometimes too comfy it looks like, with the host families.

Being in an English host family whilst on the course gives the players not only a safe and caring place to live, but exposes them to the English language and culture much more than any other experience. This is where we find that many of the players who have low levels of English can improve and come out of themselves with just interacting with the family.

Here you can see Steven Fong has settled in very well to the family life!

Year Long Football Studies Programme 2010 - 2011, Week 4

Check out the pictures from week 4 of the lads course by clicking on this picture.

Miguel Gets first Player of the Month for the Season

Miguel has scooped the first player of the month award for the 2010-2011 season here on the year long football studies programme. Following a dedicated effort in all the build up fitness work and some fantastic displays in training and matches Miguel was unanimously voted by staff as the first to receive the player of the month.

Well done Miguel

Four Selected For Local team

Following a great performance yesterday in the fixture against Salford College, four of the Edukick England/BWFC international Academy players have been selected to train with a local semi professional team St. Helens this evening. This will give the lads the chance to show the manager and coaches of the team their talent, and could be the first step on the ladder to progressing in the game.

Well done to Miguel, William, Michael and Joao who all impressed in the fixture yesterday and will be going along to St. Helens tonight. Good Luck lads.

Edukick England V Salford College

A great start to week four here in England with the team getting to winning ways in a fantastic performance against Salford College in Manchester. Played in the glorious October sun, at the Manchester FA head quarters the team had a development game with Salford College, who are currently top of their college league.

The focus this week was possession, keeping the ball, keeping it simple and making play effective. And the lads did just that.

Coming out 3- 2 winners, with Miguel, Michael, and Sebastian Blades all on the score sheet they showed they are coming together well as a team and developing quickly as players.

Well Done

Week Three Completed

As week three of the year long football studies programme comes to a close, and the lads look forward to a well earned weekend rest it's great to see that all the team are continuing to keep up the great effort and pace throughout the course.

Currently working hard in the classroom, many of the lads are already well into the first assignment for the BTEC, working on the Body in Sport module with the tutors which will help them in understanding how their body works and responds to the training and matches whilst here on the programme, hopefully helping them to avoid or minimise injuries.

All are on course for great results in the academic side of the programme, so well done to you all.