The Academy age groups played the final games of their tour of The Netherlands when they visited FC Emma, from Dordrecht. All the games went well and there were lots of goals for us. Lots of players that usually play in their own positions were all given individual challenges to play in other positions, which was good from a development point of view. All Swindon's teams won all their games and this was a good end to what was another successful tour.
The was very good this year and the best year in terms of the players playing the amount of games that they have done. The highlight of the tour was the tournament that all the players and staff won on the Wednesday. It was a highlight for the club and the togetherness that all the players have shown this week is extremely valuable and so important for their development. We always speak to the players about the Four Corner Module (technical, tactical, psychological, and the social corner) and all of these would have increased in the contact time that we have had with our players.
Long-term, the age groups will benefit from the tours and will become stronger characters and be stronger in their home environment. More importantly, they will become closer to their age group teams, the other team groups and the staff.
I would like to thank the staff for their continued support and their time given on the tours, the coach driver, Peter Kordula and all the players from the foundation phase for their application, learning and professionalism whilst on tour and representing the Swindon Town Academy.
The Under 13s-15s leave for The Netherlands on Sunday so keep an eye out for my diary of their progress.
