ACADEMY Manager Jeremy Newton files his latest tour diary from the Netherlands.
The Academy teams continued the tour of Holland on Tuesday with a light training session, followed by some classroom work for the age groups, talking about the previous game, and talking through some points with the players. We also gathered feedback from the players to check their game understanding. After lunch, it was time to rest before the second game of the tour against Excelsior Rotterdam. We then left for Rotterdam, which took just under an hour.
The Under-10s played two games of 7v7 and, despite some terrible rain and hail, played some good football. Both teams tried to ignore the conditions and play a good, high-tempo game. The games ended 6-4 and 5-4 in Swindon's favour, with special praise mentioned by the coaches for Marcus Ifil, Jude Soonsup-bell, and Under-9, Sam Hughes.
The Under-11s were privileged to play in the Excelsior stadium, which was good for all the players. They took advantage of this, running out 7-1 winners with goals coming from Landon Golding, Harry Parsons, Thomas Pitt, Will Fowler, Charlie Wiggett and a brace from Dan Warre.
The Under-12s ran out 5-0 winners, with goals coming from Levi Irving (2), Owen Windsor, Harrison Edwards and Nyke Fletcher. Coach Sean Wood said: "The team were very organised out of possession to combat Excelsior's passing game and I was very pleased with the attacking play. It was pleasing to see the team shape and what we have worked on in the classroom came out in the game. Also, special praise for Tommy Sure for his organisation and team work to lead the team for their second win on the tour."
All age groups will have the morning off, then prepare for a tournament. Swindon will play and compete against Sparta Rotterdam, Gravenzande, and Den Haag in an international mini-tournament.