Tudno Under-16 side a cut above
WITH every academy in North and Mid Wales taking part in this season’s Futsal Championships, Llandudno’s reputation as one of the region’s most progressive academies was further enhanced with some terrific displays at Deeside.
Held over two months, and culminating in Sunday’s finals, the club’s youngsters achieved some outstanding results.
At junior level, Tudno’s under-10s started the ball rolling, winning five out of seven games including victories over TNS (2-0), Flint Town (3-0) and Connah’s Quay (2-0).
Later the U11s won four out of six matches, beating Rhyl (2-0) and Newtown (2-1) along the way.
On Sunday it was the turn of the under-12s, 14s and 16s to play in the official FAW tournament, which sees the top two academies in each age group going to Cardiff in late February to play in the National Championships against the top sides from South Wales.
Llandudno’s U14s, although sitting top of the 11-a-side academy league this season, had key players injured but still finished a highly creditable fifth with convincing wins over Flint Town and Prestatyn, while the U12s were just denied a place at Cardiff, losing in a closely-fought semi-final on penalties, thereby finishing fourth.
Last to play were Tudno’s U16s, who are enjoying a terrific season – like the U14s they too lead their academy league table – and the side were keen to hold on to the trophy they won at U14 level two years ago.
Playing at a high tempo and moving the ball quickly, the boys were superb on the day, beating Connah’s Quay in the semis 6-1, before dismantling Cefn Druids 7-2 in the final.
A credit to the club, Llandudno U16s now head for Cardiff in good spirits and with confidence high.
With two sides from the south to play, they have high expectations of becoming the first Llandudno academy side to win a national competition.
Academy director Clive Rushton was delighted with the way all the club’s young teams performed, saying: “It was a great competition to be part of this season – even our under-8s, 9s and 13s won most of the games they played in previous weeks, and seeing the standard of play our boys produced over the weekend was a testament to the work being undertaken every week by our coaching staff.
“We preach pass and move football at Maesdu Park, concentrating on developing our boys’ technique, and the results at Deeside proved to me that we’re heading in the right direction.’’
Meanwhile, any local players who want to join Llandudno’s academy should contact Clive on 07766 103781.