The manager of an Abbots Youth Football Club (AYFC) side which has earned four back-to-back promotions and a trophy says teamwork and belief in one another have been the key components to their success.
The AYFC U16s have seen themselves grow exponentially over the last five years, climbing all the way from the fifth division of West Herts Youth League up to division one, securing four consecutive promotions and adding a cup victory to their trophy cabinet.
Manager Spencer Hoadly (pictured far right), a former AYFC player himself, explained: “The boys have grown up together and battle well for each other. If one’s struggling, they’ll all pick each other up rather than shying away.”
The U16s are looking for yet more talent and experience to join them in next season.
“The physicality of Division 1 is going to be a big step up, we are looking for strong, physical and experienced players,” said Spencer.
“Going into Division 1, we are up against the big boys – we are the small little fish in a big pond. I told the boys, ‘You’ve got to go in and have the self-belief. When you’re playing well and it’s your day, you are able to play against anyone.”
“The most exciting part of the last four years has been seeing the boys believe in themselves. They used to go into the game thinking they’d already lost, but seeing the self-belief and confidence of the boys grow has been great.”
Abbot’s youth resemble an early Jose Mourinho side – as Spencer jokingly claimed himself – playing fast counter-attacking football down the wings by utilizing their pacey squad.
Spencer put his team’s success down to the quality, resilience and teamwork of his players, as well as crediting the other three coaches at the club – Lee White, Alasdair Pope, and Dan Parks – who had a significant impact on training and helping the squad prepare for matches throughout the last four seasons.
If you are interested in joining the U16 side, please contact Spencer at spencerhoadly@hotmail.com
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