By Tom Burton
A new batch of talented youngsters have begun their Kinetic journeys after coaches selected 50 players to join the part-time programme.
More than 150 footballers, aged 15 and 16, came along to trials across three sessions in Croydon and Merton.
And after being put through their paces with drills and match play, this year’s squads were finalised.
Adam Knight, who leads the U16s with Harry Hudson, was impressed with the passion shown by the boys and is delighted with the start they have made.
He said: “It’s an exciting time. The boys are all beginning their journey and there’s no reason why that can’t end up at the very top.
“We’ve got a very talented and balanced group this year. I’m certain there a few pros in the making.
“They just need to make sure they keep focused and show a hunger to learn because they’ve got a brilliant opportunity to develop here.”
The new group take a revision class for schoolwork, followed by a training session every Monday evening.
Players, who are all at schools across south London, enjoyed a specialist camp during half term which included matches against local academies.
They will do the same in January and then jet off to the world’s biggest youth team tournament – The Gothia Cup – in July.
If the groups develop as expected, the U15s will become next year’s U16s and the older squad members will progress to the full-time programme.
For more information about Kinetic’s programmes, email info@kinetic-foundation.org.uk