Boys’ Development Squad play in Liverpool FC Tournament
The Boys' Development Squad gained invaluable experience last weekend as they travelled to England to play in a two-day tournament hosted by Liverpool FC at their AXA Training Centre in Kirkby.
After flying to England early on Saturday, the squad – consisting of players from the Club's recently introduced Emerging Talent Programme (ETP) – contested nine matches between 10am on Saturday morning and 3pm on Sunday afternoon.
The tournament provided the group with a unique opportunity to compete against some of the strongest academy programmes in England, including matches against Premier League clubs Liverpool FC and Aston Villa, and EFL Championship side Sheffield United.
The trip also highlighted the strength of Bray Wanderers’ player pathway, with 13 of the 14 boys selected coming from our connected clubs, further demonstrating the value of the enhanced collaboration and ability to provide opportunities for young players.
Supporting the group was a high calibre coaching team led by former Bray Wanderers’ first team captain Dean Zambra, along with Mick Brown (Assistant Coach) and Pat Finnerty (Goalkeeping Coach), with newly appointed Academy Director Áine O’Gorman also joining the staff for the first time since taking on her role.
Looking back on the weekend, Dean Zambra said:
“A great weekend for the Bray team at the Liverpool tournament. The players represented the Club and themselves brilliantly, showing great attitude and quality throughout the competition. Competing against top opposition provided a valuable learning experience for our group.
Most importantly the players made great memories winning games against Premier League academies and hopefully making them hungrier to reach new heights.”
Speaking on the invaluable experience for the players, Áine O’Gorman added:
“Our Boys’ Development Squad had an excellent experience during their recent trip to Liverpool and the AXA Training Centre.
Facing top academy opposition including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Sheffield United provided a fantastic opportunity for the players to test themselves in a high-level environment and continue their development.
The group represented Bray Wanderers extremely well throughout and gained a hugely valuable experience both on and off the pitch.
A memorable trip and an important part of their journey as young players.”
(Photo Credit: Ethan Finnerty)
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