Over the Easter break the Glentoran Under 18 & Under 16 NIFL Academy squads travelled to London to experience the professional academy environments of top Premier League clubs West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
The three-day trip started early on Easter Sunday when the squads left Belfast airport and travelled to London in preparation for the days ahead.
Monday started brightly with a warm welcome at West Ham training academy. A brief Q&A with West Ham U18s manager and former first teamer Kevin Keen and current West Ham and Northern Ireland Under 18 player Josh Briggs enlightened the squads on the day-to-day commitment and attitude required to succeed at a professional academy. The two games quickly followed with both the 18s and 16s performing really well against West Ham’s academy teams, including a great 3-0 win for the Under 16s. A smashing day all round.
On Easter Tuesday the boys travelled north to the state of the art Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre. Both squads then took part in very valuable development training sessions with Spurs’ Academy coaches and players. The Glens contingent was then treated to a light lunch, Q&A and a tour around the state of the art complex by the Head of Coach Development Joe Staunton. Joe provided the squad with great insight into the academy set up at Spurs.
The day rounded off well when some players and coaches were lucky enough to see the first team and meet a few Spurs legends including Northern Ireland’s Pat Jennings (photo above) and former England striker Jermaine Defoe.
Overall a very enjoyable and educational trip and a memorable experience for both players and coaches.
Everyone from Glentoran Academy sends a massive thank you to all the staff at both West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur for providing such a professional experience. We look forward to building links and working closely in the near future.
le jeu avant tout
The coaching team, including former first teamer Willie Garrett who joined the staff following his retirement
