Season to remember for Procision U19s as they celebrate national success
Procision Academy’s U19 side have enjoyed a season to remember.
The football academy based at Newbury College and Henwick Worthy Sports Ground offers youngsters the chance to combine full-time football while continuing their studies.
Earlier this month the U19s achieved national success, as they won the National Football Youth League Trophy.
They faced Middlesbrough’s U19s in the final at Pride Park, Derby, winning on penalties.
Academy director, Gary Clifford, was full of praise for the side.
“It wasn’t pretty, but we found a way to win,” he said.
“In cup competitions, that’s what it’s all about.
“The first round was just before Christmas, when we played one of the Southampton satellite teams away from home.
“We won that and didn’t think too much of it, but after that it became more national.
“We played away at Mansfield and won 3-0, and from there it was just home draws.”
The side’s confidence grew as the competition went on, coupled with positive results in the league, where they finished third to Plymouth and Croydon-based Volenti Academy.
They finished above U19 squads from Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Southampton, losing just four games.
Back in the cup, things were still going strong.
“We played an academy from Stockport, then beat Chesterfield by sneaking through 1-0,” Clifford admitted.
“I started to think our name was on the cup.
“We played Plymouth in the semi, which was our best performance of the season.
“We won 4-2 and were absolutely coasting.”
A win over Boro in the final was a fair reward for a Procision side which has shown great strength throughout the season.
“We cancelled each other out,” he said
“Our goalkeeper, Donnie Burke, saved two penalties in the shootout and that was enough.
“He’s been a standout this season and has consistently improved.
“Rhys Atkins and James Tomlinson have been with Hungerford’s U23s and have been great.
“We’re a different team with them available.
“Isaiah Williams was great in the final too.”
With the league season over, Procision were able to enjoy a trip to Barcelona.
They competed in the Copa Castell, facing sides from France, Germany and Switzerland in Catalonia and winning their category.
“It’s a highlight of the year for the boys,” Clifford explained.
“It gives them an opportunity to bond with each other.
“It’s great for their development.
“Winning just capped it nicely.
“Donnie was the hero again in the semi, saving four out of six penalties.”
Procision are always on the lookout for new recruits, with full details and contact information available at procisionfa.co.uk
“All we’re interested in is developing players,” he said.
“Hungerford is one pathway, but equally we work with Wantage Town, Newbury FC, we have players at Whitchurch too.
“We don’t mind where they go on to play, as long as there are pathways and opportunities for them.”
