The AFC Sudbury Academy held their first presentation afternoon on Saturday, which recognised the work from all the Academy teams throughout the 2016/17 season.

The afternoon kicked off with a team photograph which saw all the players from the teams pose along with their collection of trophies.

Afterwards, the Under 13s, managed by Phil Beale and Chris Smith, the Under 14s, managed by Darren Grove, the Under 16s, managed by Rick Cornish, and the main Academy team took part in mini matches and penalty shootouts on the main 3G pitch.

Chairman Phil Turner introduced the presentation, and began by thanking the players for their dedication and hard work over the season. He mentioned the fantastic achievements of the Academy teams, including reaching the three EJA County Cup finals, the fantastic achievements of the U18s side, and the U21s who came second in their league.

The Chairman also noted that several Academy players made their first team debut this season, and some students have received scholarships and offers from Universities in the UK and USA.

Academy Director Danny Laws said he was proud of the growth and setup of the Academy. He thanked the bar and catering teams, the supporters, families and all the team involved behind-the-scenes. He also gave special thanks to Chairman Phil Turner and director Richard Instance for their support.

The first awards were ‘Certificates of Graduation’, which were awarded to:
Goalkeeper Curtis Child, who will go on to study at Bournemouth University.
Defender Alfie Carroll, who was named a role model and a leader.
Defender Reece White, who played in all 24 games of the Under 21’s season.
Goalkeeper Aaron Bean, who was named a likeable character.

U13s manager Phil Beale congratulated his team following an excellent season, with his side scoring 34 goals after Christmas. He also mentioned his side’s trip to Holland, and thanked the parents and academy for their support.

U14s manager Darren Grove told how his side went from second-from-bottom, to third in the league, but they narrowly lost 2-1 in their county cup final. He said that he is looking forward to next season, and thanked the parents for their effort and commitment.

U16s manager Ricky Cornish said he was proud that 11 of his 19 players were going on to the Academy programme next year. He mentioned that lots of his players featured in the Essex Senior League and Thurlow Nunn League matches this season.

U21s manager Matt Clarke mentioned the excellent work of the academy, with his side finishing runners-up in the Ryman U21 League. The players also received their runners up medals. He thanked all the staff and said this was his last season at the club.

Dave Cannon summed up the fantastic achievements of the U18s team with one sentence: “166 goals, conceded 29, won 31, lost 2.”

The teams were then asked to present an outstanding achievement award, and a players’ player of the year award.

For the U13s, Harry Blackburn won the Outstanding Achievement award and Josh Paulin was the Players’ Player of the Year.

For the U14s, Tyson Hipkin received the Outstanding Achievement award, while Kolinio Biaukula was named the Players’ Player of the Year.

For the U16s, Shaun Munro won the Outstanding Achievement award, with Jake Conway picking up the Players’ Player of the Year award.

For the U18s, first-year student Joe Walker was named the Players’ Player of the Year, and second-year student Joe Wright received the Outstanding Achievement award.

The academy was asked to present the AFC Sudbury Youth Player of the Year award, which was won by U16’s player Baris Altintop. Altintop has played in all of the Academy teams, this season.

Richard Instance presented a selection of awards for the officials behind the scenes for Kevin Pengelly Photography, Anglian Produce (Mark Dunnage), Brian Andrews, Jules Ankers, Chris Levitt, Louis Byers and Danny Crosbie.

Season summary:
The U13s finished their EJA season in 2nd place, the U14s finished their season in 3rd place and the U16s completed a league and cup double. The U18s topped the Thurlow Nunn Youth League with only one defeat all season, and went on to win three further cups. The U21s were runners-up in the Ryman U21s League, while players also gained experience through their games in the National League U19s College League, Essex Senior Reserve League and Thurlow Nunn Senior League.

Louis Byers