Torquay United U16s will take to Port Vale’s Vale Park on Saturday in the National Final of the Junior Premier League.
They face Newcastle East End in the culmination of a fantastic cup run for the team which has also been mirrored in the league. They have bested teams from Yoevil, Portsmouth, Reading, Oxford, and North Somerset. Then a 3-1 win over Oxford City FC in the semi-final earned the lads a cup final appearance after goals from Lewis Eaton, Josh Baxter, and Olaf Koszela.
The U16s coaching staff is made up of Chris Hogg, Don Ford, and Steve Meadows.
“It has been great for the lads to get to a national final,” said Chris Hogg. “It is what they deserve because we have had a great season. The games have been exciting to watch and the team is looking good heading into the post-season programme at Torquay Academy.
“It is going to be a big challenge facing Newcastle East End. They’re going to be big, strong, and physical, I expect. If we stick to what we have been doing all season then I’m sure we can get a result. The boys have been great and it would be nice to wrap it up with a victory and get everyone smiling.”
“The team has done very well this season and this is the icing on the cake,” said general manager, Geoff Harrop. “When we restarted the academy we didn’t think that in 8 months we would have a team competing in the National Final of the JPL Cup.”
“They’ve been playing an entertaining brand of football this season because we want them to play with the ball at their feet. There’s some excellent talent that are now going to go to our post-16 squad which is going to be run at Torquay Academy. They will support our structure going forward that develops local talent.
“I also have to thank Steve Margetts from Torquay Academy who has been extremely supportive in the progress we have made this season.”
If you fancy the long trip, or live in the local area then get along to Vale Park and cheer the lads on!
“I’ve had some calls saying that they are going to go and that’s fantastic. If there are any Torquay fans in the area then I know the lads would appreciate their support. It will be a great experience for the team to play at Port Vale’s ground,” added Geoff.
We’ll be bringing you more reaction in the lead-up to the match on Saturday.
Date & Time: Saturday, May 12 (12:30pm Kick-Off)
Location: Port Vale FC, Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslam, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1AW
Entry Prices: TBC
Torquay United U16s Squad: James Weeks, Josh Atkinson, Charlie Miller, Josh Baxter, Joe Whitehead, Ewan Howarth, Josh Parry, Kane Pook, Lewis Eaton,Harry Ford (Captain), Olaf Koszela, Kyan Tandy, Harrison Beer, Calun Wilkes, Toby Edmundson, Calum Fyfe