Sunderland under-15s are gunning for national glory this Sunday when they face Colchester United in the Floodlit Shield final.
The young Black Cats are looking to continue the fine work of the academy over the last 12 months which has seen the under-13s and under-14s lift the international crowns.
With achievements in futsal also, the academy has continued its production line through to the first-team with no fewer than 10 academy faces featuring at senior level this season.
Here, safc.com’s Sam Lightle speaks with lead coach Paul Bryson about this Sunday’s final for the under-15s and finds out exactly what it means to the lads.
Paul, thanks for your time, what can you tell us about this weekend’s final?
PB: “The unders-15s had a really good start to the season. We beat Leeds United, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough all at home. They were convincing wins to be fair. However, after Christmas our form took a little bit of a downward spiral and we had to play the same teams away. Instead of finishing inside the top two to progress into the Floodlit Cup semi-finals we ended up in the Floodlit Shield because we finished third. It was disappointing, but it gave us something to go at. We drew against Manchester United at home but beat them on penalties and then in the Northern Final, which was really the semi-final, we played Derby County away last Saturday. We played really well and won 3-2 so that has progressed us to the final where Colchester United wait for us. They beat Southampton in their semi-final, so they will be a tough side.”
Do you feel as though the performances have picked up just at the right time?
PB: “Like I say, we had that dip in form and that was a little bit disappointing. The under-15s games programme is quite sparse so we usually try to get the lads playing for the under-16s when we can. We had two good performances against Manchester United and Derby so we are looking forward to Sunday’s final now. It has kept the season alive a little bit.”
When you look at the likes of Sam Greenwood and Bali Mumba who are 16 and playing up the levels – it must give the lads something to aspire for?
PB: “Yes, it does. We are progressing kids through really quickly so when they are finishing their scholarship we are asking whether they are ready for the first team – if they are then that’s great. We have had a good academy for years but all of a sudden things are starting to happen. We won the International Tournament with the under-13s and under-14s and we have offered nine homegrown lads scholarships.”
Why do you think that is?
PB: “There is opportunity for the lads. Our under-16s have always been a good age group but now we have got the likes of Bali and Sam in there. We have got some good age groups further down the line where we should get some good scholars. The coaches keep ramming it home that there is an opportunity. It is a realistic opportunity.”
So, is that the message from you going into Sunday’s final?
PB: “Yes, next year is a really big year for some of these lads. They will all want scholarships and there is the opportunity for that. You get all consistencies at this age but now they need to continue what they’ve done recently into Sunday and show that again next season. They need to hit the ground running straight away. It is the most important year for them.”
