AFC Wimbledon under-18s record good times at annual run
Head of Academy Coaching Mark Robinson was delighted with the times recorded by his AFC Wimbledon under-18 squad as they tackled the annual “Richmond Run”.
“It’s been a really good morning as always,” said Mark. “Sometimes people question why I do it, because it’s a little old school, but with young players you can see how it creates a team spirit and gels the boys together.”
“I learn a lot about them,” added Mark. “It doesn’t tell you everything, but you see who has got a will and who has got a desire and we’ve trialists down here as well so it tells me a bit about them and time wise it’s been the best times we’ve ever had. Out of the 23 runners - 13 of them broke fifty minutes.”
“The winner was actually a trialist – Reece Cave – who clocked 44 minutes and 51 seconds, which is a really good time. Another trialist Sam Gillett took second place.”
“Then we had Reece Williams-Bowers and first year scholars Anthony Hartigan and Oszae Urhoghide, who came in very close behind, so it’s really, really pleasing.”
Coverage of the event is back on our YouTube channel, which can be seen by clicking on Richmond Run 2016 .
Our video is well worth a watch as the squad comes together under the guidance of Mark and his assistant James Oliver-Pearce. Goalkeeping coach Jordan Knight and sports scientist Jenna Richards also feature.
Plus, of course, the players. Reece Williams-Bowers, Toby Sibbick, Tino Carpene, Nathan Wood and Jayden Antwi all figured in the FA Youth Cup run last season and Louie Cockle and Antonio Walker were a part of that tremendous squad spirit too that helped see off the academies of Premier League giants Watford and Newcastle United, before bowing out to eventual winners Chelsea.
Race commentary and interviews are provided by WDON’s Rob Cornell.
Also, supporters can see our new Admiral training kit being put to the test in Richmond Park as well as the story of the mysterious “black hornet” – keep watching!
Richmond Park Run 2016 – Full results:
Name/Time (min.sec)
Reece Cave (Trialist) - 44.51
Sam Gillett (Trialist) - 45.24
Reece Williams-Bowers - 46.27
Anthony Hartigan - 46.27
Osaze Urhoghide - 46.27
Toby Sibbick - 47.01
Ethan Nelson-Roberts - 47.30
Tom Scott - 47.59
Reuben Collins (Under 16) - 48.09
Louie Cockle - 48.14
Antonio Walker - 48.17
Tino Carpene - 48.19
Nathan Wood - 49.26
Lamine Diana (Trialist) - 52.44
Nick Akoto - 52.52
Judah Chapman - 52.55
Great Evans - 53.19
Jordan Knight (GK Coach) - 53.50
Josef Bursik - 53.52
Drew Allasani (Trialist) - 57.00
Bradley Kauzeni (Trialist) - 59.10
Jayden Antwi - 59.12
Iijah (Trialist) - 62.18
Our photo shows joint third place Osaze Urhoghide, Reece Williams-Bowers and Anthony Hartigan with Mark and his assistant James Oliver-Pearce and Sports Scientist and Medicine Manager Jenna Richards (centre), with our two trialists who took first and second place this year.