Under-18s seek to build on fantastic 2015/16 campaign
AFC Wimbledon Under-18s will prepare for the 2016/17 season by hosting Norwegian opposition on 27 July.
Manager Mark Robinson has arranged a competitive mix of pre-season fixtures against domestic opponents, before the young Dons host Ranheim FC at the training ground.
Ranheim FC, located six kilometres away from the city of Trondheim, play in the Norwegian First Division, just one level below the Premier League in the Scandinavian country.
AFC Wimbledon Under-18s take on the first-teams of Walton Casuals and Corinthian Casuals, before meeting Ranheim.
Mark Robinson is aiming to build on the best season for our academy since the club reformed with our Under-18s reaching the last-16 of the FA Youth Cup and finishing third in Merit League One of the Football League Youth Alliance.
“It is very important to build on the good foundations from last season,” said Mark. “We have a varied pre-season games programme, including testing ourselves against two good standard first- teams. We will also take on sides that will be treating the games like their ‘Cup Finals’ and good standard Norwegian opposition, who will no doubt offer some different challenges.
“As always, we start our games programme with an enjoyable match against our supporters’ team. It’s a perfect leg stretcher for us after two weeks' training. This season more than ever it will be great for the lads to mix it with the fans after the great support we received in the FA Youth Cup last season. The lads have looked sharp in training and we are all looking forward to a very productive campaign”.
The picture above shows Nathan Wood in action during last season’s brilliant FA Youth Cup run.
Pre-season fixtures for Under-18s are as follows:
5 July - Under-18s v AFC Wimbledon Supporters’ team (1 pm at Southfields College)•
• 16 July - Walton Casuals first-team v Under-18s (3.30 pm at Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Centre)
• 19 July - Under-18s v Kinetic Academy (1 pm at Tooting & Mitcham)
• 23 July - Corinthian Casuals first-team v Under-18s (3 pm at King George’s Field)
• 27 July – Under-18s v Ranheim FC (3 pm at training ground, New Malden)
• 30 July – Under-18s v Matlock FC Under-19s (1.30 pm at training ground, New Malden)