Feature: James Dodd turns the spotlight on Barry Town’s Development Team

13th March 2020 James Dodd Student Work 0

By James Dodd

CURRENTLY 18 games unbeaten, the development side at Jenner Park can be extremely proud and excited for the remainder of the season.

One person who is particularly proud of the team’s efforts is Peter Fordham, who is the lead coach and has been involved with the side since July 2019.

“The results have been excellent both in the league and cup. To go 18 games unbeaten is an unbelievable achievement,” said Fordham.

“This is a reflection on how the players have applied themselves over the season both on and off the pitch.

 

Fordham also highlighted the importance of improving each player and explained how important the senior side in Barry have been.

“Results aside, the main aim is the transition of the youth players into the 1st team, whilst developing them individually as people.

“Creating a clear pathway for youth players has been the main aim for the development staff this season.

It is fantastic to have a gaffer who believes in youth. Our players have regularly trained up to the 1st team and three players have received 1st team debuts: Lathan Garret, Jack Pascoe and Alex Brooked Bent”

Barry Town Development currently sit top of the Cymru Premier Development League South table after 15 matches, having only lost points in one of the fixtures.

Last week, the side faced The New Saints in a Welsh cup semi-final. Speaking before the match, Fordham was cherishing the occasion.

“It is brilliant for the players to be involved. We want to compete with the best and there is no better way than to test ourselves against TNS, who run a full time scholar programme.”

The match took place at Park Avenue, Aberystwyth. Unfortunately, it finished 2-0 in favour of The New Saints, and they will now face Chirk AAA in the final.

This can not take away the brilliant run the team had and they will now focus on the league for the rest of the season in the hope to get some silverware.