North Ferriby United

'East Riding County League Champions’

The Academy team have had an outstanding season culminating in them being crowned County Premier League Champions just last week. The young side coached by Rich Bell and Pete Richardson was established just last season when they took over the previous ‘Reserves’ slot in the East Riding County League. The aim has been to ‘blood’ our young elite players (most of whom are 16-19) into mens football and provide a pathway from Youth Football into the Mens game. 

Pete and Rich knew the importance of ’stepping up’ and the challenges it entailed. Taking a squad of 17 year olds from Hull Boys Sunday League wouldn't be easy but the coaches felt there had to be a starting point if the club were to retain good players and help them develop further. Rich commented "The ability of the boys wasn't in question but their character would certainly be tested by adapting to both the greater physicality and technical levels of the mens level. The team finished a very commendable 5th last season and this gave us the platform to start bringing the next age group through".

The current season began slowly with 2 wins and 2 defeats where general form dipped after a good pre-season. However the big turning point came mid-October where they responded to a poor previous week loss with two outstanding performances. First came a 4-3 win against Wawne United (last seasons Humber Prem Champions) and then the youngsters went on to beat the other early pacesetters AFC Orchard 5-0 away. From there, the squad really started to believe in themselves and went on a fantastic 15 game unbeaten run which saw them secure the County Premier League title with a 4-0 win at Sculcoates. 

Pete said: "I think what has been great for Rich and I is seeing how the lads have developed in character and resilience and bound together to overcome the challenges they’ve faced. They work hard for each other and they know it’s about he whole squad pulling together and pushing on further. They’re a great bunch of lads and the newer boys have also integrated and developed extremely well.” 

The Academy Squad performances have also been recognised by the first team with three youngsters being involved over the last 4 or 5 games. Rich added "We are obviously delighted that several lads are now on the first team radar which is a great credit to them and their team mates. Its something as a club we have to now build on and I know Steve and Darryn feel the same. They are keen to keep looking to bring the lads through and if they think they’re good enough and ready, they will get a chance. I know from speaking to the lads who have been on first team duty recently that they are really motivated and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience at seeing first hand what is required for them to take another big step up at that level.” 

Moving on from this season, Pete and Rich are very positive "I think the plan is for us to keep developing both individually and as a unit. We’ll have a good break and then come back for pre-season and go again. We will continue to have a few sessions training alongside the first team in the summer too, which again will be good for everyone…so lets see how it goes.