Fleetwood Town "academy". Whats the craic? 

8 hours ago, Dr Faustus said:

Love that- currently U16s? Danny Philliskirk in charge at Oldham, Burnley have a few kids released there and one just signed from my old grassroots side.

 

u15s. yea a couple of the lads that were at burnley with him have rocked up too. team full of rejects with a point to prove perhaps? 😅

Edited November 14, 2025Nov 14 by HomerJay

3 hours ago, HomerJay said:

u15s. yea a couple of the lads that were at burnley with him have rocked up too. team full of rejects with a point to prove perhaps? 😅

Obvs there’s the relationship between Tony and Danny Phil, but I understand Oldham have just got cat 3 status back and competing with a lot of others. Good luck to him bud, hope he gets the scholar 🤞

23 hours ago, Dr Faustus said:

Obvs there’s the relationship between Tony and Danny Phil, but I understand Oldham have just got cat 3 status back and competing with a lot of others. Good luck to him bud, hope he gets the scholar 🤞

yea cat 3. owner is building new training facility next to the ground.

Horrible for keepers out there today. I know of 3 goals direct off corners, 2 in one game. Only aware of about 5 matches on!

Son's game is off today but daughter's game is on. 

Coming in for a bit of advice cos I'm on the brink of pulling her from her team. This is season no.5, she's been first choice centre half and captain for most of her time with the team but has had the captaincy taken off her and dropped for every game since August. 

Manager told her (good job I didn't hear this) she wasn't fit enough (fucking 14 year old thin as a rake) and that she'd be back in the side when this improved. She's been starving herself by not eating at school at all and doing extra training on her own to try and please this wanker but it's made no difference. 

Since the girls were tiny he's worked on the basis that we don't take new kids without them proving themselves first but this year he's had two rejects from Manchester City who have come in and he's bombed out two 'regulars' one being my daughter. Was all about winning and losing as a group but has now decided that winning takes precedence over everything. Previously if you missed training then you were sub on the Sunday, which adds another wrinkle to this fucking saga. 

Anyway, reason for my approach today is that he's been away for a fortnight on holiday during which time my daughter has played both games and been great, whilst also attending all training and doing really well. These Manchester City kids have been away too and so if he drops mine and brings them straight back in I'm going to lose my fucking mind. 

Am I being unreasonable and should I stand back and not interfere?

I’d be pissed off too mate, but ultimately your daughter should be the decision maker in this situation. If she’s happy to prove wait and prove herself, then that’s the answer. 
 

It’s awful though that the coach has created a situation where she’s starving herself for fear of putting weight on or whatever. That’s a fuckin shambles and is something you really need to keep an eye on and even raise with the Safeguarding officer if she develops mental health issues as a result of it. If she did, you’d be well within your rights to wallop him

11 hours ago, Kane57 said:

Son's game is off today but daughter's game is on. 

Coming in for a bit of advice cos I'm on the brink of pulling her from her team. This is season no.5, she's been first choice centre half and captain for most of her time with the team but has had the captaincy taken off her and dropped for every game since August. 

Manager told her (good job I didn't hear this) she wasn't fit enough (fucking 14 year old thin as a rake) and that she'd be back in the side when this improved. She's been starving herself by not eating at school at all and doing extra training on her own to try and please this wanker but it's made no difference. 

Since the girls were tiny he's worked on the basis that we don't take new kids without them proving themselves first but this year he's had two rejects from Manchester City who have come in and he's bombed out two 'regulars' one being my daughter. Was all about winning and losing as a group but has now decided that winning takes precedence over everything. Previously if you missed training then you were sub on the Sunday, which adds another wrinkle to this fucking saga. 

Anyway, reason for my approach today is that he's been away for a fortnight on holiday during which time my daughter has played both games and been great, whilst also attending all training and doing really well. These Manchester City kids have been away too and so if he drops mine and brings them straight back in I'm going to lose my fucking mind. 

Am I being unreasonable and should I stand back and not interfere?

I'd be having a little chat with the manager pal. There's no harm in that at all.

I've had a few over the years, you're only looking after your daughter.

I'd spin it as is there anything she can do or work on etc. See what his plan and agenda is.

In the current climate around young people's mental health, in particular it manifesting itself in eating disorders, his approach seems clumsy and ill informed at best, dangerous and a safeguarding issue at worst.

I've coached around 20 young female athletes in the 13-20 age range over the last five years and have had a worrying rise in mental health issues to contend with, mirroring concerning trends nationally.

The whole topic of nutrition and hydration is a complex one that needs very careful wording and handling. At one point, we had six young female athletes in the group, three of whom were battling with eating disorders and self harm and a fourth with chronic anxiety. Two of those cases resulted in hospitalisation. 

No doubt you'd approach the manager diplomatically at first, fair enough, but if you get short shrift re the attitude to 'being fit enough' and how your daughter's being dealt with, you might have a decision to make

Having seen my friends daughter go through this ( she's 14 and a dancer, slim build) her dance teacher said she thought she was putting weight on, and had to work harder if she wanted a role in the next performance. She starved herself, they didn't nip it in the bud quickly, and she now has an eating disorder.

It's your call, but my mate regrets not stepping in sooner.

At that age the body is still developing, growing and changing by the day.

Hormones and all kinds of shit whizzing about.

Everyone thinks 15 year old lads are just lazy fuckers but theres that much stuff going off in the body it leaves nothing left.  Hence they can bed down like a hamster for 12 hours a time

Its even worse for girls. 

 

Has anyone sent their kids to these coaching classes run by BWFC at the Arena? Are they any good?

They have an 8-11 age group, which seems a bit of a wide range, especially as mine has only just turned 8.

https://wsitc.org.uk/products/wanderers-soccer-school?variant=41320773320787

My youngest played a full 40 minutes in net on Saturday. He's U8s this season. Never shown any interest in playing in net but gave it a go last week and did quite well. They won 3-1 and he played extremely well. Actually diving for shots and getting his hands to the ball. He was in for training again last night and he has taken to it like a duck to water.

I coach the team and told him as long he's enjoying himself that's all that matters. He said he did because he didn't have to run around as much and wasn't ending up knackered 😂 Thinking of seeing if I can grab him some 1-2-1 goalkepper sessions if he's still enjoying it after Christmas.

Been really good to see virtually every game they've played this year has been competitive but my god some of the parents/coaches at this level take things far to seriously.

12 hours ago, Adlington Trotter said:

Has anyone sent their kids to these coaching classes run by BWFC at the Arena? Are they any good?

They have an 8-11 age group, which seems a bit of a wide range, especially as mine has only just turned 8.

https://wsitc.org.uk/products/wanderers-soccer-school?variant=41320773320787

 

 

56 minutes ago, BeeversLeftPeg said:

My youngest played a full 40 minutes in net on Saturday. He's U8s this season. Never shown any interest in playing in net but gave it a go last week and did quite well. They won 3-1 and he played extremely well. Actually diving for shots and getting his hands to the ball. He was in for training again last night and he has taken to it like a duck to water.

I coach the team and told him as long he's enjoying himself that's all that matters. He said he did because he didn't have to run around as much and wasn't ending up knackered 😂 Thinking of seeing if I can grab him some 1-2-1 goalkepper sessions if he's still enjoying it after Christmas.

Been really good to see virtually every game they've played this year has been competitive but my god some of the parents/coaches at this level take things far to seriously.

my only words of caution;

I've seen kids burn out playing in net, they hate come 12, but cant kick a ball and are useless outfield as a result. They then fall out of love and just pack it in as they are miles off the standard. The fundamental skills they develop are just missing.

Conversely, if he gets really good, an academy will come along and you're back to square one. I've seen both scenarios a number of times.

Some coaches can be just as bad... Our U8s want a referee each week as hey have lost to dubious decisions and parents are complaining- last week a goal direct from a corner was disallowed by the opposing manager 'as you cant do that in mini soccer'- you can, but regardless- what man takes a goal off a 7 year old child?

BBDFL btw?

Edited November 18, 2025Nov 18 by Dr Faustus

12 hours ago, Adlington Trotter said:

Has anyone sent their kids to these coaching classes run by BWFC at the Arena? Are they any good?

They have an 8-11 age group, which seems a bit of a wide range, especially as mine has only just turned 8.

https://wsitc.org.uk/products/wanderers-soccer-school?variant=41320773320787

I used to help with he girls, and my lad attended a few when he was little. Decent sessions ran by UEFA C minimum, but it depends what you are after? Foundation age mixed ability, some will be better than others, as long as your child enjoys it and takes something away from the session its worth £8, but it wont be an intense academy session.

On 16/11/2025 at 08:02, Kane57 said:

Son's game is off today but daughter's game is on. 

Coming in for a bit of advice cos I'm on the brink of pulling her from her team. This is season no.5, she's been first choice centre half and captain for most of her time with the team but has had the captaincy taken off her and dropped for every game since August. 

Manager told her (good job I didn't hear this) she wasn't fit enough (fucking 14 year old thin as a rake) and that she'd be back in the side when this improved. She's been starving herself by not eating at school at all and doing extra training on her own to try and please this wanker but it's made no difference. 

Since the girls were tiny he's worked on the basis that we don't take new kids without them proving themselves first but this year he's had two rejects from Manchester City who have come in and he's bombed out two 'regulars' one being my daughter. Was all about winning and losing as a group but has now decided that winning takes precedence over everything. Previously if you missed training then you were sub on the Sunday, which adds another wrinkle to this fucking saga. 

Anyway, reason for my approach today is that he's been away for a fortnight on holiday during which time my daughter has played both games and been great, whilst also attending all training and doing really well. These Manchester City kids have been away too and so if he drops mine and brings them straight back in I'm going to lose my fucking mind. 

Am I being unreasonable and should I stand back and not interfere?

100% reasonable! If he doesnt take it onboard he shouldnt be in the role. Has he said anything to other girls? You dont want a coup d'état, but I'd speak with other parents, chances are you're not the only one. Could be a welfare officer job if you feel necessary, but his words could have a massive impact.

5 minutes ago, Dr Faustus said:

its the community arm, but will still be UEFA C as a minimum. I used to coach he girls under tha

 

my only words of caution;

I've seen kids burn out playing in net, they hate come 12, but cant kick a ball and are useless outfield as a result. They then fall out of love and just pack it in as they are miles off the standard. The fundamental skills they develop are just missing.

Conversely, if he gets really good, an academy will come along and you're back to square one. I've seen both scenarios a number of times.

Some coaches can be just as bad... Our U8s want a referee each week as hey have lost to dubious decisions and parents are complaining- last week a goal direct from a corner was disallowed by the opposing manager 'as you cant do that in mini soccer'- you can, but regardless- what man takes a goal off a 7 year old child?

My lads team have 2 keepers that rotate with playing outfield for just that reason.

 

11 minutes ago, Dr Faustus said:

 

 

my only words of caution;

I've seen kids burn out playing in net, they hate come 12, but cant kick a ball and are useless outfield as a result. They then fall out of love and just pack it in as they are miles off the standard. The fundamental skills they develop are just missing.

Conversely, if he gets really good, an academy will come along and you're back to square one. I've seen both scenarios a number of times.

Some coaches can be just as bad... Our U8s want a referee each week as hey have lost to dubious decisions and parents are complaining- last week a goal direct from a corner was disallowed by the opposing manager 'as you cant do that in mini soccer'- you can, but regardless- what man takes a goal off a 7 year old child?

BBDFL btw?

That's my big concern, I don't want him to feel shoved in as a keeper and I don't want him to lose the basics being out too, especially at such a young age. He seems to have come on outfield too the last few weeks so don't want that to suffer for him.

I was genuinely taken aback at how 'natural' he looked. Me and the other coach have both said take it as it comes and as long as he's enjoying it to take his lead. We have 7 and there are a few volunteers for going in net so hoping we can find the right balance for all the lads.

Yeah BBDFL mate, we are low-mid so it's not too bad at our level all in all, but seen some sights particular last season when they were placed higher up at the start. We had a coach in a 'pre-season friendly' throw 2 lads on from another team that are both at academies as they were losing. Madness.

1 minute ago, BeeversLeftPeg said:

That's my big concern, I don't want him to feel shoved in as a keeper and I don't want him to lose the basics being out too, especially at such a young age. He seems to have come on outfield too the last few weeks so don't want that to suffer for him.

I was genuinely taken aback at how 'natural' he looked. Me and the other coach have both said take it as it comes and as long as he's enjoying it to take his lead. We have 7 and there are a few volunteers for going in net so hoping we can find the right balance for all the lads.

Yeah BBDFL mate, we are low-mid so it's not too bad at our level all in all, but seen some sights particular last season when they were placed higher up at the start. We had a coach in a 'pre-season friendly' throw 2 lads on from another team that are both at academies as they were losing. Madness.

Its mental how serious its taken. Our U9s have lost their keeper, are are now looking for a 'high level, experienced U8s goalkeeper'.

I'm gonna start up my keeper sessions again in he new year, scandalous what I've seen charged for the quality offered

GMC Schoolboys (minus an injured BWFC striker injured after scoring in FAY Cup win) through to next round of national cup, coming from behind to beat Staffs 2-1. Honestly, other than providing somewhere nice to shit, WTF has that county done for anyone? Worst accent in the country, just nauseating. 

15/16 year olds from Bolton, Salford and beyond are some of the best I've seen.

On 14/08/2020 at 08:55, HomerJay said:

Fleetwood Town "academy". Whats the craic? 

They've pretty much taken over and swamped Junior football over this way.

This is my lads under 12 division going in the next phase. Every top league across all ages look like this now. 

Ridiculous.

 

11-0 win for the eldest. Common Edge Road is cold at 9am

 

1-6 defeat for the youngest. We go again next week

39 minutes ago, Kane57 said:

11-0 win for the eldest. Common Edge Road is cold at 9am

 

1-6 defeat for the youngest. We go again next week

Well renowned for being the windiest and coldest set of pitches on planet earth

Not a single barrier from the Irish Sea.

All done up well those facilities now aren't they. Used to be like Hackney Marshes, decrepid changing rooms and rows and rows of sandy pitches.

3 hours ago, gonzo said:

Well renowned for being the windiest and coldest set of pitches on planet earth

Not a single barrier from the Irish Sea.

All done up well those facilities now aren't they. Used to be like Hackney Marshes, decrepid changing rooms and rows and rows of sandy pitches.

Yeah stunning facility but still a shit brew machine indoors 

Regarding the BWFC Youth Teams game tomorrow (Wednesday)  Vs Leicester City . 

"Join us on Wanderers TV "  - Cant see anything on the website . Anyone know if it will be streamed ? 

Are there any under 8 leagues nearby that play on Sunday mornings? Pretty sure there are some, but can't find details when I search online. Looking to get the lad playing on a Sunday.