Supporters get chance to watch the team train
A couple of youngsters had the chance to attend an Exeter City first-team training session last week, and to see first-hand all of the Grecians’ technical and tactical nuances in action – thanks to the City Foundation.
Alex Montgomery and Sam Sharpe, both 17, were donated the ‘money can’t buy’ prize by Foundation winner Ruth Lawrence. The City Foundation is a not-for-profit lottery scheme where, for just £10 per month, entrants have a chance of winning a £1,000 jackpot every month and various money-can’t-buy prizes throughout the year, as well a £100 prize drawn every week.
Sam and Alex, who both play for Tiverton Town’s youth set-up and are also studying for a Sports Science BTEC through Exeter City’s Football in the Community department, headed up to the University of Exeter’s all-weather pitches to watch the session. Heavy rain had rendered the playing surface at the Cat & Fiddle unusable.
The session consisted of keep-ball sessions, sprints and an 11-a-side game, focussed on playing the ball out from the goalkeeper. The session was overseen by assistant manager Rob Edwards with the assistance of goalkeeper coach Mel Gwinnett and striker coach and technical analyst Garry Haylock.
Despite bracingly wet and windy conditions at the university, the lads enjoyed the session and seeing how a professional side approaches training and the importance placed on ball-skills, retention and playing the ball on the ground. The session was capped by Edwards taking the time to explain to the youngsters what was planned to achieve and how they were looking to develop City’s exciting young squad.
Alex said: “It was great seeing how a professional team go about practicing routines and was cool to talk with the coaches.”
Sam said: “It was awesome being close to the guys I see from the Big Bank on a Saturday afternoon”.
The City Foundation is a not-for-profit lottery, where any surplus money is ploughed into good causes including the club’s Football in the Community department and various youth projects.
For more details about the City Foundation and how to join, just click here.