Altrincham Football Club
Youth Team Page, 2007-08

Above, left: ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH TEAM 2007-08 at half-time in a pre-season friendly (click to enlarge).
Right: SENSPORT KITS have kindly sponsored and supplied the Youth Team's kit.


 FIXTURES

RESULTS GRID

PLAYER STATISTICS

LEAGUE TABLE




Altrincham's Youth side is managed by George Heslop, ably assisted by coaches, Tony Spilsbury and Gareth Thomas. The team plays in the North West Allied Trophies (Under-18s) Premier Division. I am very grateful to George for his help in providing information for this page. If anyone else has information on the Youth team, I am always happy to receive it.

Altrincham FC Youth play their league and league cup games at Wythenshawe Town FC.

  • Map of Wythenshawe Town ground area.
  • FA Youth Cup games are played at Moss Lane. Altrincham & District FA games are usually held at Trafford FC, Shawe View.

  • North West Youth Alliance League website.


    1 July 2008

    YOUTHS DRAWN AWAY

    In the FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round, to be played in the week commencing 8 September, Altrincham FC Youth have been drawn away to Cammell Laird Youth. The winners of that tie then have a home match against Southport in the week commencing 22 September.

    Youth manager George Heslop has also confirmed that Altrincham FC Youth wil be in the Premier Division "A" of the NW Youth Alliance League next season. The winners and runners up of Division "A" will play the top two in Division "B" to determine the championship next season. The winners of each division play the runners up of the other division to determine the finalists. Each of the Premier Divisions will have ten teams in it.

    To prepare for the campaign George has arranged a number of friendlies, details of which are on the fixtures page.


    25 June 2008

    THE COMING SEASON

    Altrincham FC Youth have a trial match scheduled this Sunday at Blessed Thomas Holford at 2.30pm. They also have a friendly arranged against Congleton Town at the same venue on 27 July.

    The youth team plays in the NW Youth Alliance Premier Division. Because of increasing numbers in the League, next season will see two Premier Divisions of ten teams each, with the members being drawn by lot for each of these divisions. In all, 33 teams will be in the League, whether at Premier or First Division level. Amongst the newcomers to the League are New Mills, AFC Liverpool and Stalybridge. The League season starts on Sunday 24th August.


    6 June 2008

    UPDATES

    Courtesy of George Heslop, we have the following updates to the website
  • Youth team player statistics for 2007-08.
  • Season's record for 2007-08
  • NWYA Premier Division table for 2007-08
  • NWYA Premier Division results grid for 2007-08
  • Youth team fixtures for 2008-09
    27 May 2008

    YOUTH FINALS

    Altrincham & District F.A.'s record in the Cheshire F.A. District Youth Challenge Cup-Final ties since 1949 has been added here, courtesy of George Heslop.
    26 May 2008

    YOUTH TEAM ROLL OF HONOUR

    Courtesy of manager George Heslop, a list of the Alty Youth team's successes since 1998 is now on the website, here.
    25 May 2008

    YOUTH TEAM HONOURS

    Above: Manager George Heslop reviews the past season..

    On Friday night Altrincham FC held its annual Youth Team Presentation Night at Moss Lane. Once again, the team (under-18s), under the direction of George Heslop, Tony Spilsbury and Gareth Thomas had had a very successful season. In pre-season, the team reached the final of the prestigious Umbro international tournament despite entering Altrincham in the under-19s group with a team whose average age was 17. Although they finished as runners up in the North West Youth Alliance Premier Division, they won the Neil Thomason Memorial Cup and, under the mantle of the Altrincham and District FA, they lifted the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup for the third successive season.

    After outlining these achievements, George Heslop recalled how the season had finished in the league with nine successive wins. He also thanked the team for lifting the Neil Thomason Cup as that meant so much to him because Neil had been his coach until his untimely death three years ago. George revealed that he had taken the trophy to show Neil's widow, children and parents and they had sent their congratulations to the current team.

    In his review of the season George paid particular tribute to Steven Crane who, although often on the bench, had been a model of loyalty to the team - always turning up and always doing his bit when called into action. Danny Browne was then awarded a medal for his great achievement in being on the winning side for the Cheshire FA District Youth Cup in three successive seasons. The management team of George Heslop, Gareth Thomas and Tony Spilsbury was also honoured for its achievement by awards from Ken Leach, representing the Altrincham and District FA.

    Striker Sam Madeley, almost unrecognisable to those who had watched him all season now that he has shorn his flowing blond locks, was also praised by the Alty manager for topping the club's scoring charts with 23 goals, ten of which had come in the last eight games of the season. George indicated that Sam's attitude epitomised the spirit of the team as he had scored those ten goals despite being dropped from the starting line-up for the Neil Thomason Cup Final. Tom Bailey had also reached the 20-goal mark and his achievement of winning a Cheshire County cap was also marked. Caps are only awarded by the County after ten appearances and Alty had now had four players to reach this significant landmark in recent seasons.

    For the NWYA, Alan Greenhalgh presented medals for being runners-up in the Premier Division. He also presented a new award, the Fair Play award. Altrincham had amassed just 21 disciplinary points last season, with the runners up totalling 35. The champions, Ashton Athletic had racked up 106 points!

    George Heslop then announced the individual award winners who were:

  • Clubman of the Year: 1st- Jack Kimber, 2nd- Andrew Jones, 3rd joint- Lee Berrill and Declan Wakefield. This award was based on the number of times that each player turned up not only for games but also for training. Of the 96 possible attendances, Jack had achieved an admirable 92, Andrew Jones had managed 90, whilst Lee Berrill and Declan Wakefield had reached 86. Lee was singled out because although, as a goalkeeper, he spent much of the season on the bench with little prospect of playing and also had to travel from Knotty Ash in Liverpool. The award was presented by Alty director, David Burns.

    Above left: Jack Kimber with director, David Burns, who presented the captain with his award as Clubman of the Year. Above right: Danny Browne received his award from director, Andrew Shaw..

  • Manager's Player of the Year: Danny Browne was selected even though George revealed that they had cross words on a couple of occasions during the season. George stated that Danny's award was "richly deserved". The award was presented by Alty director, Andrew Shaw who, although an ardent Manchester City fan had just returned from Moscow where he had had to watch Manchester United lift the European Champions League trophy in his capacity as a Football Conference board member.

  • Players' Player of the Year: 1st- Jake Leigh-Watson, 2nd- Danny Browne, 3rd joint- Alex Murphy, Andrew Jones. These awards were made by the club's vice-chairman, Grahame Rowley. As George indicated, these awards probably mean the most to the players as they are decided by their team-mates.

    Left: Jake Leigh-Watson receives his award from vice-chairman, Grahame Rowley.

    The evening concluded with some words from the team's captain, Jack Kimber. Jack gave an excellent speech in which he confessed to coach Gareth Thomas that during the season he had hidden one of Gareth's football boots, only for the coach to fail to uncover the crime and purchase a new pair rather than seek out the lost boot! Jack also presented Jenny Heslop with a well-deserved bouquet for her thankless task of washing the team's kit. Jack also praised reserve keeper Lee Berrill and Steven Crane for their dedication to the squad despite their relatively few appearances. Jack then gave prints of team photos to the three members of the managerial team. He also thanked those who had come to watch the team in action and the parents of the players who had done so much to enable players to get to matches.

    George Heslop rounded up the evening by saying that this year's squad had been the best group of players he had ever had as manager. A number of the youth team will be involved in training with the first team over the summer and hopefully some of them will be able to make the transition to the first team in the years to come.

    Above: Gareth Thomas, George Heslop and Tony Spilsbury, with Jack Kimber.


    24 May 2008

    YOUTH TEAM HONOURS

    At the annual Altrincham FC Youth Team presentation night, manager George Heslop and his team were able to look back on a very successful year. Before the presentations began, the team posed for a photo as can be seen above. The line up is: BACK ROW - Gareth Thomas (coach), Lee Berrill, Emmanuel Ladu, Gavin O'Connor, Danny Browne, Tom Cosgrave, Ben Oliver, Sam Madeley, Alex Murphy, Andrew Jones, Tony Spilsbury (coach). FRONT ROW - Jake Leigh-Watson, Charlie Weir, Declan Wakefield, Tom Browne, George Heslop (manager), jack Kimber (captain), Dominic Lillie, Steven Crane, Daniel Killilea. (If anyone would like a larger version of the photo e-mailed to them, please contact the website).

    There were awards to all the team from the Altrincham and District FA and the NW Youth Alliance League whilst the winners of the individual awards were:

  • Clubman of the Year: 1st- Jack Kimber, 2nd- Andrew Jones, 3rd joint- Lee Berrill and Declan Wakefield
  • Manager's Player of the Year: Danny Browne
  • Players' Player of the Year: 1st- Jake Leigh-Watson, 2nd- Danny Browne, 3rd joint- Alex Murphy, Andrew Jones.

    There will be a fuller report and more pictures from the presentation night, later this weekend.


    21 May 2008

    YOUTH PRESENTATION NIGHT

    All Altrincham supporters are welcome at this Friday's Youth Team Presntation Night at Moss Lane.. The team, managed by George Heslop with the assistance of Tony Spilsbury and Gareth Thomas has had a successful campaign. The lads finished runners up in the NW Youth Alliance Premier Division, they won the Neil Thomason Memorial Cup and, playing for the Altrincham & Distrct FA, lifted the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup for the third successive season. Presentations for all these achievements will be made in the Noel White Suite. The event will start with a team photo at 7.30pm. Entry is free.
    17 May 2008

    ALTY FINISH SECOND

    I am sorry that the wesbite was unable to cover the end of the Youth team's season due to a pre-arranged holiday which clashed with the unexpected extension of the NWYA season due to the bad weather earlier this season.

    Altrincham FC finished a very creditable second in the NWYA Premier Division so congratulations are due to all of the squad. I hope to fill in the missing match details as soon as possible. In the meantime the results grid has been updated..

    PRESENTATIONS

    Altrincham FC Youth team will be holding its annual presentation night on Friday 23rd May at Moss Lane. Further details to follow. As well as the individual awards, the Altrincham and District FA will be marking the third successive victory in the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup by Altrincam & Distrct FA, whose side was entirely made up of Altrincham FC youth tean players.
    1 May 2008

    YOUTHS GO CLEAR

    Altrincham FC Youth went three points clear at the top of the NWYA Premier Division on Thursday night with a 1-0 win over FC United of Manchester at Wythensahwe Town. Sam Madeley was the scorer. Alty were without a host of players including Tom Bailey, Dominic Lilie (fit only to be on the bench), Charlie Weir, Tyrone Watson and Matty Nee. Defender Tom Cosgrave came on as a late sub and played very effectively up front.

    This was Altrincham's eighth straight win. Their next game is away at Salford City (Boothstwon JFC) this Sunday.


    30 April 2008

    TABLE

    As the league table on the NWYA website is not currently correct, George Heslop has provided me with the latest standings, which are here
    29 April 2008

    RESULTS

    Courtesy of George Heslop, the NW Youth Alliance Premier Division results grid has been updated.

    RUN-IN

  • Thu 1.5.08 Away FC United of Manchester NB to be played at Wythenshawe Town, 6.15pm
  • Sun. 4.5.08 Away Salford City 2.30pm at Boothstown JFC, Amberhill Way, Boothstown, Worsley
  • Thu 8.5.08 Home Nantwich Town 6.15pm at Wythenshawe Town FC
  • Sun. 11.5.08 Away Morecambe 2.30pm at Lancaster & Morecambe College, LA1 2TY
    24 April 2008

    YOUTH TEAM GOES TOP

    With a 3-0 win in their third game in five days, Altrincham FC Youth went to the top of the NW Youth Alliance Premier Division tonight, despite having three regular players missing. Dominic Lillie was unavailable through work commitments, whilst Gavin O'Connor and Charlie Weir were out injured. The goals came from Sam Madeley and Danny Browne (2). They are now level on points at the top of the league with Ashton Athletic who have a game in hand and Morecambe, who have played an additional game. Altrincham have four matches to play this season. This Sunday's scheduled match against FC United has been postponed as FC's pitch is being used for cricket. Instead the game has been switched to Wythenshawe Town as follows:
  • Thursday 1 May at 6.15/6.30pm: FC United
  • Sunday 4 May away to Salford City
  • Thursday 8 May home to Nantwich Town
  • Sunday 11 May away to Morecambe

    Full details of these fixtures are on the fixtures page. In their last five league and cup games the team has now scored 22 goals.

    PRESENTATION NIGHT

    The Youth Team Presentation Night is now to be on Friday, May 23rd at Moss Lane. As well as the player presentations, the Altrincham & District FA will be making a special award for winning the Cheshire County FA's District Youth Cup for the third successive year,
    22 April 2008

    ALTY GO SECOND

    Altrincham Youth won 3-1 tonight at Woodley Sports to go second in the league table. the scorers were Charlie Weir, Tom Bailey and Danny Browne.
    21 April 2008

    BIG WIN

    Altrincham FC Youth defeated Leigh RMI Youth 7-0 on Sunday afternoon and rose to third place in the League. The scorers were Matthew Nee, who came on as a substitute and scored a hat-trick, Sam Madeley who got two goals, and Tom Bailey and Daniel Killilea with one apiece.
    17 April 2008

    ANOTHER SWITCH!

    Altrincham Youth's league fixture away to Daisy Hill is now been switched back to Westhoughton after it briefly looked like being played at Moss Lane on Thursday 24th April. The date of Alty's away game at FC United is also likely to be changed from Sunday 27 April as a cricket match is now being played on the FCUM pitch in Old Trafford that day!.


    16 April 2008

    ALTY WIN NEIL THOMASON CUP

    Altrincham FC Youth deservedly won the Neil Thomason Memorial Cup, named after their late coach, for the first time on Tuesday night at Chorley, defeating Nantwich Town 3-1. After falling behind against the run of play a strong second-half performance saw them score three times through Charlie Weir, a Tom Bailey penalty and a superb strike from Dominic Lillie, who was named Man of the Match. Match report and more photos here.

    Right: Captain Jack Kimber holds aloft the Neil Thomason Memorial Cup at Chorley last night.


    14 April 2008

    FINAL ON TUESDAY

    Alty Youth play Nantwich Town on Tuesday (15th) at Chorley FC (7.30pm kick off) in the final of the Neil Thomason Memorial Cup.

    Nantwich Town report that they have already won the NW Youth Alliance Open Cup Final, defeating Curzon Ashton 3-1... "The team are also due to play Altrincham in the final of the NWYA Premier League Cup and will compete for the prestigious Cheshire Cup when they play in yet another final to be held at Runcorn Town on Sunday 27th April 2008".

    TABLE

    The latest Altrincham FC Youth team league table is here.

    Youth team manager George Heslop has kindly updated the NWYA Premier Division results grid.

    OPPONENTS ON TRIAL

    NL Daily reports that "Woodley Sports may be languishing at the bottom of the UniBond League Division One North table. but two of their youngsters, Tom Sellars and Jordie McNally, spent last week having trials with Barclays Premier League side Bolton Wanderers". Both have played against Altrincham this season..
    13 April 2008

    ALTRINCHAM YOUTH HIT SIX

    Above, Ben Oliver (15) heads home Alty's fifth goal against Ashton Athletic.

    Altrincham FC Youth gave one of their best performances of the season to overcome league leaders Ashton Athletic 6-0 this afternoon. The goals came from Charlie Weir, Gavin O'Connor, Tom Bailey, Danny Browne and a late brace from substitute Ben Oliver. Report here.

    YOUTH FIXTURES

    There have been yet more changes to the Youth team's fixtures and these can be found here.

    10 April 2008

    YOUTH TEAM GAME OFF

    Alty Youth travelled to Westhoughton to play Daisy Hill tonight only to find the pitch unplayable and the match called off by the referee.
    6 April 2008

    NANTWICH AGAIN

    In Sunday's Neil Thomason Memorial Cup Semi Final the result was:
  • Curzon Ashton 1 v 3 Nantwich Town

    So, Alty Youth now face Nantwich in the Final at Chorley's Victory Park on Tuesday 15th April, k.o. TBA. The Altrincham first team were beaten by Nantwich Town last week in the Cheshire Senior Cup Final.


    4 April 2008

    ALL CHANGE

    A number of Altrincham FC Youth team's fixtures have been changed and they can be found here

    FINAL REACHED

    Altrincham FC Youth reached the final of the Neil Thomason Memorial Cup for the third successive season when they defeated the holders, Morecambe, 1-0 at Christie Park last night. The goal was scored by Gavin O'Connor. The Final is set for Tuesday 15th April at Chorley FC's Victory Park, k.o. TBA.
    31 March 2008

    ANOTHER SWITCH

    Altrincham Youth have another fixture change. This Thursday they should have entertained Leigh RMI in a league match but now they will be travelling to Morecambe for their previously postponed Neil Thomason Cup semi-final (at Christie Park, 7.30pm). They have no game this Sunday as there Alty players are in the English Colleges' five-a-side team's tournament that day. Then, next Tuesday (8th), the lads are away at Daisy Hill (Westhoughton). The latest league table is here.
    30 March 2008

    YOUTH GAME OFF

    Alty Youth's match at Morecambe today has been called off because the pitch is waterlogged.

    The next match is scheduled for Thursday (3rd) at 6.15pm at Wythenshawe Town against Leigh RMI in the league.


    23 March 2008

    SEMI-FINAL DEFEAT

    Above: Sam Madeley converts his spot-kick.

    Altrincham Youth went out of the Open Cup this afternoon after a penalty shoot out. Tom Bailey had put Alty ahead early in the second half before Curzon levelled to take the game to extra time. With the score still 1-1 after that period, the penalty shoot out was won 4-2 by Curzon Ashton. Report here..


    22 March 2008

    GAME CHANGE

    Thursday's league match at Daisy Hill has been brought forward to Tuesday 25th and will now kick off at 7.45pm at the New Sirs ground, St James Street, Westhoughton.
    15 March 2008

    YOUTH GAME OFF

    Alty Youth's away game at Morecambe on Sunday has been postponed.
    14 March 2008

    FIXTURES CHANGED

    Numerous fixture changes have been announced and are listed here.

    GEORGE AND DANNY'S TREBLE

    Both manager George Heslop and midfielder Danny Browne have particular cause to celebrate the third-successive triumph of the Altrincham and District FA youth team in the Cheshire County FA's District Youth Cup last Sunday. George became the first manager to win the trophy in three successive seasons whilst Danny was the first Alty player to be involved in three successive District Cup finals. Congratulations to them both, as well as to the rest of the team and the coaches.

    Meanwhile, the Altrincham FC youth team is set to play a league match away at Morecambe this Sunday.


    13 March 2008

    WELL DONE!

    Above, Altrincham Youth team pictured by Gavin Rathbone before Tuesday's first-team match with the Cheshire County FA's District Youth Cup trophy which they won for the third successive time, last Sunday.


    9 March 2008

    YOUTHS WIN CUP AGAIN

    Above: The Altrincham & District FA team with the District Cup. Back row, left to right: Gareth Thomas, Tony Spilsbury, Charlie Weir, Declan Wakefield, Ben Oliver, Danny Browne, Lee Berrill, George Heslop. Third row: Alex Murphy, Gavin O'Connor, Daniel Killilea. Second row: Chris Francis, Andrew Jones, Sam Madeley, Dominic Lillie, Jake Leigh-Watson. Front row: Jack Kimber, Tom Bailey.

    Altrincham & District FA Youth team today won the Cheshire County FA District Cup Final for the third successive season. They beat the Wirral FA at Vauxhall Motors FC by 2-1 with the goals coming from Gavin O'Connor and Dominic Lillie.

    Match report here.


    2 March 2008

    CUP WIN

    Above: Altrincham's fourth goal against FCUM came from Tom Bailey (who is off picture, to left)

    Altrincham Youth progressed to the semi-finals of the Neil Thomason Memorial Cup with a convincing 4-0 win over FC United of Manchester today at Wythensahwe Town. Gavin O'Connor scored two with Danny Browne and Tom Bailey scoring the other goals. There is a match report and pictures here.

    Come and see the Youth team represent the Altrincham & District FA as they contest the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup final next Sunday. The game is against The Wirral FA and is a 1pm kick off at Vauxhall Motors, Rivacre Park. Note that kick off is at 1pm. Alty have won this trophy for the last two years and on each occasion all of the FA players were from Altrincham FC Youth team.


    24 February 2008

    LEE SHORTLISTED

    Congratulations go to Alty Youth reserve keeper Lee Berrill, who has been chosen for the English Schools trials which take place in July.

    UPDATES

    The following updates have been made, to include today's match:
  • Results Grid
  • Player Statistics

    ALTY LEAVE IT VERY LATE

    Right: Gavin O'Connor (left) and a Woodley player, in action.

    A 90th-minute goal from Charlie Weir, who dispossessed an opponent on the half-way line before running into the box to score, secured a deserved 1-0 home win for Altrincham Youth on Sunday afternoon against Woodley Sports. Match report here.

    Next Sunday (2nd March), Alty are again at home, this time in the Neil Thomason Memorial Cup Quarter Final against FC United of Manchester. Kick off, at Wythenshawe Town, is at 2pm.

    FIXTURES CHANGED

    There have been several changes to Altrincham FC Youth's fixtures and also the dates for the various cup finals, in which Altrincham still have an interest, have now been announced. Full details are in theFixtures Page.

    The NWYA Cup draws are:

    Open Cup Semis

  • Burscough v Nantwich Town
  • Altrincham v Curzon Ashton

    Neil Thomason Memorial Cup QF

  • Daisy Hill v TBA
  • Altrincham v FCUM
  • Salford C. v Morecambe
  • Marine v Nantwich T.


    17 February 2008

    ALTY JUST HOLD ON

    After cruising into a 3-0 lead at the half-hour mark, Altrincham Youth lost their way and allowed a determined Bootle side to come back to 3-2 in today's Neil Thomason Trophy first round match at Wythenshawe Town. Sam Madeley tapped home Dominic Killilea's right wing cross to put Alty ahead in the 21st minute and then the Bootle keeper was unlucky to see his partial stop of Madeley's shot rebound off his own body into the net seven minutes later. When Jack Kimber was tripped to the right of goal, Tom Bailey made it 3-0 from the spot after 30 minutes. But the second half was dominated by Bootle and they pulled goals back in the 67th and 77th minutes before Alty rode out the remaining time to progress to the quarter finals.

    Match report here.

    NEXT WEEK

    In a change of fixture, Alty now host Woodley Sports at home (Wythenshawe Town, 2.30pm) next Sunday (24th) in a league match.
    16 February 2008

    YOUTH GAME

    Sunday's Altrincham FC Youth game at home to Bootle will now kick off at 2pm at Wythensahwe Town FC. This is a Neil Thomason Trophy game and the early kick off is to allow for the possibility of extra time and penalties before darkness falls.
    10 February 2008

    YOUTHS GO UNDER

    Right - Declan Wakefield in action against Marine.

    It was a disappointing day for Altrincham Youth who put in a below par performance on Sunday afternoon, when they lost 1-2 at home to Marine. To compound their problems, they lost striker Tom Bailey to an injury, midfielder Danny Browne was sent off and goalkeeper Andrew Jones hobbled through most of the match with a groin injury. Charlie Weir put Alty ahead midway through the second half, only for the visitors to level from the penalty spot soon afterwards. After Browne had been dismissed for his second yellow card, Marine clinched the game with seconds of the second forty-five minutes left.

    Match report here.


    9 February 2008

    YOUTH GAME CHANGED

    The Alty Youth match tomorrow (Sunday) has been changed from being against Salford City (away) to Marine (at home). Kick off will be 2.30pm at Wythenshawe Town FC, Baguley.
    6 February 2008

    YOUTH FIXTURES

    The Altrincham FC Youth team fixtures have been updated here.
    4 February 2008

    YOUTHS REACH SEMIS

    Above: As dusk falls at Wythenshawe Town, centre-back Jake Leigh-Watson drives home the first spot-kick in Alty Youth's 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory against Ashton Athletic in the NW Youth Alliance Open Cup quarter-final on Sunday afternoon.

    Altrincham Youth beat Ashton Atheltic 4-2 on penalties after their Open Cup quarter-final had ended 1-1.

    Report here.


    27 January 2008

    YOUTH TEAM DRAW

    Altrincham Youth were held to a 2-2 draw by bottom-placed Daisy Hill, who arrived at the BTH ground with just three points from their 13 games this season. Chris Francis put Alty ahead from Jack Kimber's freekick (36 mins) but five minutes later Jake Leigh-Watson's header dropped under the bar for an own goal from a freekick taken 55 yards out by Daisy Hill's Eaton. Gardner smashed home a 20-yarder, following a corner, to give the visitors a 2-1 lead after 57 minutes but Tom Bailey got the equalizer eleven minutes from the end, after an excellent possession-winning tackle and pass from Danny Browne.

    Match report and picture here.


    25 January 2008

    HOME ON SUNDAY

    Altrincham Youth team's fixture this Sunday, away to Daisy Hill, has now been moved to Blessed Thomas Holford, Altrincham, kick off 2pm.
    24 January 2008

    7 YOUTHS IN COUNTY SQUAD

    No fewer than seven of the Altrincham FC Youth team are in the 18-strong Cheshire FA Youth squad for the Northern Counties Youth Cup match on Saturday (26th, 2pm) away to Durham County FA Youth at Durham City's ground. The players are Alex Murphy, Chris Francis, Danny Browne, Dominic Lillie, Sam Madeley, Tom Bailey and new signing Matthew Nee. Only once before has manager George Heslop had more players in the County squad. Congratulations to all concerned.
    19 January 2008

    YET ANOTHER POSTPONEMENT

    Sunday's cup match between Altrincham FC Youth and Ashton Athletic has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. It will now be six weeks since Alty played their last game.
    12 January 2008

    ANOTHER POSTPONEMENT

    Sunday's league match between Altrincham FC Youth and Leigh RMI Youth has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. It will now be five weeks between Altrincham's last game and their next fixture, the Open Cup Quarter Final on Sunday, 20th January against Ashton Athletic "A" at 2pm, at Wythenshawe Town FC .

    FINAL DATE

    The final of the Cheshire County FA's District Youth Cup between the Altrincham & District FA and The Wirral will take place on Sunday 9th March at Vauxhall Motors' Rivacre Park ground. It was the fifth time that Alty Youth boss George Heslop has seen himself or his reprsntative lose the toss for choice of venue for the final. Altrincham are the holders of the trophy, having won it for the last two seasons.

    STEVEN STARS

    Altrincham FC Youth midfielder Steven Crane netted a penalty and laid on another of the goals as Manchester County FA overcame East Yorkshire 3-0 today.
    8 January 2008

    TOM HITS FIVE

    Alty Youth striker Tom Bailey and midfielder Danny Browne played in the Greater Manchester Colleges side which trounced West Yorkshire 5-1 this week to progress to the semi-finals of the English Colleges' Cup. And all five goals were scored by Tom, with one of them laid on by Danny. Both Tom and Danny have appeared on the Alty first-team bench this season.

    NEXT...

    Altrincham Youth's next game is at home to Leigh RMI on Sunday at Wythensahwe Town FC at 2pm.
    4 January 2008

    MATCH OFF

    Morecambe have called off Sunday's game against Altrincham Youth due to the state of the pitch.
    28 December 2007

    PLAYER STATS AND RESULTS GRID

    George Heslop has kindly provided the following details, to which there are now permanent links further up this page:
  • Youth Team player statistics.
  • League results grid.

    THREE PROGRESS

    During the last month three of the Altrincham FC Youth team have been named in first-team squads for the club. Striker Tom Bailey and midfielder Dominic Lillie were included in the Cheshire Senior Cup squad against Runcorn Linnets, and then Tom and midfielder Danny Browne were named in the squad for the Setanta Shield match at Nuneaton. On Boxing Day, Tom was on the bench for the Blue Square Premier game against Northwich Victoria. Whilst all three deserve their individual honours, they would be the first to agree that their progress is also a tribute to the whole Youth Team squad and its dedicated management and coaches (George Heslop, Tony Spilsbury and Gareth Thomas) as, without the fine team performances of this season, it would have been far more difficult for any individual player to have achieved such success.

    Photos L to R: Tom Bailey, Danny Browne, Dominic Lillie.

    NEIL THOMASON MEMORIAL CUP

    The Neil Thomason Memorial Cup is a trophy which Altrincham FC would dearly like to win, as it is named in memory of their former coach, who tragically died at a young age in July 2005. This season's competition has been weather-affected and, so far, just one quarter-final has been played. The full draw is:
  • ALTRINCHAM v Bootle
  • Ashton Athletic "A" v Morecambe
  • FC United 3 Woodley Sports 0
  • Leigh RMI v Curzon Ashton
    23 December 2007

    DISTRICT CUP REPORT

    George Heslop's match report on last Sunday's semi-final win at Crewe in the Cheshire County FA District Youth Challenge Cup is now here. Alty play The Wirral in the Final, probably in March, 2008.

    YOUTH MATCH OFF

    Altrincham Youth's match this afternoon against second-placed Woodley Sports was postponed. The next scheduled youth team game is on 6 January, away at Morecambe. On Saturday, at Nuneaton, two of the youth team were on the first-team bench. They were striker Tom Bailey and midfielder Danny Browne. Both have been regulars in George Heslop's youth team for the last two seasons and both are Cheshire County FA players.
    16 December 2007

    YOUTH TEAM REACHES FINAL

    Altrincham FC Youth reached the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup Final today, defeating Crewe and District 1-0, away in the semi-final. The only goal was scored by Dominic Lillie. Altrincham now meet The Wirral in the final. The Wirral, who stand between Altrincham and a third successive triumph in this competition, defeated Alty 2-1 in the qualifying league for the semi-finals, so will provide stiff opposition. The final is likely to be a floodlit match in March with the toss of a coin deciding which team is at home. Congratulations are due both to the players and to the management team of George Heslop, Tony Spilsbury and Gareth Thomas.
    14 December 2007

    TOM'S CAP

    Alty Youth striker Tom Bailey has been awarded his Cheshire County FA cap. Caps are only awarded after ten appearances for the County FA youth team so this is a prestigious award. Tom is seen, above, receiving his Player of the Year award for last season from Graham Heathcote.


    8 December 2007

    YOUTH GAME OFF

    Altrincham Youth's match against Bootle this Sunday has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
    3 December 2007

    YOUTH TABLE

    The latest NW Youth Alliance Premier Division table, with Altrincham FC Youth at the top, is here.

    FIXTURES

    Alty's youth team fixtures up to February 2008 have now been released and are here.

    JOINT TOP SCORERS

    Tom Bailey's two goals on Sunday mean that both he and strike partner Sam Madeley have scored eleven goals each this season.

    THANK YOU, IAN

    Manager George Heslop would like to thank Ian Senior's company Sensport Kits for their generous sponorship of the Altrincham FC Youth team kit. Ian has donated 17 outfield sets of kit and a goalkeeper's kit. The sponsored kit includes numbered shorts as well as shirts and a kit bag. Last Sunday the new shirts made their debut (see picture below) but the black, numbered shorts have yet to be worn.

    Altrincham FC Youth are currently top of the NW Youth Alliance Premier Division.

    CUP VENUE

    On December 16th, Altrincham & District FA play their semi-final of the Cheshire County FA District Cup, away to Crewe & District FA. The venue will be the Cumberland Arena, Thomas Street, Crewe. This venue has both a synthetic and a grass pitch and it is unknown as yet which will be used for this match.
    2 December 2007

    ALTY BEAT CITY

    Above: Alty keep the ball out in the first half but, in the process, keeper Andrew Jones injured his hand.

    Alty Youth's good run continued with a 3-1 home win over Salford City this afternoon. Though the rain held off for most of the game, conditions were difficult with a heavy pitch and gusty wind. Despite losing keeper Andrew Jones at the interval, goals from Tom Bailey (2) and Charlie Weir saw them home.

    Match report here.


    29 November 2007

    YOUTH REPORT

    Courtesy of Alty Youth manager George Heslop, there is a report of the Altrincham & District FA Youth team's win over Macclesfield here.
    25 November 2007

    GEORGE IN THE NEWS

    BBC News 24 carried an interview this week with Alty Youth manager George Heslop on the failings of the English national football team. The BBC had remembered some comments made about the Premier League by George four years ago and went back to see him after the disaster against Croatia last week. George pointed out how the influx of foreign players had led to many of the England team players now not getting regular first-team football. Very sensibly, he suggested that a cap be placed on the number of foreign players in the Premier League.

    YOUTHS REACH SEMIS

    A goal from Tom Bailey saw Altrincham & District FA Youth team, all of whose members are from Altrincham FC, reach the semi-finals of the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup today. Their 1-0 win over Macclesfield FA earns them an away semi-final against Crewe & District FA. The other semi will be between The Wirral and Stalybridge FAs.
    20 November 2007

    MATCH REARRANGED

    Sunday's Altrincham & District FA Youth game at Congleton Town against Macclesfield & District FA was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. This game, in the Cheshire County FA District Youth cup will now take place next Sunday at 11am at the same venue. So the league match at Woodley Sports is now postponed.
    18 November 2007

    TOM AND DOM STAR

    The Cheshire FA reports on the County's 2-1 defeat to West Riding a fortnight ago. Early in the game "Cheshire began to dominate in midfield and looked dangerous with the lively pair of Bailey and Nee up front... Cheshire opened the scoring after 24 minutes with a superbly worked goal. Bailey, Riley and Lillie combined well down the right and Lillie delivered a fine cross which was met by Josh Hancock" [who scored].
    15 November 2007

    YOUTH REPORT

    There is now a match report from George Heslop here on the Altrincham FC Youth team's win over league leaders Ashton Athletic last weekend. Alty have now gone to the top of the table themslves.

    EARLY START

    The Youth team game between Altrincham & District FA and the Macclesfield & District FA at Congleton Town FC is an 11am kick off this Sunday, 18th November.
    13 November 2007

    YOUTHS WIN AGAIN

    In Sunday's NW Youth Alliance League match the result was Ashton Athletic 0 Alty Youth 2. Report to follow.
    4 November 2007

    WIN OVER BOOTLE

    Alty Youth beat Bootle 4-2 on Sunday in a league match. Two goals from Sam Madeley and one each from Dominic Lillie and Daniel Killilea decided the game. Report here..

    The latest NW Youth Alliance League table is here.


    31 October 2007

    YOUTHS' HOME DRAW

    Altrincham FC Youth have drawn a home tie in the quarter finals of the NW Youth Alliance Open Cup, against Ashton Athletic "A". The date has yet to be finalised.
    29 October 2007

    FCUM REPORT

    A report on Sunday's win over FC United is here.
    28 October 2007

    MORE HONOURS

    Alty goalkeeper Lee Berril has been named in the Merseyside Schools under-16s squad. Steven Crane has been named in the Manchester & District FA side and Sam Madeley has joined Tom Bailey in the English Colleges trials.

    YOUTHS BEAT FCUM

    Right: Alty Youth's left winger Daniel Killilea in action against FC United.

    Altrincham Youth beat FC United of Manchester Youth 2-0 in the NW Youth Alliance Open Cup today, thanks to goals from Tom Bailey and Gavin O'Connor. Report to follow. Their next match is at home to Bootle next Sunday.


    26 October 2007

    GEORGE'S REPORT

    Alty Youth manager George Heslop has kindly provided a report on the 6-0 win at Leigh last weekend.
    21 October 2007

    YOUTH TRIALIST

    Tom Bailey, striker for Altrincham Youth, is playing in the trials for the English Colleges squad next Saturday.

    YOUTHS' SUCCESS

    Alty Youth won 6-0 away at Leigh RMI on Sunday with goals by Tom Bailey 2, Sam Madeley 2 and Gavin O'Connor; the sixth was an own goal.

    Meanwhile Cheshire FA beat East Riding 4-0 at Nantwich on Sunday. Three Alty Youth players started the game, Danny Browne, Tom Bailey and Dominic Lillie. Bailey scored twice and Lillie once. On the bench was Chris Francis but he did not get on to the pitch.

    MARINE REPORT

    Manager George Heslop's report on the Youth team's defeat on 14 October at Marine is now here.
    17 October 2007

    YOUTHS LOST LEAD

    Pending a report on this site from Alty Youth boss George Heslop, the Marine Forum has a summary, which reveals that last Sunday Alty went ahead at Marine after 65 minutes. But Marine soon levelled before striking the winner ten minutes from time.
    15 October 2007

    YOUTH DEFEAT

    Altrincham FC Youth lost 2-1 at Marine on Sunday. Alty captain, Jack Kimber, was taken off with a suspected broken rib. Report to follow.
    11 October 2007

    YOUTH REPORT

    George Heslop's report on the Youth team game at Cuirzon Ashton is now here.
    7 October 2007

    YOUTHS LOSE OUT

    Above: Chris Francis (no.11) goes close with a freekick against The Wirral.

    Altrincham FC Youth lost 2-1 in their group stage match in the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup today at Shawe View. After getting level in the second half through Charlie Weir's goal, Alty conceded almost immediately to lose 2-1. However, with two wins in their previous matches in the competition they may still proceed to the semi-finals as one of the top two teams in their group. However, they have another match to play, yet, in the competition of which they are the defending cup-holders.

    Match report here.


    1 October 2007

    YOUTH TEAM WINS

    Last Sunday, Altrincham Youth beat Curzon Ashton Youth 2-0, away, in a NW Youth Alliance match. Tom Bailey netted both goals. Next Sunday they represent the Cheshire County FA against Wirral & Distrct FA in the Cheshire County FA district Youth Cup at Trafford FC, k.o. 2pm.
    30 September 2007

    FIXTURES RELEASED

    Altrincham Youth's fixtures to early December are now available here.

    YOUTH TEAM REPORTS

    Match reports for the following games are now available:
  • Sunday 16 Sept: away at Nantwich Town - courtesy of George Heslop.
  • Thursday 27 Sept: away at Woodley Sports
    27 September 2007

    YOUTH TEAM LET IT SLIP

    After dominating the first half but failing to score, Alty Youth finally went out of the FA Youth Cup at Woodley Sports at the first hurdle when they lost 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out. In normal time Alty had gone ahead after 64 minutes through a well-taken Sam Madeley goal but four minutes later Woodley headed an equalizer at a corner. The score remained 1-1 throughout the 90 minutes and extra time. Though Woodley saw one penalty saved by Jones and skied another over the bar, they ran out winners when Altrincham failed to convert three of their five spot-kicks. Report to follow.
    24 September 2007

    YOUTH CUP

    Alty's FA Youth tie at Woodley's Lambeth Grove on Thursday (27th) is a 7.30pm kick off, with entry costing £2, or £1 for children and OAPs.
    23 September 2007

    YOUTH TEAM DEFENDS TROPHY

    Above: Tom Bailey (second yellow shirt from left) turns after scoring Alty's opener.

    Altrincham FC Youth represented Altrincham & District FA today and beat Runcorn & District FA 2-0 at Shawe View, Trafford. The goals came from Tom Bailey and Sam Madeley. The game was a group stage match in the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup which Altrincham has won for the past two seasons. Altrincham have now won both their games to date in defence of the trophy. Report here.

    Please come along to Woodley Sports on Thursday (7.45pm) when the Altrincham FC youth team starts its FA Youth Cup campaign on the artificial pitch at Lambeth Grove.


    21 September 2007

    YOUTHS HONOURED

    Altrincham Youth manager George Heslop reports that five of his team were in the Cheshire County FA squad this week for their match against Manchester FA in the Northern Counties Championship. They were Chris Francis, Tom Bailey, Alex Murphy, Dominic Lillie and Danny Browne.

    DEFEAT

    Alty Youth lost 3-1 at Nantwich last Sunday. Repoort to follow...
    9 September 2007

    YOUTHS HELD

    Above: Alty (in blue) go close to scoring in the first half.

    Altrincham Youth were held 2-2 on Sunday afternoon by Morecambe. Alty led till the 89th minute. The first goal was attributed to Sam Madeley but there was no doubt at all that Madeley got the second. Report here..


    4 September 2007

    YOUTHS WIN

    Last Sunday, Altrincham & District FA Youth, represented entirely by Altrincham FC, defeated Mid-Cheshire Youth (mostly from Witton Albion and Northwich Vics), 2-1 in their Cheshire County FA District Youth group stage match. Sam Madeley netted both goals. Report here.

    HONOURS

    Last Saturday Alty Youth team's Tom Bailey, Chris Francis and Dominic Lillie were in the Cheshire County FA side which beat the Isle of Man 3-2.

    NEW FIXTURE

    Altrincham will now play away to Curzon Ashton Youth in a league game on Sunday 30th September (2.30pm).
    31 August 2007

    REPORT

    A report, courtesy of manager George Heslop, on the youth team's win at Bootle is now here.
    30 August 2007

    FIXTURE CHANGES

    This Sunday Altrincham FC Youth represent Altrincham & District FA in an away game against Mid-Cheshire FA in the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup. The game is at Witton Albion FC at 11am.

    The next two league games have been changed and Alty will now be at home to Morecambe on 9 September and away to Nantwich on 16 September. Details are on the fixture list.


    27 August 2007

    YOUTH TEAM GOES TOP

    Altrincham Youth went to the top of the NW Youth Alliance League table on Sunday after a 3-2 win at Bootle. Report to follow.
    23 August 2007

    YOUTHS WIN

    Altrincham Youth came from behind to beat FC United of Manchester Youth 2-1 at Wythenshawe Town on Thursday evening. After Sam Madeley's penalty had equalised FCUM's opener, Chris Francis netted the winner.

    Match report here.


    22 August 2007

    FIXTURES

    The Youth team's league fixtures for August and September are here. The Youth team is at home to FC United of Manchester Youth at Wythenshawe Town FC on Thursday 23 August, k.o. 6.30pm.
    19 August 2007

    LEAGUE WEBSITE

    The NW Youth Alliance has a new website - here.

    ALTY YOUTH 2 CURZON ASHTON YOUTH 2

    Above: Danny Browne, hidden behind Chris Francis (11) nets Alty's first.

    Altrincham started their league campaign with a hard-fought draw against Curzon Ashton, who twice led.

    Match report here.

    Above: Declan Wakefield, far right, scores the second equalizer.


    12 August 2007

    LEAGUE

    Alty Youth's league fixtures have yet to be received but it is believed that they will start the season at home to Curzon Ashton next Sunday at 2.30pm. The other teams in the Premier Division will be Ashton Athletic, Bootle, Curzon Ashton, Daisy Hill, FC United, Leigh RMI, Marine, Morecambe, Nantwich, Salford City and Woodley Sports.

    THREE OFF IN THREE-THREE FRIENDLY

    Above: Sam Madeley (left) nets from the spot..

    In Sunday's youth team friendly against Park View, a team from Liverpool or which Mark Maddox is a coach, the visitors had three men sent off before half-time yet emerged with a deserved 3--3 result. Match report here.


    5 August 2007

    YOUTH TRIAL MATCH

    Above: Paul Barry's equaliser hits the back of the net.

    In today's youth team trial match between two sides of prospective players for the coming season's Altrincham FC squad, the final score was 5-1 to the "Red" team over the "Yellows". Coach Tony Spilsbury managed the Reds whilst Stelios, a friend of Mark Maddox looked after the Yellows.Manager George Heslop watched the game from the other side of the pitch to assess the players before he names his final squad for the season. He will have some difficult choices to make. Until the latter stages the game had been evenly poised, with the Yellows' Paul Barry having equalised Daniel Killilea's 25th minute strike for the Reds. But four goals in the final 22 minutes, from Killelea, Cosgrave, Clare and Weir sealed the result. Match report here.


    4 August 2007

    GEORGE AND YOUTHS HONOURED

    George Heslop, Altrincham FC youth-team manager and company secretary has deservedly been named Altrincham& District FA Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his tireless work at the football club abd for the District FA side. Congratulations also go to five of his youth team players who have been selected for the Cheshire County FA's next match. They are Chris Francis, Dominic Lillie, Danny Browne, Alex Murphy and Tom Bailey.

    On Sunday at 2.30pm there is a trial match at Blessed Thomas Holford school, between sides managed by Alty's two coaches, Tony Spilsbury and Gareth Thomas. The game will be closley watched by manager George Heslop to help him determine his squad for the coming season.


    31 July 2007

    UMBRO ACHIEVEMENTS

    Courtesy of Altrincham FC Youth manager George Heslop, there are now (below) brief reports on the semi-final and final of the international Umbro Tournament in which the club reached their group final for the first time and were only beaten there by a team whose average age was almost two years more than their own. George would like to thank his players, the coaching team of Tony Spilsbury, Gareth Thomas and Mark Maddox's caoching friend, Stelios, together with Chris Rowley for all their efforts during the three day competition.

  • Semi-Final report: v Macclesfield & District FA
  • Final report: v DW Development Centre "A"

    Reports on previous rounds are obtainable via the fixtures page.

    Congratulations go from all at Altrincham FC to George, his players and coaching staff for this magnificent achievement.

    NEXT GAME

    The youth team are playing a trial match this Sunday at BTH at 2.30pm when two sides made up of next season's hopefuls will play each other. One side will be managed by Tony Spilsbury whilst fellow coach Gareth Thomas will manage the other side. Manager George Heslop will oversee proceedings and try to finalise his squad for the league season which starts on 19th August.
    28 July 2007

    ALTY REACH FINAL

    Congratulations to Altrincham Youth, who reached the final of their Umbro Tournament group today before going down 3-1 to a strong side from London, called DW Development Centre "A" Team. Alty had beaten Macclesfield and District 1-0 in their semi final earlier today. Details of both games to follow.

    UMBRO REPORTS

    Courtesy of George Heslop, the following match reports from the Umbro Tournament have been added to the website:
  • Thu. 26 July at 11am v Daisy Hill Juniors 0-0
  • Fri. 27 July at 10.30pm v Maine Road 2-0
  • Fri 27 July at 3.30pm, QF, v Gregorians 2-1

    Alty contest the semi-final today against Macclesfield & District at noon on pitch 17.


    27 July 2007

    YOUTHS PROGRESS

    Altrincham FC Youth reached the semi-final of the Umbro Tournament today defeating Gregorians 2-1. They now meet Macclesfield & Distrct FA tomorrow for a place in the final where the other finalists will be either Maine Road or DW Development. Alty reached the quarter finals earlier in the day, beating Maine Road 2-0 to win their League A group stage competition. On Thursday they had drawn their group match against Daisy Hill.
    26 July 2007

    FLIXTON GAME

    Courtesy of George Heslop, there is now a brief report here on the Alty Youth v Flixton game on Wednesday in the Umbro Tournament.

    WINNING START

    Altrincham FC Youth won their first two games in the Umbro Tournament on Wednesay, beating Scottish side Wemyss United 4-1 and local rivals Flixton 2-0. As Nottingham side Greenwood Meadows have dropped out, Alty have another qualifying game to play on Thursday, against Daisy Hill and they meet Maine Road on Friday. Altrincham's under-18 side currently top their under-19 group. A brief report on the Wemyss game is here.

    Meanwhile, Altrincham FC Juniors have apparently also entered a side at under-15 level in the Umbro competition. They overcame Atherton Town 1-0 but lost 1-0 to Columbus.


    23 July 2007

    MORE FIXTURES

    George Heslop has arranged a trial match on 5th August between two sides made up of prospective players for next season's youth team. And a friendly set for 12 August will be against Mark Maddox's Park View side from Merseyside. For details of these games and also of the Altrincham & District FA side's fixtures in the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup, see the fixtures page.

    UMBRO DETAILS

    Altrincham FC take part in the Umbro Tournament from this Wednesday and details of the results can be found on the tournament website. Alty's group in Class B League A comprises Scottish team Wemyss, Nottingham side Greenwood Meadows and local clubs Flixton Juniors, Daisy Hill Juniors and Maine Road. Alty's games, all on pitch 19 at the University of Manchester playing fields at Northenden are:
  • Wed. 25 July at 12 noon v Wemyss
  • Wed. 25 July at 3pm v Flixton Juniors
  • Thu. 26 July at 11am v Daisy Hill Juniors
  • Thu. 26 July at 2pm v Greenwood Meadows CANCELLED
  • Fri. 27 July at 12.30pm v Maine Road

    Each game is of two halves, each of 30 minutes.


    22 July 2007

    FRIENDLY WIN

    Ryan Daly's fine shot comes back past the keeper off the inside of the post in Sunday's youth team win over Warrington Town.

    In today's friendly at BTH against Warrington Town, AltyYouth won 2-0 thanks to a fine freekick from Chris Francis and a goal just before the break from Tom Bailey.

    Match report here.


    16 July 2007

    GOOD DRAW

    Altrincham FC Youth team's game with Manchester County FA last Sunday ended in a 2-2 draw. There is a brief match report, courtesy of George Heslop, here.

    GARETH JOINS

    Altrincham FC Youth Team manager George Heslop is delighted to welcome former Trafford player and dedicated Altrincham supporter, Gareth Thomas, to join the youth team set up as a coach alongside Tony Spilsbury. Gareth is working on his coaching badges and his role with Alty will be of mutual benefit to him and the team. George is also pleased to continue to have Hannah Lamb as the team physio; she is a chartered physiotherapist so is well placed to give the team expert help with their injuries.
    8 July 2007

    WINNING START

    Above: Dominic Lillie holds off a challenge.

    In today's Youth team friendly, Altrincham defeated Ashton Town 2-1. Match report and pictures here.

    GAMES ON AND OFF

    Today (Sunday 8th ), Altrincham Youth start their pre-season friendlies with a 4pm kick off at Blessed Thomas Holford School, against Ashton Town Youth. Meanwhile, the starting date for the Youth Team's league season has been confirmed as 19th August. The previous Sunday (12th) it is hoped to play a friendly against a youth team from Liverpool who are coached by former Alty legend, Mark Maddox. The youth team's planned game on 5th August at Congleton Town has now been cancelled as the Cheshire club does not now have a venue on that date.
    3 July 2007

    YOUTHS DRAWN AWAY

    Alty Youth boss George Heslop reports a change to his team's pre-season fixtures. The friendly match on Saturday 21 July against American touring side Dearborn United has been cancelled as the Americans have called off their trip to the UK. Instead George has arranged a game the following day (Sunday 22nd, at 2pm) at Blessed Thomas Holford, against WarringtonTown.

    Meanwhile the FA Youth Cup draw has been made and Altrincham have been drawn away at Woodley Sports in the 1st Qualifying Round, a game to be played in week commencing Monday, 24th September. However, it is not yet clear whether this match can be played on Woodley's artificial pitch as, last year, the use of that surface was not permitted by the FA. The winners of the 1st QR game have a home tie against Vauxhall Motors or Nantwich Town in the next round in w/c 8th October.


    26 June 2007

    FA YOUTH CUP

    The dates for the FA Youth Cup Qualifying Competition have been announced:
  • Preliminary Round, week commencing 10 September 2007
  • First Round Qualifying w/c 24 September 2007
  • Second Round Qualifying w/c 8 October 2007
  • Third Round Qualifying w/c 22 October 2007

    The Competition Proper is made up of ties to be played by the closing date below:

  • First Round Proper 10 November 2007
  • Second Round Proper 24 November 2007
  • Third Round Proper 15 December 2007
    23 June 2007

    YOUTH PRE-SEASON

    George Heslop has confirmed the Altrincham FC Youth Team's pre-season games.

  • Sunday 8 July at 4pm at Blessed Thomas Holford, versus Ashton Town Youth
  • Sunday 15 July at 10am at Salford City Sports Complex (Lyttleton Road, Salford); Manchester County FA v Altrincham FC Youth
  • Saturday 21 July at 12 noon at Blessed Thomas Holford School, Altrincham; Altrincham FC Youth v Dearborn United Youth (Michigan, USA). After the match the visitors from the USA will be guests of Altrincham FC at the first-team friendly against Rotherham United at Moss Lane (3pm).
  • Wednesday 25 July to Saturday 28 July at the University of Manchester Playing Fields at Northenden, Altrincham will take part in the Umbro International Tournament
  • Sunday 5 August at 2pm away to Congleton Town (venue to be announced).
  • Sunday 12 August at a time TBA against opponents to be confirmed at Wythenshawe Town FC
  • Sunday 19 August league season commences

    Youth team training starts on Sunday 1 July and continues every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter.


    16 June 2007

    YOUTH TEAM AWARDS

    In the Noel White Suite on Friday night, the Altrincham FC Youth team received their end of season awards. Manager George Heslop briefly summarised the season before announcing the three awards of Clubman of the Year, Manager's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year to, respectively, Alex Murphy, Tom Bailey and Marcus Baxby. Altrincham's first-team boss Graham Heathcote made the above presentations, stating that like George, he had not expected his first-team to win anything last season but, unlike the youth team, the first team had fulfilled his expectations!

    George revealed that he had not expected this year's squad to win anything in 2006-07 so he was delighted to be proved wrong when, representing the Altrincham and District FA, the lads had won the Cheshire County FA District Youth Cup. In fact, it was the first time in the competitions history that Altrincham FA had lifted the Cup in successive years. Norman Sherriff was a very welcome guest and, on behalf of the Altrincham & District FA, he presented the team with their District Cup medals.

    Finally, captain Tom Barclay, with Jim Vince senior made presentations to Hannah, the youth team physio and to Jenny Heslop, who worked hard to keep the kit in pristine condition throughout the season, and your website correspondent was taken aback to receive a welcome gift of a pen with which to make next season's match reports! A presentation was also made by the club to Julieann Gresty and Hannah who had assisted the District side with their physiotherapy skills.

    Above: Alex Murphy, Clubman of the Year, with Graham Heathcote.

    Above: Tom Bailey, Manager George Heslop's Player of the Year.

    Above: Marcus Baxby, the Players' Player of the Year

    Above: Tom Barclay receives his medal from Norman Sherriff

    George Heslop revelaed that for 2007-08 he would be emulating the first team in having three training sessions a week, starting from 1st July and that he had already arranged three full games in pre-season against the Manchester County FA, Ashton Town and Congleton Town youth sides. In addition the Altrincham Youth side would again take part in the international youth tournament held at Manchester University's playing fields and would also host a friendly against a USA touring side. Through this pre-season schedule George and his assistant Tony Spilsbury would reduce the 92 applicants for the youth team to a reasonable-sized squad for 2007-08 season.


    15 June 2007

    YOUTH NIGHT

    Tonight at Moss Lane (7.30pm) is the annual Youth Team Presentation Night in the Noel White Suite.
    31 May 2007

    YOUTH NEWS

    Altrincham Youth manager George Heslop has announced two pre-season friendlies:
  • Sunday 15 July at 10am at Salford City Sports Complex (not Moor Lane - directions to follow!); Manchester County FA v Altrincham FC Youth
  • Saturday 21 July at 12 noon at Blessed Thomas Holford School, Altrincham; Altrincham FC Youth v Dearborn United Youth (Michigan, USA). Afer the match the visitors from the USA will be guests of Altrincham FC at the first-team friendly against Rotherham United at Moss Lane (3pm).

    George Heslop also hopes to enter the Altrincham Youth side once again in the Umbro International Tournament, which takes place in Manchester each summer. However, with George not fully mobile yet because of his infected toe, and with coach Tony Spilsbury unavailable due to work commitments, entry into the competition is dependent on George finding a volunteer to help him with the event over its four days from Wednesday 25th to Saturday 28th July. If you can help, please contact George on 0161 718-0624.

    George would also be grateful for any sponsorship of the Altrincham FC Youth team for the coming season, so if you can help in this way, please ring George on the above number.

    The NW Youth Alliance in which Altrincham FC play their youth team league games is expected to expand next season as six new clubs have applied for election. The teams are Ashton Town, Ashton Athletic B, Bury Amateurs, Curzon Ashton, Formby and Nantwich Town. However, Euxton Villa have resigned from the league.