Andrew Warshaw on how Enfield Town FC’s focus on young talent could pay dividends

*QE2 Stadium will be seeing some improvements made this summer*

Having a thriving academy system can be a huge boost to clubs at all levels when it comes to players breaking through to the first team.

There are only a couple of months to plan for the next campaign, with pre-season training under way in July and the new league fixtures due to get under way in mid-August.

The pain of Enfield Town losing right at the death to Hornchurch in the semifinals of the Isthmian League Premier Division play-offs will take time to heal. But as the club looks for possible reinforcements, there is a huge amount of promise and encouragement lower down the age scale.

Early last month, Town’s academy side not only exceeded expectations by winning their regional division of the National League U19 Alliance, but they then reached the quarterfinals of the subsequent knockout competition in an attempt to become ‘champions of champions’.

Just like the senior team’s plight against Hornchurch, the youngsters so nearly made it through. They were just seconds away from a penalty shootout when Chelmsford scored with the last kick of the game to win 5-4.

Manager Ahmed Abdulla, who reports to Town’s academy chief and first-team coach Ian Hart, couldn’t heap enough praise on his young players who have done the club proud. Ahmed is convinced some of his kids are good enough to break into the senior squad next season. “The way we lost at Chelmsford was really cruel especially as we fought back from 3-1 down,” Ahmad told the Dispatch.

“But in a way the knockout phase was a bonus after winning the league. I’m super proud of the boys. It shows we’ve got up-and-coming players in-house, Ross Busunda and George Rankin to name but two.

“I’m in touch with Ian almost every day. He watches training and knows the ins and outs about every single player.”

Back at QE2 Stadium, work has already started on the pitch and surrounding areas in preparation for next season – with a little help from Tottenham Hotspur. Last month, as part of Enfield Town’s ongoing relationship with their Premier League neighbours, Spurs generously provided a dozen members of their under-18 squad to assist with ground maintenance.

Enfield Town vice-chair Paul Millington said: “It was a great gesture by Spurs, with their training ground being in the borough, to help their local community club.”

Meanwhile, following all the various promotions and relegations, Town now know which new teams will play in their division next season. Billericay, relegated from National League South, are the most notable addition to the Isthmian League Premier Division and, while the likes of Aveley and Canvey Island represent palatable away trips, there will be more lengthy journeys to fellow division newcomers Hastings and Herne Bay for Town supporters – although at least they offer an opportunity for a day out by the sea!

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