Centre stage for the kids

A week of FA competitions for our teams concludes on Sunday afternoon when the young Reds host Scarborough Athletic in the FA Youth Cup at Borough Park (2pm).

The Ladies team played in the Women’s FA Cup last week, Danny Grainger’s squad travelled to Knaresborough and now it is the turn of a talented youth squad managed by Stuart Williamson and Craig Johnston.

Having already played Scarborough in both the FA Cup and Trophy at first team level, the Youth Cup match will complete a hat-trick of sorts.

Last season, the boys progressed through two rounds thanks to victories over Hebburn Town and Penrith before meeting their match against a very good Morpeth Town team.

Some of our lads played in those matches last year and are in the squad again so, hopefully, they can draw on the experience gained.

Williamson and Johnston, who managed the team twelve months ago, played in the FA Youth Cup for Carlisle United in their teenage years whilst Steven Rudd, Robbie Hebson and Sam Smith all represented Workington in the competition more recently.

Johnston, who is now chairman of the Workington Reds Juniors, welcomes the competition and believes it is up to him and other coaches at the club to provide a pathway for sixteen and seventeen year olds to partake in it.

“I would like to thank the football club for all their help in staging this game which is a fantastic experience for us.

“There is only a small window of opportunity to play in this competition – one or two seasons usually – and it is very satisfying that our young players are involved in a national tournament,” he said.

“It is part of their football education and the memories should stay with the lads for a long time. I hope everyone has an enjoyable day and is treated to a good game of football.

“Finally, good luck to our opponents too, Scarborough,” he concluded.

Admission will be via the Tony Hopper Bar at the bridge end of the ground.