This update focusing on our new U21s side, courtesy of Matt Tennant, reviews their debut season thus far…
The Bromsgrove Sporting U21s first season has been full of experiences, lessons and successes.
The team has achieved some hugely impressive results, including a dominant 9-0 home victory over Diamond Academy U21s and a 2-9 away win against AFC Worcester, which secured them a spot in the quarter-finals of the Worcestershire Football Association Saturday County Cup.
The squad has been managed under the watchful eyes of joint managers Mark Reeve and Stuart Carson, alongside coach Pete Rose, who have carefully nurtured the group of players and spearheaded the team’s achievements.
“The end of the calendar year is a time for reflection for most and looking back from where we started back in May during our initial trials, we are really pleased with our progress,” said Stuart Carson.
“We must say a massive thanks to so many people: Rod Brown, Graham Scott, Dave Stephens, and the whole board of directors, and with special thanks to Iain Queen for his unwavering support.
“Not forgetting all the volunteers behind the bar and excellent ground force team who provide a pitch the boys love playing on, plus an excellent group of supportive parents and all our fantastic sponsors.”
Pete Rose said: “I’m really pleased with how things have gone so far.
“After a short break from coaching, I was looking for the right opportunity and when the chance to be a part of the U21s arose, it was a simple decision for me to make.
“We’ve got a good dynamic within the management team, with the workload being shared, so the pressure isn’t just on one person.
“Off the pitch, the support from the wider club has been superb, from Iain Queen, who was instrumental in getting the team off the ground, to the chairman, managers and players.
“Finally on the pitch, the boys have been brilliant and their attitude to training has been reflected in their performances.”
Looking at those performances so far this season, Sporting’s U21s boast an impressive set of statistics.
Of their nine league games, they recorded four wins, four draws and only one loss. In the County Cup, the team achieved a convincing win against AFC Worcester and a nail-biting penalty shootout win against Pershore Town 88 to reach the third round of the competition.
Sporting’s U21s have scored 45 goals between both competitions and currently sit fourth in the league table on 16 points. They trail Bedworth United U21s by five points, but with three games in hand, and six games in hand over current league leaders, Stourbridge U21s.
“It has been around six months since we started the recruitment process for the new Bromsgrove Sporting U21s team and, during this time, we have seen massive progress,” said Sporting’s Football Development Officer and U21s chairman, Iain Queen.
“With over 180 player applicants, there was a massive pool of talent to select from, and I am delighted that the management team have got a fantastic group of young lads together who have really started to click both on and off the pitch.
“The team have shown that they can compete with the best in the league. We are looking forward to heading to Meadow Park for a quarter-final fixture in the Worcester FA Saturday Cup on 25th January.”
The team have also shown excellent away form. Despite having no home fixtures since October, the Rouslers bagged three dominant wins (all with at least six goals) and one draw – against Boldmere St Michaels U21s in their most recent outing.
Some players have also enjoyed additional success. Zac Powell, Charlie McNamara, Bo Morris and Archie Thurston have all been involved with Bromsgrove Sporting’s first team throughout the season, with Powell, McNamara and Morris making their playing debuts.
“As a group, it’s clear to see how the lads have grown in a short period time, and what pleases us most is the togetherness and mentality of the group,” continued Stuart Carson.
“Progress at this level is measured on getting the boys ready for first team duty, and in recent times, we have had Charlie, Bo and Archie all involved which is credit to themselves and the great support of first team manager Scott.
“Some will progress quicker than others, but we are all positive that the boys will make the step up over time; patience is the key.”
Iain Queen added: “In the short time since we set up the team, there have been numerous instances of players who have broken into the first team. Zac Powell was initially spotted at the trials and was quickly offered a contract by the club. Charlie McNamara also featured in pre-season and also against Droitwich Spa in the Worcestershire Senior Cup. Bo Morris continues to impress and played against Pershore Town in the Cup, before dual registering with them to get some valuable experience in men’s football.
“In my role as Football Development Officer, I am constantly looking at how we can grow as a club, and offer our local community opportunities to represent Bromsgrove Sporting FC. My primary aim has been to increase our male pathway from when our Colts finish at U16, as there was no route into the first team. So closing this gap by setting up the U21s is the first step in keeping players in our set up and I hope to unveil more exciting plans in the very near future.
“I would like to thank the management team for all the time and effort they give to our players, and also to the families and friends of our players who come and support the lads at home and away. I would also like to thank the Bromsgrove Sporting community who have been to watch us play on a Saturday morning – it is very much appreciated.”
“From the first meeting with Iain Queen, the club have welcomed, embraced and fully supported the new Development team,” said Mark Reeve.
“It’s great news for Bromsgrove, Worcestershire and the local surrounding areas.”
Unfortunately, the team’s first match of the New Year on Saturday 4th January against Stourbridge U21s has been postponed, but the U21s are now scheduled to kick off the New Year with a home game against Bedworth United U21s on Saturday 11th January at 10:30am.
“We were gaining momentum before the disruption of the past few weeks and it’s key we get back into the groove as soon as possible after the break,” Pete Rose said.
“We’ll do our best to keep them ticking over and hopefully we’ll start the new year with a bang.”
Stuart Carson added: “We look forward to the second half of the season and growing the players, both as a group and as individuals, to achieve our goals.
“We wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a healthy 2025. Up the Rouslers.”
To keep up to date with all the latest news and updates over the festive period and beyond, check out our Instagram at @bromsgrovesporting_u21dev and X (Twitter) at @rouslers_u21s.
