Brighouse Town academy target another successful season next term

Brighouse Town’s academy manager Simon Ward has summed up the shortened season and classroom of the club’s academy ahead of intake and reunion for next season and the academic year.
Brighouse Town academy's management team of Simon Ward (left) and Barry ThomasBrighouse Town academy's management team of Simon Ward (left) and Barry Thomas
Brighouse Town academy's management team of Simon Ward (left) and Barry Thomas

He said: “First of all I’m extremely proud to be the first Brighouse Town academy manager in this format. Our first season has come to an end and has provided us with many learnings personally, and as a club on how to take this programme forwards.

“The three targets I set out last summer were to develop the players on and off the pitch, provide them with first team insight and opportunity, and teach them how to win the ‘Brighouse Town way’. We have met all thre targets with variable success.

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“The most notable success was goalkeeper Jamie White, appearing for the first team on three occasions and making numerous bench appearances. Jamie was also awarded our Student of the Year award for his application, dedication, and leadership in the class room. Jamie is moving on to university thanks to the environment we’ve created for him to achieve his goals. We’re extremely pleased for Jamie and wish him all the best with his studies.

“On the pitch it was Ben Smith who stood out. Ben is a passionate, hard working centre midfielder who always strives to improve daily. Ben is also an intelligent young man who completed his second year studies with flying colours. Ben will be progressing onto our third year course at Brighouse to become our academy captain.

“My Manager’s First Year award winner was Bailey Ansley, the former Salendine Nook High School student who has come back well since breaking a leg in early academy days with Rotherham United.

“I would like to thank my assistant coach Barry Thomas for all the work he has put in.

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“Another big success off the pitch has been our conscious campaign supporting local mental health charity ‘Andy’s Man Club’ via our academies social media platforms which has helped raise awareness for the illness.

During this current lockdown status we have been planning for next season making various improvements to the programme with many exciting new structures and processes in place. Our quest is to establish ourselves as one of the leading academies of its’ kind, particularly in our area. We have high ambitions for this academy and we can’t wait to get started again when it is safe to do so.”

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