9 December 2009
Glenn Hoddle Academy Face Sevilla Test
The Glenn Hoddle Academy Club is facing another tough footballing challenge as the squad prepares for its fixture next week with Sevilla Atletico, the reserve side of the La Liga team at the Sevilla FC Training Ground.
The fixture repeats one from last season that proved to be the catalyst for the move to Sevilla FC by former Glenn Hoddle Academy player Ikechi Anya, who became the academy’s first player to contract to a Spanish club when he sealed a dream move last season.
The fixture, on December 17, 2009, will be the final game for the academy before players and staff return to the UK for a well deserved break over Christmas. In the new year the squad returns to resume their Spanish development schedule ahead of matches against wider European opposition in January 2010.
With players from this year’s squad now completing their first full development term in Spain, the match against Sevilla will provide a great opportunity for them to showcase their talent and how much they have developed, against a team that includes Anya, the former academy player.
Glenn Hoddle said: “We have played a number of games so far this season, many used to try out potential new players that we have had on trial, or being developed, but this fixture will see our full-time academy squad in action for the first time.
“In the same fixture last season, which was the first time we had played them, the squad played particularly well and Ikechi really impressed, so much so that eventually he was signed by Sevilla FC, so there is everything to play for.
“These games, against very strong opposition, are an important test for our players, but also welcomed by the Spanish sides too, who like to play against our style of play, which is different to their regular opposition.
“I know that the squad will perform well in this game and really show what they can do and hopefully emulate Ikechi, who we will have to defend against in the game. An impressive performance here can see players being invited along to Sevilla for a trial”.
For further information please contact: Neil Duncanson - nd@glennhoddleacademy.com
Fergus Bell Signs Up with the Glenn Hoddle Academy in Spain
Aspiring professional footballer Fergus Bell, aged 19, from Durham, has received a scholarship to the prestigious Glenn Hoddle Academy, a unique professional football development centre, based at the Montecastillo Resort in Jerez, Southern Spain.
