Team BC Elite Football have had a very successful season in both development and achievements, with several players being called up to the U18 County FA representative team.
The team have all been involved in the U18's South West Counties League and more than half of the squad have featured in regular appearances for the Bridgwater Town Reserves. Five players have also gone on to make appearances for Bridgwater Town’s first team, clear evidence of a player pathway working this season, and for the future.
The Elite North team have been crowned champions of the Category Two North Division, with highlights from the season including a double win over both local rival teams, Richard Huish and Weston College. The second win away at Weston College was a thoroughly deserved win; with half the squad away or injured, the team managed to come back from 2 – 0 down to win 3 – 2 in the last five minutes with Josh Evans stealing the winning goal.
After losing only one game all season they clinched the league title with an impressive 8 – 4 victory over Bath College. This win resulted in a final for the Category Two League against champions of the South Division, Exeter College. The game was hosted at Bridgwater Town’s Fairfax Park and after a keenly contested game, Team BC managed to hold on to their 1 – 0 win to be crowned champions of Category Two in the South West.
Jamie Laird, Team BC Head Coach said,
“The whole squad have been simply brilliant all season and all the hard work they have been putting in, including extra training sessions at 7:45am, has paid off and the team have deserved everything they have achieved this season. In terms of development, the player pathway that the College now has with BTFC is clear for all to see and gives the chance for all of our players to be challenged at different levels and in different environments.”
The Team BC Development squad endured a tough season after winning their respective league last year. The team has focused on the development of players and bringing more players through to feature for the College’s elite teams, which goes to show the strength and depth within Team BC.
The Development squad started strongly by putting on an excellent opening day performance against the very strong Weston second team, before going on to comfortably beat the SGS second team at home. This spurned the team into a three game winning streak by beating Wiltshire College 8 – 3.
After their cup run ended, the squad finished off the season with great performances against Wiltshire, St Brendan’s and a double header with Strode, leaving the team to finish fourth in a much tougher league than the one they faced previously.
A successful season for Team BC football, not only coming from the results on the pitch but the progression and development of the players. This year in conjunction with Bridgwater Town FC & Team BC, the U18’s competed in the highest league possible outside the professional structure in the South West Youth Counties League.
If you would like to know more about Team BC Football and the opportunities it provides, please email sport@bridgwater.ac.uk or call 01278 441322.