A busy weekend for our academy, with five of our underage sides in action.
MU20: Waterford FC vs CK United FC
Our U20s kick-off their 2024 EA Sports League of Ireland Group C campaign with the visit of CK United to SETU Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Head Coach Sean Geoghegan gave us his thoughts on what promises to be an exciting year ahead for the group:
“I am really looking forward to watching this U20 group this season. Between the different age groups involved we believe we have a strong group with a number of them capable of stepping up to another level over the next few years.”
“Along with the coaches, the lads have put in incredible work over the last 8 weeks since returning for pre-season. We look forward to seeing the benefit of that work this season starting against Carlow Kilkenny this weekend.”
MU17: Waterford FC vs Wexford FC
After kicking off their season with a narrow defeat last weekend, our U17s will look to pick up their first points of the season against Wexford FC on Sunday afternoon.
Coach Nils Lukaku gave us his thoughts ahead of the game:
“Season’s going okay, lads are fitter than expected and results haven’t really gone our way, especially in our first competitive fixture against Kerry, but overall, there’s some really good foundations in place and I’m confident we will put it right against Wexford FC and kickstart the season properly.”
MU15: CK United FC vs Waterford FC
Our U15 side make the journey to Burrin Celtic on Saturday afternoon as they face CK United in their second league game of the year. After falling to defeat last weekend against Cork City, Head Coach Paul Cleary hopes that the group can kick start their season this weekend:
“I am excited for the season ahead; I think we have a very talented and committed group and we can have a very successful season.”
“Saturday in CK United will be a tough challenge but it gives us a chance to rebound from last week’s loss to Cork. All the lads are fit and ready to go for Saturday.”
MU14: CK United FC vs Waterford FC
Our U14 side are also away to CK United on Sunday, in their second ever competitive game for the club. After securing a draw last weekend against Cobh Ramblers, the side will look to pick up their first win as a group this weekend.
Head Coach Xander Coolbear gave us his thoughts on how the group have settled in to date:
“We are looking forward to continuing and building on from a good performance against Cobh in our opening fixture. Lads have been excellent coming out of preseason. They really are a good group. For us our focus is the performance from the group and everything else will take care of itself.”
“We want to be consistent in our performances which will help us develop as a group and as individuals.”
WU19: Waterford FC vs CK United FC
Our WU19s kick-off their campaign against CK United at SETU Arena on Sunday afternoon. After progressing from U17s to U19s this year, we caught up with Head Coach Jess Lawton who gave her thoughts on the season ahead:
“We’ve worked really hard during pre-season to build relationships between units and each other as well as tidying up in possession and knowing our roles. The players have been excellent. It’s been a big change for them in style of play and what’s expected, but they really have taken everything on board, and the improvements have been huge. I think we have really bonded as a team and they have been a real joy to work with.”
“Our culture is positive which has allowed us to get the best out of everyone. Trust the process and the results will look after themselves. We are all really looking forward to starting the season on Sunday. Carlow Kilkenny are a good physical side who will be well organised. We need to work together, communicate and be tidy in possession as we look to get the season off with a good performance.”
Best of luck to all five sides this weekend! Supporters can keep up to date with all games across the weekend via the FAI Connect app.
