The 8/10/11’s all welcomed Connahs Quay to Broughton, with some high level football being played from both teams across all age groups. New formats meant plenty of goals scored and fantastic skills on offer.

The Under 9’s got the opportunity to travel up to Wigan for fixtures vs Wigan Athletic. They competed well, with Wigan coaches commenting on how professional the squad were during the games.

Well done all on a great first week, Coaches comments are as followed:

Under 8’s

Player of the match for the 8’s was Albert Yates. Albert was brilliant in all positions played today, understood his roles and took on information that was given. Striking of the ball was on top form today unlucky to hit the crossbar 4 times, but overall a great day for Albert.

Under 10’s

Airbus Academy U10’s Players of the Match

Huge congratulations to Aussie Wardle and Henry Challoner, who were deservedly named our Players of the Match today.

Aussie Wardle — Right-Side Defender

Aussie was excellent defensively, showing real determination, discipline and commitment throughout the game. Strong in the challenge, worked hard for the team and showed a great attitude from start to finish. A very solid performance.

Henry Challoner — Centre Midfield

Henry put in a fantastic shift in the middle of the pitch. His energy, movement, passing and willingness to get involved stood out. He worked tirelessly both with and without the ball and helped drive the team forward.

Two excellent individual performances, but most importantly, both players showed the attitude, effort and desire we expect from our academy players.

Well done Aussie & Henry — thoroughly deserved!

Under 11’s

Some fantastic and games in the 11’s with both teams showing great ability on and off the ball. Rudi was first player to pick up MOTM after a fantastic display in goal. Rudi made some fantastic saves during the games and looked to play out quickly when ball was in hand.

Noah Reid picked up the other MOTM scoring 2 great goals and causing his former club lots of problems on and off the ball.

Well done to both and the whole team on a good start to the season.

Under 13's

Airbus Broughton U13 1 – 1 TNS U13

We kicked off our league campaign at home against TNS always one of the toughest opponents across all age groups. Our aim from the very first whistle was clear: start strong, compete from day one, and lay down a marker for the season ahead.

First Half

We made the perfect start! Within the opening 5 minutes, Shay did brilliant pass down the wing to Rimmer who delivered a perfect cross that caused confusion between the TNS goalkeeper and defender resulted in an early goal. our very first goal of the season!

After the goal, we continued to play some good football, creating clear opportunities to extend our lead. Unfortunately, we weren't clinical enough in front of goal, and TNS' goalkeeper pulled off some fantastic saves to keep them in it. Despite our dominance, we went into the break just one goal ahead but very much in control.

Half-time: Airbus 1 – 0 TNS

Second Half

We asked the boys to tighten up, control the tempo, play into our strikers strength up front, and press with more aggression, something that had dropped off late in the first half. The second half became an even, physical contest. TNS were awarded a string of free-kicks around our penalty area, and from one of these, the ball took a deflection off one of the players and found its way into the net to level the game.

We responded positively, pushing hard to regain the lead. Grayson unleashed a powerful strike that the keeper did well to tip over, and we came close from a corner only for TNS to defend heroically. Despite our efforts, we couldn't find a winner, and the game ended level.

It's a familiar story last season our home game against TNS also finished 1-1. While we'd have loved to start with three points, we know what we're capable of. There were plenty of positives today: we played in occasions good football, created chances, and competed well against one of the league's strongest teams. We'll learn from this, build on our performance, and be ready to go again next week.

Player of the Match: Grayson Stead

What an outstanding performance! Grayson played the first half in central midfield winning battles, controlling play, and driving us forward with real authority. In the second half, he stepped in at left-back and was equally brilliant defending solidly, surging forward in attack, and even testing the goalkeeper with a fine strike. A truly all action display well done, Grayson!

Under 14's

Airbus 14s - 4 v The New Saints 14s - 2

After a fantastic pre season today was our first Academy cup match with a tough home encounter vs last seasons league winners.

The new look squad have worked so hard over the past 6 weeks and were ready for the campaign ahead.

Airbus started the game full of confidence moving the ball with pace & detail and had a perfect start upon the 3rd min when Hari fired home after a free kick from Ioan 1-0.

The match became physical with chances either end but TNS equalised after failing to clear a corner then they took the lead when a through ball caught us with a great finish.

We went into the break 1-2 down but felt we had played the best football against the strong wind.

After the break Airbus showed there intent with an equaliser in the 36th minute with a pinpoint corner from Ted saw Hari heading home

2-2.

Airbus intensity levels increased further as we pressed at every opportunity. In the 53rd minute we pressed their right side won possession with Peter finding Zach edge of box to chip the keeper 3-2.

Now it was all Airbus and in the 68th min from a corner Tns struggled to clear Hari smashed the net from 10yds for his hat trick and securing a great win for Airbus.

Summary

A fantastic start for the new look squad. A disciplined performance in & out of possession and all players played there part to achieve their success on the day.