A huge thank you to Portsmouth FC for inviting us to compete in a football festival at Sparsholt! This is the second Academy festival we have been invited to this year and provided a great opportunity for the ETC players to compete against several different Academy teams including Portsmouth, AFC Bournemouth and Cheltenham Town FC. The boys equipped themselves well and were competitive throughout. Well done to all involved – we look forward to the new season!

The ETC were thrilled to be invited to play in U9’s Southampton FC’s Foundation Cup.  As the only non-professional organisation in attendance, we relished the opportunity to play some of the top Academies in the country.  Our players performed terrifically in some tricky conditions and we a credit to themselves and the ETC.  We would like to thank Southampton to this unique opportunity and look forward to our next set of fixtures throughout the coming year.

It is great to see many former players return to training with the ETC throughout their pre-season break with their respective clubs.  Ranging from various professional clubs, the boys returned to kick start their preparations for the coming season and acted as a reminder to all younger players of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.

Southampton FC have swooped to sign ETC youngster, Keelan Freestone, following an impressive run with the club.  Keelan has been with us for sometime and has made huge strides in his development.  His parents commented “We just wanted to say a massive thank you to all at ETC for your hard work come rain or shine to make Keelan’s dreams come true.  Even if it’s the last time Keelan gets to step on the pitch at St Marys, you guys helped male it possible and we couldn’t recommend your centre enough”.