05 March 2010
This is now my second season playing for Bromley Blues after I joined the Academy in September 2008.
We surprised many with our performances in our first year together, resulting in a third place finish which saw us perform better than expected which saw us finished above the second years at that time. Our cohesion within the team was very strong and the level of skill throughout the team was a stepping stone which allowed us to express ourselves in the first season and exceed expectations. As the season closed the dimensions of the squad had radically changed as several players left including Harry Harding to Reading and Stefan Payne to Fulham. This demonstrates the development the players have made while in the Academy which have seen them move on to bigger and better things.
As captain I was eagerly anticipating the start of the new season as we hoped things could only go upwards from the great start which we have had at the academy so far. Although we had lost two key players from our squad, this has allowed the likes of Rowan Liburd, Andrew Williams and Kyle Farrar to really express themselves and take the team forward. The first game of the season was very frustrating against Woking as we lost 3-2 in a game which we really should have won. Had we won we would have set the tone for the new season, but from there onwards the physical and mental strength of the squad has enabled us to go a seven game unbeaten run. I think one major factor which has come at an advantage to us this season is that we’ve learnt a lot from our first season and therefore we are now able to see out tight games, the last game we played against Wycombe Wanderers was a prime example as we won the game 2-0 but were under siege for practically most of the game. Moreover our ability to win games when not playing well has also contributed to are seven game unbeaten run. Now in the second stage of the season we are hoping to keep up the consistency and keep battling to the end of the season, settling for nothing less than top spot in the league.
On a personal note I’m glad to have been involved in the reserve and first team squads of late, as it has been good experience and has allowed me to witness what it takes for me to eventually step up from youth football and make the transaction into men’s football. One of the main things I’ve enjoyed about being in the first team squad has been taking on the advice from the players on things I need to do to become a better player. Luckily enough I did manage to make my debut and get a run out against Lewes. At this moment in time I’m deep in the process of applying for University and have received four offers to study sports science at degree level, so I hope to combine getting a degree and playing semi-professional football simultaneously and if the boy hood dream of being a professional footballer doesn’t happen then I’m full equipped with plan B, and fulfil my potential educationally.
Overall I’ve been proud to captain my team up to now and am very grateful for the opportunities given to me so far at this club. In the near future I hope to progress and make a name for myself as a prosperous up and coming youth player at this club.
Reiss Stephen
Captain
Bromley Blues
