The Bluebirds take on Portsmouth this Saturday, with a chance to secure the U16s PDL Cup.
City have done brilliantly in the competition this season, finishing top of the group stages before progressing through the knockout stages to reach the final. This included a comeback against Stockport County and a victory over rivals Swansea City.
PRE MATCH | BEN ADAMS
Youth Development Phase Lead Coach Ben Adams provided his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
“I am really excited for the challenge. It’s a great occasion for our players to play at a historic ground against a good academy.
“It’s been a good competition this year, throughout. We came out on top in the groups after some competition. The knockout stage has been good for our players, offering a variety of situations.
"Trying to find a way against ten men in our quarter-finals and then progressing to the semi-finals at Stockport County, where we came back from a goal down, were both individual experiences that showed our mentality when times get tough.
"We were really pleased with the players' growth on that day, both individually and collectively. We found our way back in by playing the way we set out to, and that helped us to win the game.
“Development is key in the Academy to get them ready for the next stage of the youth development pathway. There’s a real excitement around the dressing room about the thought of winning a competition. I’m sure on Saturday we’ll put in a performance that we’re proud of, and that will take us as close as we can to winning.”
PRE MATCH | JACOB NORRIS
Jacob Norris gave his thoughts on this weekend’s final and the excitement around the group leading up to it.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to be playing in a cup final. To play in a stadium with the fans is always a great experience. We played the semi-final at Stockport County's stadium, so we have the experience to give our all in this final.
“We’ve got a young squad, and we’ve done well. We’ve beaten Swansea City in the derby and did very well against Stockport County away from home.
"It’s always good for the team to get experience. Having more learnings means higher standards and higher intensity. We will bring that intensity to the final.
“It would be an amazing feeling to bring that trophy back to Cardiff. This is what we feel we deserve.”
PRE MATCH | GAVIN CHESTERFIELD
Academy Manager Gavin Chesterfield added: “It will be a great experience. To the boys’ credit, they’ve done ever so well to get to a final in a variety of experiences through different playing styles and venues. Playing in some first team stadiums as well has been valuable. Whilst we talk about the value of development, there are times when winning plays a part in that. Knockout competitions can bring jeopardy and consequences, but the boys have embraced those challenges so far.
He continued: “This competition has been hugely valuable. They’ve had to travel far, play with a man down at times, take penalties. These situations enrich their playing experiences. Ultimately, they’ve got through to a national final. I’m proud of the boys for getting to this stage. Of course, we want to win it, but I just hope it’s a fantastic experience."