U18's go to Sweden to compete in international pre-season tournament.
Doncaster Rovers Youth Team head to Sweden this weekend to partake in the annual Gothia Cup.The tournament has proved a popular pre-season destination for the #MadeInDoncaster stars of the future, headed by U18’s coach Paul Stancliffe and Academy Manager Paul Wilson.
"We think it is vitally important and this is our seventh year I think now and we seem to do better each year with the squads we get but as preparation for the season we have found it very important," said Stancliffe.
"It's good for the lads so they get to know each other and the opponents we play against always pose different sort of threats."
The U18’s finished runners up in the North East Alliance Youth League last season, and the step up to the development and first team squads is now a well worn path – the latest being Paul and Jack McKay and Liam Mandeville – and the onus will be on the new crop to go one step better.
"It would be nicer to finish top of the tree, I think that's the third time we have finished second so yeah it would be nice especially for the lads as they want to finish as high as they can and go and win things," mused Stancliffe.
"The ultimate goal for these lads is to go on and secure a professional contract that's the aim.
"One or two of them have come in with a couple of injuries so they are a little bit behind but we are generally pleased with their attitudes and their work rate. It's a big step up for some of these lads going to Sweden, they are excited and so are we."
Our official twitter accounts @DRFC_Academy and @drfc_official as well as doncasterroversfc.co.uk will keep you up to date with the youth team’s progress throughout the tournament.