Academy manager Tony Cook is encouraged by what he has seen across all age groups.
Cook provided an update on all Rovers Academy news from February and the first week of March.
On the progress of the Foundation phase age groups have made:
“Foundation phase has had a positive month against strong teams from higher category teams.
“Adam Pilgrim has settled in well and is driving the programme along to a high level with good communication with the parents and an ever-improving games programme.”
On the Development phase age groups:
“The U13s have continued to perform positively. Their games programme is against all category one sides, reflecting the quality we have within that age group.
“We have played Middlesbrough, Leicester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle United.
“We have created a South Yorkshire Cup that our U14s have been doing well in. That gives them strong competition against local teams.
“Our U15s and U16s have had a quiet month but it has allowed for U14s to train with them to gain valuable experience. The U16s are beginning to filter into the U18s games programme in preparation for next season.”
On James Coppinger’s mentoring with the younger age groups:
“We’re really grateful to Copps for putting these sessions on. It is something we hope to implement as a permanent fixture for next season into the Academy’s programme.
“The programme will be invaluable in helping players understand mental performance and how that can have either a negative or positive impact on their development.”
On the progress of the U18s:
“The U18s form has been good. We lost to Bradford City who were a better outfit than us on the day but we only lost 1-0 and they are running away with the league.
“Our win against Rotherham United was impressive because it provided a tough test for us. Against Harrogate we showed great character to come back from 2-0 down and to beat them 4-3 with only ten-men.
“It has been a hugely positive month against good sides.”