SOUTHEND United coach Danny Heath is certain the Shrimpers are benefitting hugely from having two teams in their youth set up this season.
Blues opted to introduce an under 18 side alongside their already existing under 19 team.
And Heath believes it is a positive step for the National League club.
“We looked at it last year after our first season in this league,” said Heath.
“There are a lot of teams who play with predominantly third years so in terms of a physical point of view you get some first years who develop and can cope with that but it’s tough for others,” said Heath.
“For those who might need a little bit longer for their physical development it’s good to have this team.
“We can still stretch and develop them by putting them up if needed and it’s only a positive thing.”
Both teams have made what Heath describes as good starts to the season.
And the teenagers are benefitting from playing against strong opposition.
“We’ve got an under 18 team of mainly first and second years who play in the National League set up but in Division A,” explained Heath.
“That’s alongside the likes of Aveley, Chelmsford and Dagenham so it’s still a decent level.
“The 19s are a team of predominantly second and third years.
“It’s regionalised but the teams we play include the likes of Eastleigh, Dorking, Aldershot, and Boreham Wood.
“The quality of football is no worse to what we played in over the years in the EFL.
“The standard of teams and players is very good.”
And Heath is already noticing progress from his players.
“It’s been an improvement on last year in terms of the performances and also the results,” said Heath.
“It helps having an older team this year and we’re more competitive in the games.
“We’re pleased with the start and all of the players come under the youth team for the football club under the foundation banner.
“We’re really grateful to them for their support.”
And the new link also ensures standards are being kept high by the Shrimpers.
"The CEO of the foundation Dale Spiby and all the other staff have supported us to ensure that we have the pitch at Garons so that we can train for eight hours a week," said Heath.
"That's the same as a EFL category three academy youth team and we have been supplied with GPS for all the players so we can monitor their physical stats.
"We also a Veo camera so we can do video analysis of the games and sessions to aid team and player development."
And Blues are also still able to attract a number of players.
"Players that we have recruited have come to the club after previously being at clubs like Gillingham, Colchester, Leyton Orient, Barnet, Tottenham, Rangers, West Ham and Southampton," said Heath.
"Many other players have played locally in the EJA League."
Some youngsters within the set-up have also benefitted from training with the first team while many also enjoyed being part of Kevin Maher's squad during pre-season.
Blues coach Tom Bailey works closely with the younger age group now in place.
And he has also welcomed the new set up.
“It’s been very enjoyable and it’s great to have two age groups,” said Bailey.
“It means more players on board, more games and more opportunities for everyone too.
“The start of the season has been a little bit frustrating in terms of we’ve played one game and had four called off.
“But we beat West Ham Foundation, who have won the league the last two times 6-3, and that was very positive performance.”
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