After what was a fantastic season for Haverfordwest County Academy, we are pleased to confirm that, having achieved Category B status, we will be able to continue providing a high-quality level of support to our young players from our local communities and surrounding areas.
The audit process, which resulted in our accreditation, signified 12 months of hard work from within the club, and congratulations must go to all of the staff that have supported this process.
Head of Coaching, Ashleigh Hopkins, would especially like to thank all of our part-time members of staff for their professionalism and commitment over the course of the season. As well as this, our thanks must also go to all parents for their support with the players’ fixtures across the whole of south Wales, especially early on a Sunday morning, and those players that have fully supported the FAW ‘1 Player 1 Club’ rule from ages 12-19.
We can say that we are one of only a handful of Category B Academies in Wales, and we will strive to give players an elite environment where they can develop and reach their potential through constant Player Assessments and Individual Action Plans.
The cream of the crop was undoubtedly the players who made their First Team debuts in the 2022-23 season. This amazing achievement was made possible by Manager, Tony Pennock, Assistant Manager, Gary Richards, and Head of Goalkeeping, James Devonald, who have all had parts to play in the continuing development of the young players.
We have also had several players trial with Swansea City Academy, and one player has signed for the club on a full-time basis.
We would like to thank all of the clubs that have helped the following Academy graduates by providing support in the early stages of their development, helping to ensure that they could take the next steps in their footballing careers.
Lucas Davies
Previous clubs: Prendergast Villa, Pennar Robins, Pembrokeshire College, Pembrokeshire Schools, Welsh Schools U18s and Welsh Colleges U19s
Lucas has played internationals against Canada, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England and Scotland.
Harri John
Previous clubs: Camrose, Prendergast Villa, Goodwick United, Pembrokeshire Schools, Pembrokeshire College and Welsh Schools, where he played against England and Australia.
Harri made his First Team debut against Caernarfon Town on September 17, 2022.
Harri was kindly sponsored by JT Auto Services for the 2022-23 season.
Seth Woodhouse
Previous clubs: Fishguard, Camrose, Goodwick United, Pembrokeshire Schools and Pembrokeshire College.
Seth made his first team debut against Airbus UK Broughton on April 22, 2023.
Seth was kindly sponsored by Teifi Kitchens for the 2022-23 season.
John Chesters
Previous clubs: Goodwick United
John made his First Team debut against Airbus UK Broughton on April 22, 2023, and was named the Academy Goalkeeper of the Year.
John was kindly sponsored by Goodwick Youth Bank for the 2022-23 season.
Another good news story is that of Imi Scourfield, who has been selected for the Welsh Girls National U16s squad. Imi’s development took place at our Girls Development Centre, which has recently changed name to become the HCAFC Elite Development Centre, and will be a pathway for both boys and girls aged 8-19 who live in the surrounding area.
We look forward to working with our new Academy and Elite Development Centre players in the 2023-24 season, and we would like to thank Valero Pembroke Refinery and Achieve More Training for their continued support of the Academy.
We are also proud to be partnered with Macron, who will be producing the Academy playing and training wear for the upcoming season.
As the start of the 2023-24 season draws ever nearer, we will communicate training times and start dates in due course. We are also on the lookout for Academy coaches for the new season, as well as coaches for the Elite Development Centre. Those interested should contact a.hopkins@hcafc1899.football for more information.
Please watch our Academy in 60 Seconds video, which provides an overview of what goes on behind the scenes:
