Exeter City’s under-18s will host Charlton Athletic in the second round of the FA Youth Cup, under the lights at St James Park tomorrow night. The Grecians qualified via a comprehensive 3-0 win over neighbours Yeovil Town, with Joel Randall supplementing a brace from Will Dean.
There is no doubt that the game promises to be a classic. However, for those amongst you tempted to stay in and watch Gareth Southgate’s men take on Brazil, we have come up with five reasons that prove this is not one to miss…
1. SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF ECFC
Any Grecian worth his salt knows that Exeter has one of the finest academies in the land. Since its inception, it has produced a myriad of stars including current first-teamers Christy Pym, Dean Moxey, Matt Jay and Jordan Moore-Taylor. This group of players is one of the finest that the academy has ever produced, and playing in front of a bumper crowd will only aid their development.
2. HELP THE UNDER-18s CONTINUE THEIR STUNNING FORM
Having topped the Youth Alliance’ s South West Division last time out, the under-18s are fixing up to repeat the feat this season. With 13 games having already been played, the Grecians have won nine and lost just one, including a 6-0 win over Forest Green Rovers and a comprehensive 4-1 victory over last season’s national champions, Newport County. They are currently unbeaten since the opening day of the season!
3. ANOTHER SPARKLING YOUNGSTER
Of the number of bright prospects in the under-18s squad, perhaps the one that has garnered the most attention is 17-year-old Jack Sparkes. A versatile midfielder who can play through the middle, or on either flank, Jack joined the academy with the under-9s. Awarded with the number 31 shirt this season, he has already trained with the first team on a number of occasions and made his first-team debut away at Swindon Town where he crashed a 25-yard shot against the inside of the post.
4. PLENTY OF STARS IN THE CHARLTON TEAM AS WELL
Alongside City, the Addicks academy also possesses a stunning reputation. Having produced stars like Scott Parker and Harry Arter, their newest prospects are currently making waves in the Premier League, with Ademola Lookman and Joe Gomez making moves to Merseyside in the recent past. With two academy graduates playing pivotal roles in the under-20s’ World Cup win during the summer, it promises to be a match against two great academy teams.
5. IT IS A BARGAIN!
In an effort to promote our young guns, we are offering cut-price tickets, with adults getting in for £5, seniors for £3 and under-18s for just £1. All available seats will be in the IP Office Stand, with access via the Stadium Way turnstiles.