On Saturday 3rd August 2013, Dunfermline Athletic U13, U14 and U15 squads will be travelling down to Repton, Derbyshire for the second year running to take part in the Tom Statham's football festival.

 

Stephen Wright who will be accompanying the young players said:-

 

"This will be our second time at the festival and all the players are really looking forward to it.  The festival is aimed at U13 and U15 age groups, however we like to include our U14 group. The festival is brilliantly run and as it is a non competitive event this allows the players to play with freedom and showcase their talent.

 

"I firmly believe these trips go a long way to shaping our young players for the future and educating them to becoming professional footballers as they get the chance for four days to spend time with each other, eat and room together. The recent trip to Cyprus at the start of the year benefited players like Shaun Byrne, Allan Smith, Kerr Young, Ross Millen and helped to accelerate their development, so I'm sure our younger players will benefit in a similar way ".

Teams participating this year include Derby County, Birmingham City, Leicester City, Crewe Alexandria, MK Dons, Aberdeen and many more.

Stephen would like to thank the players, parents and coaches who have all worked hard this season to raise funds for this trip, along with kind donations from local businesses. The Youth department organises many initiatives throughout the season in order to raise funds for these kind of trips and will continue to do so.

Organiser and Manchester United Academy coach Tom Statham said:-

 

"Dunfermline Athletic took part in the Repton Academy Festival for the first time in 2012, after being recommended by Aberdeen FC. All the boys and staff from Dunfermline understood the philosophy of the Festival - the emphasis on player and coach development and were a great addition.

 

"I am very pleased Dunfermline Athletic will be joining us again in 2013 and a number of English Academies have told me how much they are looking forward to their games with Dunfermline again this year. I wish the group a safe journey and an enjoyable time at this August's Festival."