Interview with WHFC Academy Captain: Louis Collins

Mark Hams, Academy Director:

So we’re joined by Walton & Hersham FC Academy Captain, Louis Collins. Louis, it’s been a bit of a topsy-turvy season so far, how’s it been coming back out of lockdown?

Louis Collins:

Yeah it was tough to start off with – having a big break away from football. I thought it would affect our fitness but the lads kept on top of it over lockdown and coming back to train day in day out really helped us. It showed in our game on Wednesday with a 2-1 win against Hampton & Richmond.

MH:

It’s your first year at the Walton & Hersham FC Academy, so how have you found the daily regime in terms of learning, coaching, facilities, professionalism and the whole set-up in general?

LC:

Yeah I think training every day has really improved my personal fitness, and the coaching and the training has really improved my game.

MH:

Obviously we get to train at the state-of-the-art 3G pitch at Three Rivers Academy, and home matches are held at the Hub – so does that help?

LC:

Yeah you just know that every day training is going to be on no matter the weather, and the facilities are there so it just helps you improve your personal game. Like you said about the Hub – the changing room, going out onto the pitch there, the stadium. It’s top quality.

MH:

In terms of the learning on site at Three Rivers Academy, would you say that the level of teaching and support from your tutors is good?

LC:

Definitely, there aren’t many places that do football along with A levels – so that was perfect. The teaching is really good and probably some of the best I’ve had.

MH:

So you’re one of 6 lads who have spent time in and around the First Team environment in the last few months, and most recently you played in the FA Vase away game against Leighton Town. How have you and all the boys been received by the manager, Scott Harris, and the rest of the group in general.

LC:

Scott and the group have been really welcoming, inviting us down to training. We’re learning a lot playing men’s football and to get a start against Leighton was an unbelievable experience in the FA Vase for me personally.

MH:

So when the boys come back from First Team training, generally the first thing they say is that the tempo is very high, passes are a lot harder. Would you agree with these things?

LC:

I think there’s a step up in terms of quality, physicality and fitness. I think it will only help us as players adapting to their type of play as well.

MH:

Would you agree that since the boys that have been involved in the First Team environment, the performances in the Academy have been sky-high – both in training and matches?

LC:

Definitely. There’s a bit of maturity about it, which showed in our performance the other day. It brings a certain maturity out of their game.

MH:

How do you find the standard and experience of the U19 National Alliance League on a weekly basis, home and away?

LC:

Every game has been a tough one but we’ve always been involved in every game as well. It’s a good standard played in proper facilities with proper changing rooms and proper officials. It’s been a great thing to get involved in.

MH:

Thanks your time Louis. Best of luck with the First Team for next season and we’re looking forward to the Academy season.

LC:

Thank you.