Whilst the Phoenix Phutures programme have just officially entered their off-season, for many of their U19 players the Uniball season is just kicking off. For the first time since Tamworth Phoenix put together their junior team, players have started to play ball at a University level.
After the success of former Phutures players Billy Elliot, the first player to go through all levels, and Taranjit Chatha both going on and making waves for the senior team, following in their footsteps will be 2020-21 graduates: Luke Ashman, Ajay Benning, Kavan Chatha, Dylan Pole, Josh Russam, Josh Oldfield, Owen James, Josh Allsebrook and Joe Perkins.
Whilst those players go on and play for senior team in the next season, some of those who still have a year or more of eligibility left at the U19 level are seeking to carry on balling whilst the league season is closed. Players: Dan Peach, Jake Wright, Christian Pole, Amrit Chatha and Noah Beddow are all now playing for various universities across the country, whilst Joe Gallagher, Lesley Guveya and Kacper Siwiec all head down to Bristol to play for Filton.
The cohesive and well-structured training programme at the ‘Nix have made it possible for Billy and Amrit to earn lots of reps on defense for a strong UWE Bullets teams boasting multiple American players. Meanwhile, at Bath Spa, Jake is using all he has learnt to help develop their offensive line. Down on the south coast, at Bournemouth, Dan is a part of a stout defensive unit whose reluctance to yield points has pushed the Bobcats to a 3-0 start.
Over the last two weeks, the Phutures have held open training sessions which has returned many new recruits for the various teams in the organisation and we look forward to another successful season. Training resumes in the new year and any new faces are welcome as the Phoenix continues to R1se.