View: Portsmouth youngsters have ideal opportunity to shine at Fratton Park
Portsmouth Academy have an opportunity to shine in front of potentially thousands following confirmation that the upcoming FA Youth Cup clash with Leeds United will be held at Fratton Park.
Pompey announced via the official club website on Friday (29 November) that the third-round tie will be held at the home of the men’s senior side on December 16.
Furthermore, tickets have been priced at a reasonable £5 for adults and just £1 for junior supporters, which should hopefully see multiple thousands turn out for the tie.
Sam Hudson will no doubt be buzzing at the announcement, as will his group of young talents as they look to overcome U18s Premier League opposition.
Portsmouth Academy performing well in league
The academy side or going strongly in the Youth Alliance division, sitting fourth after nine matches with 16 points to their name.
That is thanks to back-to-back wins over Forest Green Rovers and Exeter City, so this decision to hold the Leeds tie at Fratton Park is justified.
What it means is that the youngsters will get a chance to perform at a senior men’s ground in front of a four-figure crowd, which will only help with their education towards becoming first-team players.
As we know, only a small fraction of the current crop will graduate through the system and become Pompey regulars, and those in attendance for this cup tie may get a better impression of exactly who those select few will be.
It is a decision that should be applauded by the club, and fingers crossed victory is sealed against Leeds so that the fourth-round tie – if drawn at home – can also be held at Fratton Park.
The players are tasked with getting the job done on the field, but it is important fans also turn out in their numbers to spur on the future stars.
In other Portsmouth news, John Mousinho will be sweating over the availability of a first-team regular.
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