COLWYN Bay has launched a new scheme to reward young players for their efforts during training.

Academy director Matt Sampson will be announcing Trainer of the Week Awards for the club’s side from U8 all the way through to U19 following his appointment to the role earlier this month.

Sampson brings a wealth of experience to the Four Crosses Arena, which recently received accreditation from the Football Association of Wales regarding their Academy programme.

He said; “After the first week of great training sessions with a new game model and style of play, all players and coaches have really bought into ‘The Bay Way’, which promoted hard-working values and teamwork with the freedom for individual flare.”

Taking away the inaugural U8 title was Jake Xavier, with Ethan Roberts’ initial time with the squad after coming in for a trial earning him the U9 distinction.

Cian Owen’s “great attitude” during sessions secured the U10 Trainer of the Week Award, with the duo of Rowan Maxwell and Harrison McQueen becoming the proud recipients of the U11 and U12 accolades, respectively.

Harry Owen (U13), Oliver Shackleton (U14) and Max Bentley (U15) were also acknowledged for their exceptional application during team drills, and U16s hopeful Aiden Griffiths was praised for his ability to take on information after scooping the team prize.

Rounding off the awards was Tom Yorke, who was the U19 Trainer of the Week and Sampson has high hopes for the player going forward that resulted in him training with Craig Hogg’s first team.

“Getting that experience and understanding of what it takes to be a first-team player at the club, Tom took that into the 19s session the day after and performed excellently,” added Sampson.

“His attitude to the physical work, which plays an important role at this stage of the season, was spot on as well as continuing to look sharp on the ball.

“Hopefully Tom can carry this good work on in the coming months and continually push himself further in his development.”