On 26 April 2025, Academykicks FC U11 Phoenix faced off against Rock Sports Youth U11 in a friendly match held at Rock Sports, kicking off at 9:30 am. The match concluded with Rock Sports Youth emerging victorious, securing a 2-0 win over their opponents.
Academykicks FC lined up in a 3-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Cayden Whitehurst took his position in goal, with a back three comprising Harry Humphries in the centre, flanked by Archie Zeall on the right and Jake Litchfield-Wall on the left. The midfield was packed with four players: Daniel Taylor on the right, Alfie Coates and Freddie Middleton centrally, and Lex Bellingham on the left. Up front, Alfie Hannis was tasked with leading the line as the striker.
The substitutes for the match included Charlie Waller, Jack Waters, Leo Rainbow, and Noah Lewis, who would be called upon later as the game progressed.
The match started with an early scare for Academykicks, but goalkeeper Cayden Whitehurst was quick to respond, making a crucial parry in the fifth minute to deny Rock Sports Youth an early goal. Just three minutes later, Whitehurst showcased his skills again by confidently catching a cross, demonstrating his composure under pressure.
In the 11th minute, Lex Bellingham made a significant contribution with a slide rule pass that created a chance for Freddie Middleton, although Middleton's attempt went wide of the target. The defensive unit was tested shortly after, with Jake Litchfield-Wall making a vital clearance in the 12th minute to prevent a potential goal-scoring opportunity for the opposition.
Tactical substitutions began in the 14th minute when Charlie Waller replaced Alfie Hannis, followed by Jack Waters coming on for Daniel Taylor in the 16th minute. However, the match took a turn in the 17th minute when Rock Sports Youth opened the scoring with a goal from inside the box, struck with their right foot. Despite the scoreline, Academykicks continued to push forward. Freddie Middleton had another chance in the 20th minute, but his shot was saved, showcasing the resilience of the Rock Sports goalkeeper. Whitehurst was called into action again in the 24th minute, making a full-stretch save to keep his side in the game.
As the first half drew to a close, Noah Lewis had a chance that went wide in the 29th minute, but Rock Sports Youth capitalised on the momentum, scoring their second goal shortly after. The half-time whistle blew with the score at 2-0, leaving Academykicks with a mountain to climb in the second half.
The second half saw Academykicks make a few tactical changes, with Noah Lewis coming off for Alfie Coates in the 41st minute, and Lex Bellingham returning to the fray in place of Leo Rainbow in the 47th minute. Cayden Whitehurst continued to shine, making a diving save at the feet of an opponent in the 49th minute, further solidifying his status as a standout performer.
As the match approached its conclusion, Charlie Waller had a chance in the 30th minute that was saved, while Jack Waters also tested the opposition goalkeeper shortly after. In the dying moments of the match, Alfie Coates made a key pass in the 60th minute, creating a final opportunity for Academykicks, but the chance was not converted.
Despite their efforts, Academykicks FC U11 Phoenix could not find the back of the net, and the match ended with Rock Sports Youth U11 claiming a 2-0 victory. Cayden Whitehurst was undoubtedly the player of the match, with his exceptional goalkeeping keeping the scoreline from being even more unfavourable.
