Highfield Rangers Junior & Youth Football – 2024/25 Season Review
As the 2024/25 season wraps up, there’s a huge sense of pride and progress across Highfields. From our youngest teams getting their first real taste of competitive football, to our older players trialling abroad or stepping into senior squads, this season has been a brilliant showcase of what Highfield Rangers is all about: opportunity, development and belief in young talent.

We are delighted to highlight the outstanding progress of several Highfield Rangers Jr & Youth players who are making significant strides towards professional football careers.

We are proud to announce that three of our most talented juniors have recently signed full contracts with Peterborough United. This remarkable achievement is a testament not only to the skill and hard work of the players themselves but also to the dedication of our coaching staff and the supportive environment fostered at Highfields. From our U10s, two fantastic young midfielders have been snapped up & the third is a highly promising goalkeeper from our U11s, who has impressed Peterborough’s academy coaches with his agility, bravery and commanding presence in goal. His performances have marked him out as a player with real potential to succeed at a professional level.

Our U15 striker, Malachi Laryea, is currently on an exciting eight-week trial with Mansfield Town. Malachi’s pace, intelligent movement off the ball and natural goal-scoring instincts have caught the attention of coaches, providing him with invaluable experience in a professional setting and raising his profile for the future.

We are also thrilled to share that U15 goalkeeper Sam Kan has been called into the prestigious Hong Kong nationals squad for their summer youth tour. This honour is a testament to Sam’s talent and hard work and is a great opportunity that will provide valuable international experience.

Adding to these achievements, Raijaun Morris-Laing, who featured prominently for last season’s Men’s team, is on trial with Sevilla FC, one of Spain’s top La Liga clubs. This extraordinary opportunity highlights the calibre of talent being nurtured at Highfields and demonstrates that our players can compete on an international stage.

In addition to those on trial or signed, several other players, including Mankaran Singh, Kayin Meshah, Farzad Jalali, Rasharnie Morris-Laing, and Malachi Laryea, have earned appearances for the Men’s Reserve Team, with some making the step up to the First Team. This progression clearly illustrates the successful pathway from youth football through to senior football within the club.

These milestones are a source of immense pride for Highfields. They exemplify the club’s values, commitment and community spirit, proving that with the right support and determination, young players can reach their full potential.

Looking ahead to the 2025/26 season, these inspiring stories motivate all players and staff. The future at Highfield Rangers is bright.

U9s – Settling In During Their First Year of 7v7 Football
The 2024/25 season marked a big step for our U9s, taking part in their first season of 7-a-side football. As expected, the early stages of the campaign were filled with challenges like adjusting to the increased pitch size, new positions, and the faster tempo of the game. But this young group showed incredible resilience, enthusiasm and togetherness as they adapted and improved week by week.

The beginning of the season saw a few tough results, but it was never about the scoreline for this squad. Their focus was on learning, having fun and growing into the new format and in that regard, they’ve had an excellent season. As confidence grew, so did performances. By mid-season, the improvement in positioning, decision-making and teamwork was clear to see. The players began playing with real identity and enjoyment.

A massive amount of credit goes to the coaching team of Kyle and Ash, whose patience, energy, and commitment to the kids have been second to none. They’ve created a positive environment where the players feel supported and free to express themselves.

With a strong foundation now in place, the U9s are heading into the new season with belief and excitement. The group has gelled brilliantly and there’s every reason to be optimistic that the next step in their development will be just as enjoyable and rewarding.

U10s – Learning Through Highs and Lows in a Challenging 7v7 Season
The U10s wrapped up a demanding but rewarding season in their second year of 7-a-side football, a format that continues to stretch and develop young players across all areas of the game. This year brought a mix of outstanding wins, narrow defeats and plenty of learning experiences…a real rollercoaster season.

At times, the squad produced some excellent team performances, demonstrating improved understanding of spacing, movement, and teamwork. There were matches where everything clicked, and the players showed just how much they’ve progressed since last season. But equally, there were games where lapses in concentration or missed chances proved costly. Consistency was the one key ingredient missing from turning a good season into a great one.

Still, the most important outcome has been the development of this group, with 2 of our young midfielders being snapped up & signed to professional contracts at Peterborough Utd. Their development this season was not just as footballers, but also as teammates. They’ve supported each other, played with heart and shown real commitment throughout the campaign. The step up in game intelligence and maturity has been noticeable.

As we look ahead to the transition into 9-a-side football next season, there’s a genuine buzz around this group. They’ve built strong foundations and learned important lessons that will serve them well. Yankubu & his coaching team are confident that with continued hard work, the U10s are ready to take on the next challenge and flourish.

U11s – A Year of Growth in Their First Season of 9v9 Football
The 2024/25 season saw our U11s begin their journey in 9-a-side football, a format that brings new tactical demands, larger pitch spaces and a greater need for teamwork. The transition wasn’t always smooth, but over the course of the year, the squad showed tremendous character and development.

There were tough lessons early on as the players adjusted to the physicality and positioning required in 9v9 matches. Mistakes were made, but they were treated as opportunities to grow. The players and coaches worked hard to correct issues and improve training sessions and by mid-season, the benefits were clear: sharper positional play, better communication and stronger chemistry on the pitch.

Although results were mixed, the emphasis remained on progress and performance over points. There were games where the squad really clicked and showed what they’re capable of, playing with energy and discipline. It was a year that helped many players find their identity on the pitch, whether in defence, midfield, or attack.

A big shoutout goes to manager Compton Smith, who remained patient, positive and fully behind his players through every up and down & lead coach Spencer Weir-Daley, who’s coaching methods have reinvigorated this young, inexperienced group into a team to look out for. They’re both immensely proud of the group and are already looking forward to continuing the journey next season.

As the U11s head into U12 football and prepare for their first season with full league standings, the squad is united, experienced, and ready for the next stage of development.

U12s – Competitive Debut and Looking Ahead to 11v11
This year marked a significant milestone for our U12s, as they entered their first fully competitive season with league standings and results officially recorded. With an inexperienced but enthusiastic squad, Rangers were placed in Division 10 and despite the unfamiliar format and pressure, they rose to the occasion.

Finishing mid-table was a solid achievement for this young side. The squad showed tremendous spirit and progression across the year, gaining confidence with each fixture. One of the most memorable moments came in a spectacular 11-3 victory against Ibstock, where everything clicked; fluent passing, clinical finishing and a great team display.

However, the season wasn’t just about results. For coaches and players alike, the real focus was preparing for the step up to 11v11 football next season. From building positional awareness to improving game understanding, this year has laid down key foundations.

The players have embraced the challenge and that hard work will serve them well as they prepare for the bigger pitch, longer matches, and more demanding tactical roles. The squad has matured significantly, both in attitude and ability.

With the right mindset, plenty of talent and a growing sense of identity, this team has all the tools to thrive as they move into 11-a-side football. Everyone involved is excited to see what they can achieve next season.

U13s – Strong First Season of 11v11 Football
Our U13s embarked on their first season playing 11-a-side football, competing in Division E. The squad showed maturity and teamwork throughout the campaign, securing a solid mid-table finish with a record of 4 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses.

This balanced record highlights a team that was competitive in almost every match. Their defensive organisation was impressive and their attacking play produced some exciting moments on the pitch. The team’s ability to maintain concentration and discipline over the longer format of 11v11 games was a positive sign of their growing football intelligence.

While the number of losses was low, the team arguably drew too many matches that could have been converted into wins. Those extra points might have propelled them further up the table. Still, the coaching staff and players have taken valuable lessons from this experience about game management, finishing chances and controlling matches.

Overall, the U13 season was a successful transition to the demands of 11v11 football. The squad’s commitment and progress have set a strong foundation for next year, where they will aim to convert close games into victories and push for a higher league position.

The team spirit and hard work shown will surely be key ingredients as they continue to grow and compete at a higher level.

U14s – Steady Progress Amidst Change
Competing in Division C, our U14s delivered a solid season, finishing in 5th place. Like several of our youth teams this year, the U14s suffered from a case of too many draws, a factor that, had a couple of those matches been turned into wins, would have seen the team climb higher in the standings.

The season was marked by plenty of player movement, with new players coming into the squad and some departures along the way. This presented challenges in maintaining consistency and cohesion, but also offered opportunities to integrate fresh talent and test different combinations.

Despite the changes, Massum, the team manager, has done a tremendous job steadying the ship. His leadership has kept the squad focused and united, fostering a strong team spirit and resilience that shone through in some very competitive matches and impressive performances.

Looking ahead, Massum is optimistic and determined to build on this season’s platform as the squad prepares to step up to the U15 level. With a good mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, the U14s have the potential to improve their league position and compete even more fiercely in the year to come.

The work done this season, on and off the pitch, lays the groundwork for greater success. The commitment and adaptability shown by the players and staff are sure to be invaluable assets as they face the challenges of a higher division and more intense competition.

U15s – A Remarkable First Season in MJPL & Strong Showing in Sunday Division A
The 2024/25 season has been an exciting and successful one for our U15s, who competed in two challenging competitions: the Midlands Junior Premier League (MJPL) on Saturdays and Division A on Sundays. Both campaigns showcased the team’s growing quality, resilience, and ambition.

On Saturdays, the team took part in their first-ever season in the highly competitive MJPL, where they faced some of the very best youth sides in the Midlands region. Finishing in a respectable joint 12th place in a league of 81 teams, the U15s proved they belong at this high level. The highlight of the season was securing impressive victories against well-established academy teams such as Solihull Moors, Halesowen Town and Walsall. These wins not only boosted the team’s confidence but also demonstrated their ability to compete with academy setups renowned for producing future professional players.

Meanwhile, in the Sunday Division A, the U15s enjoyed an outstanding league campaign, spending much of the season in the top three positions. Consistency, however, became a challenge in the final two matches, which ultimately saw the squad slip to 5th place. The league finish was tight, with only three points separating 2nd through 5th place, underscoring just how competitive the division was.

Among the standout moments was a memorable double victory over Ayleston Park, the eventual league winners who also clinched both cup competitions this season. Notably, Highfields were the only team to beat Ayleston Park this season and winning both home and away speaks volumes about the team’s quality and determination.

The coaching duo of Steve and Dane have worked hard guiding the squad through a demanding schedule across two leagues. Both are excited about the progress made this season and are looking forward to building on these strong foundations in the upcoming U16 season.

With a blend of technical skill, tactical awareness and grit, the U15s are a team to watch as they continue their journey at Highfields.

U16s – Proud Fighters in Their Final Season in Division B
The 2024/25 campaign marked what turned out to be the final season for our U16s in Division B, following their promotion last season. It was a year of proud battles, hard-fought matches and valuable lessons learned at a higher competitive level.

After stepping up to face tougher opposition, the U16s showed tremendous commitment and spirit throughout the season. There were moments of real promise and excellent performances where the team’s skill, teamwork and determination shone through. However, experience at this elevated level proved to be the decisive factor. Despite their best efforts, the squad found consistent results hard to come by against well-drilled and physically mature opponents.

The challenges faced this season provided the players with invaluable learning opportunities, teaching resilience, adaptability and the importance of maintaining focus across a full match. The players often showed flashes of brilliance, and their development was clear in both individual skill and team cohesion. The foundations built here will undoubtedly serve them well as they progress to senior football or other competitive environments.

A heartfelt thanks is due to Manager Rob Howell, who has been a stalwart of the club and an unwavering support for this group of players over many years. Rob’s dedication, patience and belief in the squad have been fundamental to their journey. His leadership has not only shaped the team on the pitch but also helped build character and camaraderie off it. The entire club is grateful for his many years of service and the positive impact he has had on so many young players.

As this chapter closes, the U16s leave with their heads held high, proud of their efforts and achievements. The lessons learned this season will inspire the players to push forward, confident in their abilities and ready for whatever the future brings.

U17s – Final Season Ends with Pride and Commitment
The U17s also concluded their journey with Highfields in what proved to be their final season together. Competing in Division B, they showed tremendous fight and spirit throughout a challenging campaign.

Despite the results not going their way, the team displayed moments of real quality and resilience. Some close games could have gone either way and while wins were limited, the effort and heart shown each week never dropped.

This season also marked the final year for long-serving coach Ralo, who has helped guide this group through their youth football journey with commitment, care and passion. His influence on the players, both on and off the pitch, has been immense and his contribution is greatly appreciated.

The club thanks Ralo and the U17 squad for their dedication and wish all the players the best in their next steps; whether that be senior football, coaching or other challenges. They leave Highfields with pride and lifelong memories.

A Successful Season in Many Different Ways
The achievements of our juniors and youth players this season stand as a powerful testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work fostered throughout Highfield Rangers. From the youngest teams learning the fundamentals of competitive football to our standout juniors securing professional contracts and trials, the pathway at Highfields is clear and thriving. These success stories are not only about individual brilliance but also the collective effort of coaches, families, and the entire club community who create the environment for growth and development.

Seeing young players progress to professional setups and having adventures trialing with European clubs, shows what’s possible with commitment and belief. Meanwhile, the steady integration of youth players into the men’s reserve and first teams highlights how Highfields continues to build a bridge from youth to senior football, nurturing talent every step of the way.

As we look ahead to the 2025/26 season, these milestones serve as inspiration and motivation for all players across the club. They remind us of the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and passion for the game. The future is bright for Highfield Rangers and with the continued support of our coaching staff and community, we are excited to witness more players reach their full potential and represent the club with pride.