This season the playing opportunities for the Academy scholars have been increased so that they can play for not only the Academy team in the National League U19 Southern Alliance, but also for the Reserves in the Essex and Suffolk Border League Division 1 and the First Team in the National League South.

 The students have grasped this opportunity with both hands with many of them making their senior debuts, either as part of the First Team squad in pre-season friendlies or through playing for the Reserves.

To date Academy Scholars have played in 6 Academy games, 12 Reserve team games and 1 First team League fixture, with a record of P18 W14 D2 L3.

The academy team have started well in the Youth FA Cup, winning matches against Stanway Rovers (3-2,) Walthamstow Town (3-2), and Ware (8-0). They are now through to the 4^th qualifying round. In the league they have played 3, won 1, drawn 1 and lost 1.

The reserves have had a busier schedule with 12 league games so far. Captained by Head Student Dom F, they have played 12, won 9, drawn 1 and lost 2. 

Luke D has also made his competitive First Team debut this season following Dom F and Nis L’ success last year. He played in the 3-2 league win away to Chippenham Town.