A significant week as the newly formed Under-18s squad kick starts the club’s long-term ‘pathway’ strategy, with players competing in two Leagues and in the FA Youth Cup, together with opportunities to join in training with the First Team.

South West Counties Youth League (SWCYL)

After the great 4-3 penalty shoot-out win in midweek Away at Buckland Athletic in the FA Youth Cup, Barnstaple Town’s U18s held their first-ever fixture as new members of the SWCYL against Torquay United at Mill Road on Saturday morning.

Barum’s youngsters, finding themselves up against an older, physically stronger and more experienced side, displayed courage and commitment throughout to play a full part in the encounter, despite a losing scoreline of 4-1.

The visitors punished a misplaced pass with a quick breakaway goal within 15 minutes, but the hosts came back into contention as the half progressed, only to concede an unfortunate second goal through a penalty immediately before the interval.

Two goals became three with an excellent 20-yard goal just before the hour, but from then on Barum enjoyed more of the play, having a shot cleared off the line before deservedly reducing the arrears when Alfie Jones converted a penalty with less than ten minutes to go.

As the hosts pushed forward in search of a second goal, they were caught out when Torquay exploited space at the back with another breakaway goal in the 87th minute to clinch the victory.

The next SWCYL fixture is this Saturday (12th, 10.30 KO) at Home against Middlezoy Rovers, who lost their opening match 4-1 at Wimborne Town.

Then on Monday (14th, 7pm) the squad play in next round of the FA Youth Cup at Willand Rovers - members of the Western Counties Floodlight Youth League - who progressed in the FA Youth Cup with victory over SWCYL side Taunton Town on penalties.

This season's U18 teams in the single-division SWCYL are (9):
Barnstaple Town, Bath City, Champion Sports (Dorchester Town), Mangotsfield United, Middlezoy Rovers, Swindon Supermarine, Taunton Town, Torquay United and Wimborne Town.

Devon County Youth League (DCYL - North & East Division))

Several of the players who featured against Torquay the day before turned out for the opening game of the season in the recently re-organised DCYL against Budleigh Salterton on a hot Sunday afternoon at Mill Road.

Barnstaple’s youngsters were in control for much of the game with good passing movements and use of space, taking a 2-0 first-half lead through Lewis Langley and Ollie Laird, while dominating the second period with a hatful of chances producing just three more goals by Jay Wheaton, Alfie Jones and Finn Galliford.

The next DCYL fixture is at Home on Sunday 20th September (2pm) against Boca Seniors.

This season's U18 teams in the North & East Division of the DCYL are (10):
Barnstaple Town, Boca Seniors, Budleigh Salterton, Clyst Valley, Cullompton Rangers, Culm Sampford United, Feniton, Newtown, Okehampton Argyle and Sidmouth Town.