AFC BOURNEMOUTH under-18s head coach James Lowy has reflected on a “really positive” year for the academy.

Cherries had a successful season at multiple age groups in their first season as a Category Two academy, the Dorset club making the step up last summer.

It was also Lowy’s first season as head coach of the under-18s, taking up the new role after serving as Alan Connell’s assistant in previous seasons.

The under-18s finished fifth in their first ever Professional Development League campaign, as well as reaching the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

Lowy told afcb.co.uk: “I think it’s been a really positive year for the academy as a whole, with the good news of going to category two, which is a credit to everyone’s hard work.

“We have definitely recognised the challenge in opposition, which has been great for our players.

“I think exposing them to many different styles and teams we came up against, as well as the experience of travelling and overnight stays, it’s been a really good experience for all the players.

“As a whole, it’s been a really good season for the academy, for the development squad and the 18s and hopefully we can kick on from that as well.”

“I have learned a lot about myself as a coach but also myself as a person,” he continued.

“I am very fortunate to have worked with all the staff around us, who have been absolutely brilliant throughout the season.

“That has helped me in the role massively. It has been a really good learning experience for me. I am very excited to reflect on this season, sit down as a group of staff to discuss what we can do to improve ourselves and develop the players as best we can.”