This week marked the first time the scholars came together for a complete week of the new Scholarship Programme, combining their education at Access Sport College with a full-time football schedule. Monday and Tuesday were focused on preparing for the National League U19 Alliance opener against Barking. On the pitch, the group worked extensively on attacking through wide areas, delivering into dangerous positions and ensuring players filled the penalty area effectively. An opposition analysis meeting followed on Tuesday, allowing the players to examine Barking’s strengths, identify potential threats and understand the areas Lowestoft could exploit.

Record-Breaking Victory at Barking

That preparation was put into practice on Wednesday as the Young Blues travelled to London for their opening league fixture. Lowestoft produced a ruthless attacking performance to secure an outstanding 9–2 victory. A penalty from Ashton Blogg, two Gabriel Hind goals and finishes from Archy Gore and Callum Kemp established a commanding 5–0 half-time lead. Barking scored twice during the opening stages of the second half, but Lowestoft responded impressively. Bailey Sutton added the sixth before substitute Corbyn Dixon scored twice and Aiden Chirimunjiri also found the net to complete an emphatic victory. Ashton Blogg was named Player of the Match following a dominant display.

The result is Lowestoft Town’s highest-scoring performance since entering the National League U19 system in 2017, making it a memorable and historic start to the new campaign.

Inside the Week: Gabriel Hind and Aiden Chirimunjiri

Gabriel Hind and Aiden Chirimunjiri reflected positively on the scholars’ first full week together, highlighting the importance of the group’s preparation ahead of Wednesday’s league opener. Both players felt the intensity increased during Monday and Tuesday’s sessions, with the squad focused on the specific areas they believed could help them overcome Barking. Tuesday’s opposition analysis meeting gave the players a clearer understanding of the hosts’ strengths, the threats they needed to manage and the areas Lowestoft could exploit. The group travelled to London in good spirits and with a clear objective after two days of focused preparation. Lowestoft dominated possession from the opening stages, took a deserved lead following sustained pressure and continued attacking to establish a commanding 5–0 advantage by half-time. Although Barking responded with two excellent goals during a difficult opening 15 minutes of the second half, the Young Blues regained control and completed an emphatic 9–2 victory. Both players felt the performance represented an important statement of intent at the beginning of the new campaign—and made the long journey home much more enjoyable. The scholars completed a recovery afternoon at Waterlane on Thursday, with players choosing between gym work, futsal, a spin session and the sauna. The week concluded with a lighter U18 training session on Friday as preparations began for Wednesday’s FA Youth Cup tie against Haverhill Rovers.

Higher Education Update

There was also an important step forward for our higher education students this week. On Thursday, our new Level 4 HNC students travelled to Loughborough to complete their official enrolment. They begin their course on Monday as they take their first steps towards earning a degree. Our brand-new Level 5 HND course also begins on Monday, with eight returning students progressing into the second year of their higher education journey. Alongside their studies, the Level 5 students will undertake work placements within the college. These placements will provide valuable experience across areas including teaching, coaching, performance analysis and recruitment, helping them develop practical skills for their future careers.

Three More Scholars Announced

This week, we were delighted to officially announce Gabriel Hind, Archy Gore and Aiden Chirimunjiri as members of our 2026/27 Scholarship Programme. All three players demonstrated their quality during Wednesday’s victory, contributing five goals between them as the Young Blues began the league season in style. We are delighted to have agreed scholarship deals with three talented young players and look forward to supporting their continued development on and off the pitch.

FA Youth Cup Returns to Crown Meadow

Attention now turns back to the FA Youth Cup as Lowestoft Town U18s welcome Haverhill Rovers U18s to Crown Meadow in the First Qualifying Round. The Young Blues progressed through the Preliminary Round following a dramatic 3–2 victory over Downham Town, sealed by Dexter Lee’s stoppage-time header. A win on Wednesday would take Lowestoft into the Second Qualifying Round, and the players will once again need the town behind them.

Lowestoft Town U18s vs Haverhill Rovers U18s
Wednesday 16 September 2026
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Adults: £4 | Under-16s: £1

Match Sponsor

We are delighted to welcome back Gary Bennett and Lauren Lou Storage Facilities as our official match sponsor. Based in Lowestoft, Lauren Lou Storage Facilities provides secure, dry and reliable self-storage solutions for both personal and business needs. We thank Gary and the company for once again supporting our young players and the Lowestoft Town Scholarship Programme.

Following a record-breaking opening league victory, another important challenge now awaits. Come along to Crown Meadow on Wednesday evening and help the Young Blues continue their FA Youth Cup journey.