Excitement building ahead of first Test Event match
Fri 22 March 2019, 11:11|
Tottenham Hotspur
Our Under-18s players unanimously said they felt “privileged” to be taking part in the first ever match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend.
After training on Thursday, the squad visited our new home and stepped out into the stadium bowl for the first time as preparations continue for the landmark Under-18 Premier League game against Southampton on Sunday (3pm).
As he soaked in the state-of-the-art surroundings, defender Brooklyn Lyons-Foster beamed: “It’s beautiful – I’ve never seen anything like it.
“My first thoughts when I stepped out were the way it’s lit up – the whole place just looks perfect. The pitch is immaculate and it will be amazing to play here for the first time.
“I feel honoured and privileged to have the possibility of being involved and I can’t wait for the game.”
It’s very overwhelming when you first walk out. Nothing compares to this.
Winger Rayan Clarke added: “When the supporters first come in on Sunday, they can expect a great experience, an incredible scene, great views… it’s a top stadium. It’s very overwhelming when you first walk out. Nothing compares to this – some players don’t have the chance to play somewhere like this in their whole careers so it’s a great privilege for all of us, especially for a group that’s so young.”
Rayan underlined the importance of the players putting the occasion to the back of their minds come kick-off time, with three important points up for grabs in the Under-18 Premier League title race.
“It’ll be a tough game against Southampton. We played them earlier in the season and they were great opponents but we’re going to treat them with respect like we do with all the teams we face,” he said. “We always train with great focus. The stadium will be a big plus but realistically our focus come Sunday is going to be fully on the game and getting the three points.”
