About The FootballCV Reds
FootballCV Reds is the club name of the FootballCV Academy, originally known as FCV Reds the Academy reverted to their current name in July 2009. The Reds originally played their home fixtures at Nene Park (former home of the FootballCV Academy) in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire and held their first ever match on Wednesday 5th September 2007.
The friendly fixture which saw the TNEC visit Nene Park, was officiated by former English Premiership referee Dermot Gallagher. A Ryan Reid goal would go down in history as the first for FootballCV Reds.
During the inaugural season of 2007 – 2008, FootballCV Reds entered into the Football Conference Youth League Midland Division. Hitchin Town would provide the opposition for their first ever competitive fixture on Wednesday 19th September 2007. Unfortunately goals from Ross Crawford and Paul Tocco were to no avail as three from Hitchin saw them leave with the points.
As well as entering into the Football Conference Youth League for the season of 2008 – 2009, FootballCV Reds would also enter into the Central Conference Reserve League, Northamptonshire County U18’s Cup, English Colleges U18’s Cup and the prestigious FA Youth Cup. The FA Youth Cup would prove in the early stages very successful, as the Academy advanced to the first round proper and a trip to Blue Square North side Solihull Moors. This proved a step too far as two goals on the night for Solihull gave them victory and their name in the hat for the next round.
The 2009 – 2010 season would see the Reds claim their first piece of silverware. Brentford bound Emmanuel Oyeleke’s goal took the Central Conference Reserve Cup Final into extra time and following no further goals, spot kicks from Jesse Nava, Gareth Van Wyk and Kayvon Allen, saw the Academy record a 3-2 victory on penalties.
The Reds over the years have had a number of special guests visit the Academy, helping further aid each players development. From the opening day when Manchester United and England star Ashley Young welcomed the inaugural students, to more recent times with Gordon Strachan, Phil Neal, Andy Sinton, Don Goodman, Ron Atkinson, Barry Fry and many other players, managers and experts in the game.
The players have during this time been involved in some exiting projects off the pitch, this has included working with both Wayne Rooney and Vincent Kompany for the filming of EA Sports Coaching Tuitorials. EA Sports and FourFourTwo have been two shirt sponsors of the team since 2007.
During the summer of 2012, the FootballCV Academy would say goodbye to Nene Park, as they moved across Northamptonshire to Steel Park in Corby. With the 2012-2013 set to commence in their new home, the Reds will be looking forward to competing again in the Football Conference Youth Alliance, Central Conference Reserve League and Northamptonshire County U18 Cup.