Youngster speaks ahead of Saturday’s game against Doncaster Rovers
- Midfielder Michael Stone speaks to htafc.com
- Young Terriers’ development programme helping players like Stone
- Town’s Under-17s face Doncaster Rovers on Saturday (17 April 2021)
Huddersfield Town Under-17 midfielder Michael Stone believes he is making positive steps in his development thanks to the Club’s game programme.
Town’s Under-17 game programme sees the youngsters play a mixture of development matches, focused on training exercises, and performance matches, where the main focus is the win.
Stone admits he is seeing major benefits from the development matches, which over the course of the season have seen him line up at right back and central midfielder and given him a chance to test his physicality and technical ability.
“I’m loving the challenges that the Academy give us.
“Working on different aspects each game means the team and myself are getting better and adapting better the more we play.
“Playing against older age groups is helping my development massively. I’ve got to consider things constantly, like looking over my shoulder more.
“I constantly question myself more as well ‘Do I play the ball quicker? How do I play the ball quicker? When’s the right time to dribble and when’s the right time to pass it?’
“Both defence and midfield have their own ways of testing you, but there are similarities in that you have to pass and move quickly and defend in both positions.
“I’m liking it as it just helps me improve and get a better understanding of the game.”
The 16-year-old has also earned the chance to captain the side, an experience he was thankful for and one that motivates him to set an example for his teammates.
“Captaining the team is another valuable experience," Michael continued.
“You have to be more vocal on the pitch and keep motivating the boys to push to the final whistle, whether it’s to get a goal or stay in the game.
“I want to help the team out and lead by example both on and off the pitch. I think I’ve been doing that so it’s a massive honour.”
The Young Terrier also took the time to reflect on what he’d like to achieve over the next 12 months.
“My aim now is to just try and play well and build that base so I can push to be a consistent starter every week and from there maybe get into the Under-19s.”
Michael and his teammates are back in action on Saturday 17 April 2021 when they host Doncaster Rovers at Canalside.
You can keep up to date with all things Huddersfield Town Academy on their official Twitter page; @htafcacademy.
