As the football season kicks off, 2MB International Soccer Management had several members of their youth contingent starting what we hope will be a very exciting season.

Injuries to several reserve team goalkeepers meant 17 year old West Ham goalkeeper, Sam Cowler, was only hours from being named on the bench as England's World Cup goalkeeper Rob Green's understudy, as the Hammers took on Bolton at Upton Park. Whilst Sam warmed up on the Upton Park pitch prior to the game with Green, Marek Stech was given a late injection meaning Sam would would have to wait a bit longer before he could add first team selection to his growing CV. Nonetheless, a fantastic experience for the young goalie who has additionally been named in the squad to play for the reserves on Tuesday night against QPR.

The ever impressive Joe Carter put in another top performance for Charlton's U18's as they drew 1-1 with Blackburn Rovers on their home pitch at Sparrows Lane. Joe made several crucial clearances and was once again praised for his efforts, as he was when he played for the reserves against Tottenham a week earlier in a 3-2 defeat. Joe travels up to Crew Alexandra this weekend hoping to continue the form that saw him become an ever-present player for the team last season.

Mauro Vilhete, Barnet's tricky winger, put in another eye catching display despite Barnet's U18s being beaten 4-1 by QPR. Whilst Barnet pushed for an equalizer at 2-1, QPR's third goal effectively killed the game off; although on reflection Mauro was positive about the performance;

‘The third goal really caught us, but it was a shame because we were playing well up until then, and we really thought we could get something from the game. That said, there a lot of positives to take from the way we played and we'll do our best to put it right in the next game.'

We wish all the players luck in their forthcoming weekend and mid-week games.