Bristol Manor Farm Football Club is thrilled to announce that last season’s Under-18s top goalscorer, Alfie Cummings, will be stepping up to the First Team ahead of the 2023/24 season.
In the last year, the Portwaymen have displayed commendable dedication by integrating Under-18 players into their First Team. This notable achievement encompasses the inclusion of Evander Grubb, Luco Ponsillo, Harry Lucas, Regan Lashenko, Dylan Gould, Kai Stenner, Harvey Tierney, Shea Allen, and Will Gallagher. Moreover, the recent addition of Cummings underscores the significance of fostering young talents throughout the South West region.
Cummings joined the Young Farmers at the beginning of the 2021/22 season, adding further quality and depth to what is considered by many to be one of the greatest Under-18 squads of its generation. In the final match of that season, Cummings scored a brace which helped the team to secure the Western Counties Floodlight Youth League Premier Division title.
Following the graduations of prolific duo Josh Jenkins and Luco Ponsillo, Cummings admirably stepped up to lead the Young Farmers attack. He did so emphatically, scoring 13 goals in 12 matches to finish as the Premier Division’s Top Goalscorer.
Speaking to the club ahead of this exciting career move, Cummings expressed: “I’m very pleased. It’s been on the agenda for a while now, and I’m buzzing to making the step up. After a successful Under-18s campaign last year where I finished top scorer in the league, alongside the back of my 2nd season in the Western League, I feel that now is the right time to push myself in the Manor Farm First-Team. So because of that, I’m very excited!”
Having witnessed his former teammates make a big impact onto the Southern League, Cummings want’s to ‘make a name’ for himself this upcoming season.
“Making a name for myself is exactly what I want to do heading into pre-season. It’s not going to be easy, but I am confident that I will be able to stamp my mark on this team and have a positive impact. I am solely focused on being successful at Manor Farm, and I can’t wait to get going.”
One factor which played a key part in deciding Cummings’ future was First Team Manager Lee Lashenko’s ‘vision’ for next season and beyond.
“The conversations between the gaffer (Lee) and myself have always been very positive. He has explained to me his ideas and aspirations for next season, and they line up perfectly with what I want to achieve as an individual. I also know that as a manager, he gives young players an opportunity to excel, which is exactly what I am craving and will be sure to snap up.”
Over the past two seasons Cummings totalled 19 goals in 22 matches, and his former Under-18s Manager, Junior Soper, feels that next season’s First Team will ‘greatly benefit’ from his relentlessness he shows in front of goal.
“Alfie is a first-class player with a top attitude. He puts the team before himself and has had a huge impact on the success of the club’s Under-18 team, scoring 19 goals in 22 matches across the past two Under-18 campaigns.
“In critical matches this season, Alfie has been relentless in front of goal and along with skipper and talisman, Dylan Gould, has been a strong leader on and off the pitch. With considerable Western League experience too, the First Team are signing one hell of a player.”
Please join us in welcoming Alfie to the First Team, and we wish him all the best next season at Bristol Manor Farm Football Club.
