Canvey Island conclude their pre season on Saturday afternoon as they welcome a Colchester United U21s side to the Steves Taxi's Stadium.

Our Opponents
The Us first team are a staple of the football league and are currently the highest ranked side in the country. Their development side plays it's trade in the Professional Development League - an U21s league in it's 12th year of operation.

They have always acted as a conduit for nurturing talent into the Colchester first team, with many academy graduates having gone on to play in the Football League.
The academy, along with that of county rivals Southend United, often plays a big role in the pool of talent seen at Non League level, with academy players often loaned out to clubs in the South East, or released graduates finding a other route in the non league pyramid.

The club have had a working partnership with near neighbours Maldon & Tipree for several years, meaning many promising players get a chance to experience men's football firsthand while on loan. From there, they can often find there way toward the first team or to another place higher up the pyramid.

A current product of the U's development system is our own Matt Yates - who joined the club in the summer following his own release from the academy.

The Gulls
Canvey meanwhile, played out their second 1-1 draw in four days on Tuesday evening, as they were held at home by Isthmian League North side Tilbury.

Former Gulls striker Sam Bantick opened the scoring early in the match, before a trialist levelled the game late on.

Brad Wellmen will now want to make a final assessment on his squad with just a week remains before the seasons curtain opener away at Chichester City - and he'll want to tie down any remaining trialists who impress to take with the squad in the new campaign.

***
We look forward to enjoying another afternoon of football with you all again at the Steves Taxi's Stadium.

Up The Gulls!

***

Venue
The Steves Taxi's Stadium, SS8 7PX

Kick Off
2:00pm

Admission
General Admission - £5
*U16s - £3

*Accompanied by an adult.

Merchandise
Club Merchandise will be on sale at the clubhouse, including the new 24/25 home shirt!

Parking
Free Parking is available at Park Lane stadium, but is limited to first come / first serve.