Horsham Youth can look back on a good pre-season workout as they begin a new season in the Ryman Youth League with a trip to Sittingbourne tomorrow night to play Maidstone United in the South West Division (ko 7.45pm). The youngsters netted more than 20 goals in their friendly fixtures and, last week, gave a good account of themselves in a narrow defeat against Cowfold mens' team only for Sunday's match against Billingshurst First Team to be postponed. Manager Ivan Raby has made several additions to the squad that finished last season strongly but will have to do without the services of Matt Whiteford, Michael Dale, Tom Baxter and Danny Hutchings, after the quartet signed first team deals in the summer, and Elliott Hawkes (Loxwwod) and Pat Surlis (University) who have both moved on.

The Under 15s lost 3-2 against their counterparts from Southampton FC in the Hornets' first pre-season fixture of the summer last night. On a superb surface at the Saints' training ground at Marchwood, the young Hornets played their part in an entertaining game, taking the lead on six minutes through Saints supporter George Hall. The Championship club's academy side replied ten minutes later with a class turn and strike from their centre forward and took the lead after a period of pressure that resulted in two quick goals. Horsham had their best period of the game in the last half an hour and Hall added his second to reduce the deficit. For their first outing of the season, and against such high profile opposition, the youngsters can be very optimistic of continuing their form into the new season.

Horsham Youth lost 2 -1 to Cowfold Men's team tonight in what was a good work out for the lads. Manager Ivan Raby was very pleased with his squad who worked hard and were unlucky not to get more out of the fixture than Tony Nwachukwu's goal.

With the start of the new Ryman Youth League season just 10 day away, the Under 18s face a stern test of their credentials this week when they take on the senior sides of West Sussex County Leaguers Cowfold (Tuesday, ko 6.30pm) and Billingshurst (Sunday, ko 10am). Cowfold are newly promoted to the West Sussex Premier Division, having won the Division One title last season, while Billingshurst FC are managed by former Hornets legend Mark Stepney.

The Under 18s management team of Ivan Raby and John Inglis had another opportunity to cast their eye over their players before revealing their squad for season 2008/9 by taking them to Furness Green to take on Three Bridges Youth tonight and they would have been delighted with the 6-0 victory secured by goals from Patrick O'Sullivan (2), Andy Miller, Tom May, Darren James and Louie Murray.

Horsham Youth beat Storrington Youth 11-3 at Billingshurst's Jubilee Fields today. Patrick O'Sullivan led the way with 4 goals, Michael Nash grabbed a hat-trick with Louie Murray (2), Tony Nwachukwu and Darren James completing the scoring.

Horsham Under 18's drew a fast flowing physical game with Crowborough AFC 2-2 this afternoon, thanks to
goals from Tony Nwachukwu and Andy Miller.

Horsham Under 15s got their pre-season training under way last night at Collyers College. If you're interested in a trial, please contact Youth Secretary Annie Raby on 01403 732706
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Horsham Under 18s train on Tuesday and Thursday nights, also at Collyers, from 7pm - 9pm
Playing in the Ryman Youth League mid -week under Flood lights.
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Horsham Under 13 are seeking New players to join thier side for the New season playing Sundays in the Arun & Chichester League. Please contact Annie Raby on 01403 732706
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Horsham Under 11 have had summer trials and have been very pleased with all the lads that have turned up and put a lot of hard work into the training sessions Manager Richard Wootton will be starting pre -season very soon.

Horsham's new look Under 18 squad went down 4-3  to East Grinstead Town on Thursday night in an entertaining pre-season friendly. The young Hornets trailed 3-1 at half-time, Tony Nwachukwu's goal all they had to show for some enterprising football, before Patrick O'Sullivan and Darren James levelled things up after the break only for their hosts to claim a late winner. Full report...

HiQ have shown their continued support for Horsham Youth by sponsoring the club for the second successive season.  Specialists in the supply and fitting of new tyres, HiQ has branches throughout the UK and all at Horsham Youth wish to thank Under 13s coach Richard Budd for securing this deal and would encourage supporters and officials to visit HiQ's website at www.hiqonline.co.uk for jargon-free advice and competitive prices. If you are interested in providing sponsorship for any of our youth sides this season, please contact Annie Raby on 01403 732706

The Under 18s kick-off their pre-season campaign on Thursday when they travel to East Grinstead Town, ko 7pm. The Wasps are the first of 6 opponents for Ivan Raby's youngsters ahead of the new season with Crowborough, Storrington, Cowfold first team, Crawley Elite and Shalford Academy all likely to give the lads a good preparation for their Ryman Youth League campaign.

The Under 18s will be competing against the likes of Horsham YMCA and Lewes in next season's revamped Ryman Youth League, after the League revealed the line up of their regionalised divisions this week. The Hornets, who struggled to make an impact during the opening months of the season, recovered well to record some impressive results against some of the leading sides and they will hope to take that confidence with them when they begin the 2008/9 campaign in the South West Division. The 10 team division sees Horsham matched with Burgess Hill Town, Croydon Athletic, Eastbourne Town, Horsham YMCA, Lewes, Maidstone United, Tonbridge Angels, Whyteleafe and Worthing.

Horsham's three 'senior' youth sides have all been drawn away from home in the opening round of Sussex's premier youth cup competition. The U18s have a local 'derby' with Forest Youth (14/9), the U15s take on Sussex Sunday Youth side St Margarets (9/11) while the U13s travel to Lewes Bridgeview Juniors (12/10).

Youth Team Training for the under 18s will now be at COLLYERS 7pm - 9pm. NOT THE HOLBROOK from Tuesday 8th July and every Tuesday and Thursday throughout pre-season.
Address: The College of Richard Collyer, Hurst Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2EJ.  

Horsham Youth will travel to either Carshalton Athletic or Oakwood in the first qualifying round of the 2008/9 FA Youth Cup after the draw was announced today