As London Progress embarks on another season of British League this weekend there is a special emphasis on its younger players. As part of a transition to a new generation supported by its new sponsor, Double Happiness, London Progress is fielding in its senior teams no less than sixteen players under the age of 21, and of those sixteen, nine are under eighteen. At least two of these youngsters are expected to find themselves in the all-conquering Premier squad within the next season.
As part of the restructuring process the club has had to part company with some of its excellent older performers including Henry Medellin, John Tendler and Ray Lam, all three of whom have given tremendous service to the club over the years.
Names to look out for this season in Division One South are Dhaivat Pandya and Alex Echevarria, both of whom would feel quite comfortable competing in the Premier Division. They will be supported by 'old' hands, James Sprackling and Vidal Graham and exciting new signing, 18 year old, Chris Bush. Missing this weekend's action due to personal commitments is the highly talented Christian Hundhausen, who, it is hoped will be available for the second round.
In division One South & Midlands the newly promoted Progress team will consist of four high performing young players, Ashley Stokes, Daniel Cannon, Egle Adomelyte and Tony Halling. Missing on international duty will be the England cadet star, Matt Ware, who will rejoin the squad for the second weekend.
In Division Two South it is another exciting junior squad with Garth Kinlocke and Daniel Ives in the number one and two spot and the Collins brothers Ryan and Jake doing battle from below. Adding a little experience to the team this weekend will be Zayd Mauthoor. Fighting for places in the second weekend will be Tony Alvarez, Rafi Marom and the experienced head and hands of Sammy Lewis. With a squad of seven, that will create a few headaches for team coach, Charlie Alvarez.
Finally in Division Four South another large squad of eight players will be competing for places. This weekend sees hardworking youngster Emran Hussein take the top spot with the highly experienced Stephen Giles, Axel Raeder and Jonathan Hyland making up the Saturday team. On Sunday it is all change with Emran and Steve dropping out and three Progress youngsters, Andrew Hagger, Alex Fegredo and Bhavin Savjani making their senior British League debut. We wish them well.
The London Progress Premier team will be in action in Southall on the 23rd and 24th September where all club members and supporters are urged to attend.
Jon Kaufman
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