Saturday 4th March 2023 will be a day that will be in the memory of our Under 8 Green and Under 9 squads for a long time, as our young knights and coaching staff were given a fantastic opportunity to train at the Millwall Community Trust (MCT) facilities.

Organised by staff at both Slade Green Knights and the CEO of the MCT, Sean Daly, our squads took to the brilliant 4G pitch for a morning that delivered fun, enjoyment, laughter and some key training on a surface which many at grassroots level can only wish they could play on. The staff at the MCT were wonderfully accommodating throughout, showing that no request was too much for them, allowing us to train without interruption and showing why they are one of the trailblazers for help and support to local communities and young football stars of the futue.

After a spot of lunch, and a well earned rest period for our hard working players, our two squads took their seats in the Cold Blow Lane stand for Millwall's fixture with Norwich City. The result may not have been what our Lions' fans would have wanted, but to be given the opportunity to watch high-quality Championship football was something all in attendance were delighted with.

Speaking of the training day and match, Slade Green Knights' Chairman, Benn Smith said, "we as a club cannot put into words how thankful we are to Sean Daly and his staff at the MCT for what they have done for us. I know some of our players attended training at the MCT last season, but for the majority this was their first time, and it was just absolutely brilliant to see how excited and happy they were to be here. Like the MCT, Slade Green Knights tries our hardest to help in the local community, but what the Trust have done for our squads and the kindness they showed throughout the day was just marvelous. Our players could not say enough how much they enjoyed their day, and they really benefited from playing on such a fantastic pitch."

Echoing what our club Chairman said, Slade Green Knights Under 9 manager, Chris Stevens said, "as a Millwall fan, I was looking forward to this day for a long time, but when I walked onto the MCT 4G pitch and got the team out there training, it was a fantastic feeling. Our U8 Green and U9 teams have some highly talented players with really bright futures, and seeing their reaction to playing at the MCT will really inspire them to take their next steps in their footballing journeys. The result in the Millwall game afterwards wasn't great for me as a supporter, but we had a great day overall."

On behalf of the entire club, Slade Green Knights would like to extend a huge thank you to the MCT for their hospitality on the day, and we look forward to supporting and working with them in the future.

Image provided by: Slade Green Knights FC