BWP Football Academy completed a demanding ECNL Regional League road trip, facing both Select SC South (MA) and Select SC North (MA) across multiple age groups. The extended slate of fixtures tested the club’s depth, resilience, and ability to adapt against two competitive sides. “We are appreciate the quality in which we are facing, and need to continue to push each of our groups to meet the standard,” stated Steve Freeman, BWP FA Academy Director & Head Coach.
BWP FA vs. Select SC South (MA)
BWP FA U15s: Tough Learning Experience (1–7 Loss) 
BWP FA U15s faced a clinical Select SC South team, conceding early and struggling to contain quick transitions. A second-half goal provided a positive moment, but the opposition’s attacking efficiency proved decisive.
BWP FA U16s: High Pressure Challenge (0–5 Loss)
The BWP FA U16s battled against a high-tempo opponent, finding it difficult to establish possession. Defensive efforts were tested and Select SC South forced several critical errors in the BWP FA defensive third, as Select SC South capitalized on sustained pressure.
BWP FA U17s: Hard-Earned Draw
(1–1)
The BWP FA U17s showed resilience, responding to a deficit with a well-taken equalizer in the final seconds playing a man 
down after one of their players went down with an injury. All their substitutions had been exhausted. A disciplined defensive performance secured a deserved point.
BWP FA U18/19s: Narrow Margin (0–1 Loss)
In a tightly contested match, the BWP FA U18/19s were edged by a single goal. Strong organization and effort kept the game close throughout. The BWP FA U18/19s walk away empty looking for their first ECNL RL regular season victory.
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BWP FA vs. Select SC North (MA)
BWP FA U12/13s: Difficult Outing (0–15 Loss)
The youngest group faced a tough challenge against a sharp and
aggressive Select SC North side. Despite the scoreline, the match
offered important developmental experience against high-level 
competition. “We continue to be proud of our youngest players as they
continue to face arduous challenges,” stated Academy Director Steve
Freeman. “Patience and continued work is needed. Our current 17s
and 18/19s were in a similar situation 5 years ago, and spent nearly two years being outmatched by markets with greater depth, competitiveness and player experience. However, the investment has paid off as each of those players who has stayed the course are better for it.”
BWP FA U14s: Competitive but Outmatched (0–5 Loss)
BWP FA U14s showed moments of structure and effort but were ultimately undone by Select SC North’s ability to convert chances and control key phases of play.
BWP FA U15s: Close Contest (0–2 Loss)
The BWP FA U15s delivered a more compact performance, limiting opportunities and keeping the match within reach. Two goals proved the difference in an otherwise competitive game.
BWP FA U16s: Defensive Battle (0–1 Loss)
A much-improved showing from the BWP FA U16s saw them hold firm defensively, conceding just once in a tightly contested match that could have gone either way.
BWP FA U17s: Entertaining Draw (2–2)
The BWP FA U17s followed up their strong weekend with another positive result, earning a 2–2 draw. Their attacking play showed promise, while their resilience helped secure another point.
BWP FA U18/19s: Statement Win
(4–1 Victory)
The highlight of the weekend came from the BWP FA U18/19s, who produced an impressive 4–1 win after going down in the first five minutes of the contest. Clinical finishing and confident attacking play 
powered BWP FA to the victory, showcasing the group’s quality.
Overall Takeaways
Across ten matches, the BWP Football Academy experienced a full spectrum of results—from difficult scorelines to resilient draws and a standout victory. The contrast between performances
against Select SC South (MA) and Select SC North (MA) highlighted growth, particularly in the older age groups.
The BWP FA U17s and BWP FA U18/19s stood out with strong, competitive performances, while younger squads gained valuable exposure to high-level play. Notably, the progression from earlier matches to later fixtures reflected improved defensive organization and composure. The BWP FA U17s continue their unbeaten streak to four as they have compiled 2Ws 2Ds and 0Ls so far this ECNL RL regular season.
Looking Ahead…
This demanding road stretch will serve as a key developmental milestone for the BWP Football Academy. With lessons learned across all age groups, the focus now shifts to applying those experiences in training and upcoming fixtures. As the ECNL RL season continues, BWP FA will aim to build consistency, sharpen execution, and turn competitive performances into positive results. “The demands are real across the entire Club on our players and families, admin and technical staff,” stated Freeman. “We never look for any short cuts and have a 30-year history of developing players. Our work will continue as always, and we will make no excuses. We simply want to continue to make the argument for our market, the Capital Region of New York.”
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