Summary of the Academy weekend: April 6-7

Another league weekend is behind us, with plenty of matches featuring young players from the Wisła Football Academy. Here's a brief summary of the results for the CLJ U-15, CLJ U-17, and CLJ U-19 teams.

U-15: Defeat in Kielce

Wisła Kraków's U-15 team failed to reverse their losing streak in the spring round of the Central Junior League on Sunday. The White Star lost 2-1 away to KKP Korona Kielce. Przemysław Gołąb was among the top scorers for the team led by coach Krystian Żakowicz.

Sunday's match in Kielce, played in the sixth round of the Central Junior League U-15 Group D, started disastrously for Wisła. Korona opened the scoring in the second minute after a mix-up in the penalty area. However, Wisła's response was immediate. Just six minutes later, after a well-organized team effort that essentially started with a goal, Krystian Żakowicz's men equalized, with Przemysław Gołąb scoring the equalizer.

Unfortunately, just before halftime, Kielce struck their second, and as it later turned out, decisive blow. A throw-in sparked another flurry of activity in front of Szymon Koładka's goal, and after a pass behind Wisła's defense, Kielce were able to celebrate their second goal.

After the break, Wisła searched for an equalizer, but their play became increasingly tense, creating further opportunities for Korona. And when the Reymont team did manage to reach the opponents' penalty area, their effectiveness faltered. The match result remained unchanged, and Wisła suffered their fifth defeat in the spring round of the CLJ.

"We're going through a difficult time because we're still waiting for our first spring victory. We were really hoping to achieve it this round. I have to give credit to the players for being well-prepared for this match mentally; their commitment was evident in their play. We're really struggling when simple solutions are needed. We lacked the right rhythm in our play, and we need more composure and quality in our finishing. The opponent played very directly, and above all, they were more focused in front of goal, and they won this match. There's no denying that the spring round is very difficult for us. However, we have no choice but to return to training and work hard to break the unfavorable streak," emphasizes Krystian Żakowicz, manager of the U-15 team.

This Saturday, in the seventh round of the Central Junior League, Kraków will host Górnik Łęczna at home. The match at the AWF facility is scheduled to begin at 12:00 noon.

KKP Korona Kielce - Wisła Kraków 2:1 (2:1)

Goal for Wisła: Przemysław Gołąb (8')

Wisła Kraków U-15: Szymon Koładka - Karol Łakomy (60. Damian Tracz), Kacper Kopijka, Radosław Krasek, Przemysław Gołąb - Oliwier Kozak (77. Jakub Piątek), Jakub Idziak, Bartosz Wajda (75. Dominik Mierzwa) - Mateusz Pałka (55. Piotr Hejmo), Alan Bąk (70. Jan Szczepaniak), Michał Pałka.

Substitutes' bench: Jakub Golonka (BR), Kacper Palider

U-17: A sure win in Nowy Sącz

The U-17 team continues their winning streak! In the 23rd round of the Central Junior League, the Kraków team defeated Sandecja Nowy Sącz 3-0 away. Szymon Kawała, Mateusz Kania, and Kacper Trznadel scored.

The match began with a lot of fighting on the pitch, attempts to seize control, and a lot of touch play. Wisła tried to force their way into the hosts' penalty area, but they didn't create their first real chance until around the 20th minute. As time went on, the visitors put increasing pressure on their opponents, and with fifteen minutes remaining, they finally showed their effectiveness, opening the scoring. Szymon Kawała received the ball after a long pass, dribbled past an opponent, and from around 30 meters, fired straight into the net.

Control and effectiveness of the Vistula

In the second half, the visitors took control, dominating the pitch and launching a series of dangerous attacks. The home side, on the other hand, only managed to threaten Kacper Pisarek's goal once, a bicycle kick, but it went wide. The Kraków team increasingly gained control and dominated possession, often taking possession of the opposition in the penalty area, but unfortunately, their finishing was lacking. Eventually, however, they managed to secure their goal and show off their effectiveness once again when, after a cross from a set piece, the home player cleared the ball 20 meters away, Mateusz Kania found the ball and fired a first-time shot straight into the net. Shortly after, Łukasz Staniów was fouled in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty, but Aleksy Rokosz failed to convert it. Wisła continued to push for a chance to add to their tally, and Kacper Trznadel sealed the victory with a well-taken shot. Soon the goal scorer found himself in a one-on-one situation, he shot foully and the goalkeeper managed to clear the ball, and Jakub Czubernat tried to score the rebound, but failed to beat the home goalkeeper.

"It was a very demanding match for us, especially until the second goal. The players had to play under constant pressure from their opponents, which certainly allowed them to improve their skills in this match. The longer the match went on, the more obvious our advantage became, and the more freedom we had in our actions. I liked the fact that our determination was evident in our play until the very end," said U-17 coach Patryk Jałocha.

Sandecja Nowy Sącz - Wisła Kraków 0:3 (0:1)
Goals: Szymon Kawała, Mateusz Kania, Kacper Trznadel

Wisła Kraków U-17: Kacper Pisarek - Eryk Daczewski, Dawid Szczepaniak, Kacper Trznadel - Dawid Rataj, Jan Molenda, Filip Michałowski, Aleksy Rokosz - Łukasz Staniów, Szymon Kawała, Maciej Szmydt

Substitutes' bench: Karol Dołkin - Jakub Czubernat, Mateusz Kania, Jakub Małek, Piotr Rzońca, Bruno Skoczek, Mateusz Wilk, Antoni Wójcik

U-19: Mateusz Stanek scores five goals and secures an important victory against Pogoń Szczecin

On Saturday morning, the Wisła U-19 team faced Pogoń Szczecin in the 22nd round of the Central Junior League. The team, led by coach Karol Nędza, defeated their opponents 5-2, with Mateusz Stanek scoring all the goals for the White Star.

The match between Pogoń and Wisła was certainly not lacking in excitement. Plenty of goals were scored, but the first one had to wait until the 30th minute. Wisła's attack in the penalty area was illegally stopped, and the referee pointed to the goalkeeper. Mateusz Stanek stepped up to open the scoring. However, the Kraków side's lead was short-lived, as just a few minutes later, the Port team were awarded a penalty, which they also converted. Just before the final whistle, the opposition again created a penalty, and Stanek capitalized on the opportunity to double the lead, beating the home goalkeeper. Wisła were able to head into the break in better spirits.

Stanek times five

Less than five minutes after the teams returned to the pitch, we had another goal. The referee was forced to award a penalty for the fourth time, again in favor of the White Star. Stanek was once again the set piece taker, and he beat the Portowcy goalkeeper for the third time, completing his hat-trick. As it later turned out, this wasn't the last word from the striker, coach Karol Nędza's team. Fifteen minutes into the second half, the Kraków team launched another attack. In a quick attack, they brought the ball into the opponents' penalty area, which Stanek eventually intercepted and extended his team's lead with a neat shot under the crossbar.

The Port team then launched an attack, spotting a chance on the left wing. One of their opponents crossed into the penalty area, and his partner headed a shot past Wiktor Sierda at the far post. The White Star responded within minutes. The interception was played high to defender Stanek, who came from behind, who lobbed the Szczecin goalkeeper, who had just come out of the net. It was the Wisła striker's fifth goal. Wiktor Benedyktowicz also had chances in the match, but unfortunately failed to find the net in a one-on-one situation, and Yehor Khromykh, who tried his luck from distance, failed to find the back of the net. Coach Karol Nędza's men ultimately prevailed 5-2, securing a valuable three points.

"The start of the match against Pogoń was reminiscent of the one against Legia. The boys faced their opponents with courage and great commitment, but the difference is that we managed to capitalize on the opportunities presented to us, in this case after the penalty shootout. We certainly weren't the dominant side throughout the match, but we had our very good moments that ended in goals. Pogoń also created their chances, playing very well. However, we played wisely in low defense, so that we could later effectively threaten our opponents with counterattacks. I think we were simply more focused in this match. Ultimately, we took the three points, mainly thanks to great team commitment and determination. The boys performed exemplarily in their respective positions, which we focused on during training and briefings. Huge respect to them for what they showed in Szczecin," said team coach Karol Nędza after the match.

The CLJ U-19 team will host Górnik Zabrze in their next home match. The match is scheduled for Saturday, April 13th at 12:00 noon.

Pogoń Szczecin U-19 – Wisła Kraków U-19 2:5 (1:2)
Goals for Wisła: 5x Stanek

Wisła Kraków U-19: Wiktor Sierda (RB) – Maciej Pachel (90' Adam Klimczyk), Maciej Jania (71' Michał Prochwicz), Radosław Skała (C), Marcin Górkiewicz – Maciej Kuziemka (46' Yehor Khromykh), Bartłomiej Sowa, Karol Dziedzic (90' Radosław Wójcicki), Tomasz Dusik (67' Dawid Gap) – Wiktor Benedyktowicz (80' Borys Płotka), Mateusz Stanek (75' Hugo Woyna-Orlewicz)

Substitutes' bench: Jakub Kowalski (BR), Maksym Tsymbaliuk

Plan B, a new initiative at the Wisła Kraków Academy

At the Wisła Kraków Football Academy, we not only hone the football skills of young talents but also emphasize their personal development and responsibility. Our recently introduced practice, in which players from the U-16 team and students from our Sports Association support the U-8 team's training, is another step in building a plan B and an alternative path for our young players.

Training the U-8 team with their older U-16 teammates has proven to be a hit. This approach not only provides training benefits but also strengthens bonds within the Academy and teaches the players important values, such as responsibility and mutual support.

"In recent months, players born in 2008 from our Academy have participated in U-8 training sessions, actively participating in the sessions. The young Wisła players have been a tremendous support to me as the head coach, and thanks to them, the organization and intensity of the sessions have increased dramatically. An additional advantage is that the U-8 players have the opportunity to meet older colleagues who have been at the Academy for a long time," says coach Bartłomiej Zelek.

Through the involvement of older players, younger players have the opportunity to meet and be inspired by their older colleagues who have been at the Academy for years. This is crucial, as it builds strong bonds within the club and fosters an atmosphere of mutual support and understanding. This practice also allows younger players to view their future at the Academy with greater determination and understanding, seeing others achieve success at higher levels of the game.

They develop not only technically but also emotionally, learning teamwork and supporting each other at every step. Football education isn't just about learning how to dribble or shoot on goal. It's also about building character and learning life lessons on the pitch that can be useful beyond the stadium walls. Therefore, initiatives like this, which introduce interaction between different age groups, are invaluable for the development of young talent.

"At the Wisła Kraków Football Academy, we focus on innovative approaches to training, and the introduction of cooperation between the U-8 and U-16 teams is just one example. In this way, we not only shape future football champions, but also build a strong community based on mutual respect and cooperation," summarized Łukasz Walczak, coordinator of the U-12-U-7 phase.