International Academy Continue To Adapt

- Alistair was pleased that weather conditions did not hamper his side’s performance 

- Strikers Pakkawat Mekkhawan and Phuwanart Khaiykaew were on target at Belvoir Drive 

Saturday’s 2-0 win against Rushall was evidence of just how adaptive Leicester City’s International Academy have become, according to Joint Head Coach Alistair Heath. 

The International Academy are now 12 months into their educational programme, which sees them study at Leicester’s Ratcliffe College, while also improving their footballing skills thanks to a competitive, regular games schedule. 

That continued on Saturday when LCFCIA took on Rushall at Belvoir Drive in a game that significantly affected by wind and rain, but that did not halt the in-form Foxes. 

Alistair told LCFC.com: “They probably would have struggled with that side of the game – the poor weather – maybe six months ago, but we’ve managed to keep playing our style no matter what the weather. 

“They’re very much used to it now so that certainly helped against a competitive Rushall outfit. Games like this will prepare them for different, tougher experiences. Taking into account the conditions, it proved to be a positive result.” 

The victory came courtesy of strikes in each half, with striker Pakkawat Mekkhawan opening the scoring from a free kick in the first period, before forward Phuwanart Khaiykaew rattled in his side’s second of the game shortly after the break. 

Alistair added: “The weather conditions were poor, but we managed to take the lead in the first half and made it 2-0 early in the second half. 

“We had decent spells of possession as we did what we had to do to win the game. That’s now six wins out of our last seven games, which is very important. 

“The International Academy recognise that they’re playing well now and getting goals which is great for their confidence.”