By Richard Joyce

Forest Green's Academy squad begin their pre-season preparations in the next few days as they get set to attempt to repeat their stunning 2015-16 campaign.

Scott Bartlett’s squad once again did the double last season – lifting the South West Counties Youth League title and Gary Else Memorial League Cup.

They also reached the first-round proper of the FA Youth Cup where they exited the competition after a brave performance against Yeovil Town.

A number of Academy players were also heavily involved in the club’s Gloucestershire Senior Cup victory, which saw Rovers defeat the likes of Bristol City and Bristol Rovers on the way to a final victory over upcoming pre-season opponents Bishop’s Cleeve.

The season ended with Joe Stokes making his first team debut in a final day league match against Dover, with the Wotton-under-Edge based 18-year-old now a part of the first team squad having agreed a first professional deal.

A number of FGR Academy players were recognised for their achievements at the end of last season.

Tom Anderson picked up the Players’ Player of the Year award from his peers.

The former Aston Villa youngster shone in his first campaign in the Academy squad having progressed from the under 16s side. He also appeared in a number of Senior Cup victories against the likes of Bristol Rovers and Bishop’s Cleeve.

Jack Holmes scooped Scott Bartlett's award. He fought back from a frightening back injury in an FA Youth cup clash with Hungerford Town and performed brilliantly in his second season with the Academy side.

The Gloucester-based teenager also impressed in the Senior Cup – particularly as part of a young defence that performed well at Bristol Rovers in the semi-finals.

Giancarlo Gabbiadini one the special recognition award.

He represented the England Colleges side in Italy,and scored 63 goals for Rovers and appeared for the first team in pre-season.

Last season’s first years will now progress into their final year with the Academy with a new generation of first years set to start their pathway with the hope of earning a professional deal in Mark Cooper’s first team squad.