RAMS Captain Jamie Thoroughgood, an NHS doctor is gaining international honours in Mexico defending the Medical World Cup.   

The centre half captained the team of from the NHS representing Great Britain in the same event last season and lifted the trophy (pictured) and hopes to do the same again in 2019.   

Later this month the A&E doctor will rejoin his AFC Croydon teammates back at the  Mayfield Stadium where summer is already over  and the pre-season workout is already underway with the first match on the first Saturday in August, writes Paul Smith. 

AFC Croydon Athletic has retained experienced Manager Kevin Rayner and he has welcomed back his squad.    

He will be looking to strengthen the side and is already running a critical eye over a a number of contenders.

He got his series of pre-season friendlies off to a winning start with a 3-1 victory over Westside.   Westside shared the Mayfield Stadium last season and were promoted to the Combined Counties League, one level below The Rams.   

Rayner’s men were too strong despite missing a number of first team players.   The goals came from Argentinian midfield Jonathan Paoluccio from a 25 yard free-kick, a second from last season’s young player of the year Kazzeem Richards and it was rounded off with a goal from U18 Maliq Jikiemi.   

Elsewhere, the new U18 team management are already putting the players through their paces.   The partnership with Croydon Council sees the players in full-time study at the town’s College while at the same time representing AFC Croydon Athletic in the youth league.   

The junior teams are also busy finalising their squads for the new season as they all look to build on the success of last season.   

For more info on joining and up and coming fixtures: www.afccroydonathletic.co.uk