AFC Bournemouth
Ben Winterburn had never played at Vitality Stadium before Thursday evening.
In fact, he’d only played in a stadium once before… and that was just two weeks ago as the under-18s knocked out Exeter City at St James Park in the FA Youth Cup.
Nevertheless, the first year scholar looked right at home as he made his maiden Premier League Cup appearance for Shaun Cooper’s side in the 4-0 win at home to West Brom.
Winterburn caught the eye after being handed a start and got himself the assist to Euan Pollock’s second goal of the night with a smart reverse pass to slip him through.
After the game, the 17-year-old sat down with afcb.co.uk, in what was one of the first interviews he’d ever done, to dissect the evening’s affairs.
“I really enjoyed it. I just loved the experienced of having the crowd and being at the stadium,” Winterburn said.
“I think it motivated us all in getting a 4-0 win at home and it was a really enjoyable experience throughout. It helped us put all the work we did in the week into practice.
“We had a Youth Cup game for the under-18s not so long ago but other than that I’ve not really played in a stadium. It was really memorable and enjoyable.
“At Exeter, it was more their fans that were up and shouting, so it was really good to see all our supporters be there tonight and cheer us on.
“It definitely gave us a boost when we were ahead.”
With preparation for the game going ahead all week, Winterburn, who has been with the academy since the under-11 age group, found out he’d be starting 24 hours prior kick-off.
He discussed the moment that he found out, how it left him feeling and the support he’d received from those both in and out of the football club.
“It was very much 50/50 as to whether players would be back fit.
“That was up until yesterday when it was all confirmed then that was it really. I got the opportunity and hopefully I took it.
“For the last 24 hours, it was a mixture of emotions. As one of my first experiences in a stadium, there was going to be nerves but the lads definitely helped me settle.
“Once you get a few passes and get into the game, it’s just like any other match. I was nervous but I was also excited. I didn’t sleep very well but it was okay!”
“The lads have been extremely welcoming – they just treated me as any other player. It wasn’t like I was younger. Especially after today, and probably before today, they believed in me and what I could bring which was great.
“I had my dad and my two older brothers there today. They all really enjoy football, so it was a really proud moment to see them. I went over to see them after the game and, for them to say well done, it was a really nice moment.”
Winterburn concluded by discussing his big moment, the assist for Pollock’s second goal and the side’s fourth of the night.
It led to first team players Jaidon Anthony and Morgan Rogers (see below), as well as teammate Christian Saydee, singing his praises on social media.
“As soon as I drove with the ball, I knew Euan would be there,” Winterburn added.
“It was on my left foot, so I thought that I probably shouldn’t shoot but I knew if I set it up to look like a shot, then I could reverse it and Euan would tuck it away.
“He definitely called for it but I knew he’d be there.”
What a player🙌🏾
— Morgan Rogers (@morgz_10) December 16, 2021
I got the opportunity and hopefully I took it.
