Academy Briefing: Youth League fixtures, new staff

Tuesday 15 October 2024 10:00

Our latest Academy Briefing includes details on two best-in-class youth developers joining the club, confirmation of the Under-19s’ UEFA Youth League fixtures and details from a rewarding Monday evening activity for one group of young Reds. Here’s all you need to know…

UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE FIXTURES CONFIRMED

Our Under-19s will play FK Zalgiris in a two-legged UEFA Youth League second-round tie. Adam Lawrence’s side travel to Vilnius first to face the Lithuanian youth champions on Wednesday 23 October (17:00 BST).

Broadcasting restrictions mean the game will not be shown live on MUTV, but club media will be on the ground to provide live updates from the match, with goals available to watch soon after.

U12s VISIT TRAFFORD VETERANS

As part of their annual Christmas Truce project, our Under-12s visited the Trafford Veterans society in Stretford on Monday evening. The Premier League-wide, education-led competition sees young players at all clubs learn about and research the 1914 truce, where soldiers on the Western Front agreed to an unofficial ceasefire and played football in ‘no man’s land.’

Premier League clubs will face off in a regional tournament, the winners of which compete in a continental competition in Belgium. The clubs whose young players create the best presentations also qualify.

United's Under-12s group at St. Matthew's Hall in Stretford on Monday night.

While the core focus of the project remains the same each year, the Academy’s education staff aim to add additional engaging workshops every season. Last year saw a focus on the Windrush generation, with club legend and Windrush descendent Andy Cole talking to the players about his experiences and aiming to foster a deeper understanding of respect and diversity.

This latest session saw the young Reds participate in a Q&A with veterans and build war figures with them, an activity which fits with the goals of ‘A United Education’.

“We want to create a rich learning experience that extends beyond the field, connecting generations and cultures through the profound lessons found in football,” said Ian Smithson, Education Officer, of the Academy’s informal education programme.

CURTIS AND WILES JOIN YDP

Welcome to Tom Curtis and Simon Wiles, who have both joined United on the Youth Development Phase (U13-U16) staff. We’re delighted to have two best-in-class youth developers added to our outstanding staff and they will both be tasked with creating an environment that will support and challenge our young players to reach their full potential.

Tom begins in early November as Head of Player Development (U13-U16), the role formerly held by Adam Lawrence, who will now exclusively focus on leading the Under-18s programme. Joining from the FA, Tom has most recently and significantly led the England YDP, supporting the development of some outstanding England talents, many of whom are now performing to the highest levels on the world stage.

Simon Wiles has recently begun as Lead Academy Coach for the Under-14s age group and is also responsible for the programme of development across the Under-13s. He joins us from Salford City, where he was the first-team coach. Simon will now work closely work Neil Gittins (Head of Player Development, U9-U12) to ensure a smooth transition from the Foundation Phase programme.

Earlier this season, Tommy Rowe joined the club as player-coach, following Tom Huddlestone and Paul McShane in the innovative role.

LIFEBLOOD: U16s IN HONG KONG

A new short film from MUTV's popular Lifeblood series was released last week, focusing on the Under-16s' annual trip to the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The 20-minute behind-the-scenes documentary provides a unique viewpoint of what it's like to be an Academy player.

All players at United's Academy experience life-enriching trips and tours while at the club, which aim to provide high-value on-pitch development opportunities, but also open the eyes of our young Reds to the world.

Lifeblood Short: U16s in Hong Kong Video

Lifeblood Short: U16s in Hong Kong

NEW RELEASE | This exclusive Lifeblood short follows our Under-16s on a lifechanging trip to Hong Kong...

INTERNATIONALS

Congratulations to Academy alumni Maxi Oyedele who made his senior international debut for Poland last week in the UEFA Nations League. The 19-year-old midfielder joined Legia Warsaw this summer after many years in the Academy. Loan moves to Altrincham and Forest Green Rovers aided his development and transition into senior football, as well as appearances on pre-season on Tour 2024, presented by Snapdragon, and he’s now thriving in Poland. Well done, Maxi!

Young winger James Scanlon remains a regular starter for Gibraltar, making his sixth and seventh appearances during the break. Midfielder Toby Collyer made his England Under-20s debut in a 2-1 win over Italy, while Tyler Fletcher (Scotland), Gabriele Biancheri (Wales) and Jacob Devaney (Republic of Ireland) all started for their respective Under-19s sides and Harry Amass was a substitute for England Under-18s in defeat to Sweden.

Well done to all our young players who represented their countries during this international break.

'We want to see winning behaviours' Video

'We want to see winning behaviours'

LIFEBLOOD SHORT CLIP | Watch the story of matchday one for our fledgling Under-16s in Hong Kong...

COMING UP

Our Under-18s travel to Sunderland for a Saturday lunchtime (12:30 BST) kick-off in the U18 Premier League, seeking to prolong their 100 per cent record thus far this season. Team news and updates can be found on ManUtd.com and the United App amid build-up to the men's first-team match against Brentford.

MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE

Saturday 19 October | Sunderland v UNITED U18s | 12:30 | Not live on MUTV (clash with men's first-team build-up)

Wednesday 23 October | FK Zalgiris vs UNITED U19s | 17:00 | Not live on MUTV (UEFA broadcasting restrictions)

Friday 25 October | Newcastle United v UNITED U21s | 19:00 | Not live on MUTV (Premier League broadcasting restrictions)

Saturday 26 October | UNITED U18s v Nottingham Forest | 12:00 | Live on MUTV

Wednesday 30 October | UNITED U21s v PSV Eindhoven | 19:00 | TV coverage TBC

Watch Lifeblood:

  • Lifeblood: History Video

    Lifeblood: History

    LIFEBLOOD 1 | ‘History’ tells the story of our iconic Academy, with a focus on Alejandro Garnacho’s emergence…

  • Lifeblood: Innovation Video

    Lifeblood: Innovation

    LIFEBLOOD 2 | 'Innovation' revealed the incredible science behind Scott McTominay's strategic development...

  • Lifeblood: Developing People Video

    Lifeblood: Developing People

    LIFEBLOOD 3 | ‘Developing People’ reveals how our Academy develops outstanding people, as well as top footballers...

  • 'Two wins in three days - be proud!' Video

    'Two wins in three days - be proud!'

    LIFEBLOOD SHORT CLIP | In challenging conditions - and before big crowds - our U16s earned two wins in three days...

  • 'Why I trained in defence' Video

    'Why I trained in defence'

    LIFEBLOOD SHORT CLIP | Dimitar Berbatov gives fascinating advice to our U16s on their annual Hong Kong trip...

  • Lifeblood Short: Garnacho's story Video

    Lifeblood Short: Garnacho's story

    Watch Garna's extended interview from 'Lifeblood: History', where he talks about his amazing United journey...