Academy Briefing: Off-pitch learning
While many of our Academy players are away on international duty this week, proudly representing their countries, it’s a good time to recognise some excellent off-pitch activities from recent weeks. Plus, there is FA Youth Cup semi-final news, fixture changes and more in our regular Briefing…
PRE-ACADEMY HOSTS CULTURAL EVENING
Children and families from our Pre-Academy were at Carrington back in February for the now annual Culture Day. The event showcased global cuisine and encouraged children to explore their team-mates' diverse heritages through traditional attire, storytelling, art, quizzes, and, of course, football.
You can watch a summary of a special evening below.
What is Academy Culture Day?
Pre-Academy Culture Day | Find out what it is and why it's important at Manchester United...
SCHOLARS COACH AT THE CLIFF
Nine of our scholars are undertaking their UEFA C Coaching Licence at the moment, and recently led training sessions for our Manchester pre-Academy hub at The Cliff.
While obviously a treat for the young players involved, this is also a part of the scholars’ wider education programme. Every Academy player at United continues to focus on education, in a variety of ways. Some complete A-Levels, others BTECs, and all participate in ‘A United Education’, the informal addition to their formal education programme, which teaches key life skills such as safe driving and cooking, as well as essential values.
SCANLON VISITS GIBRALTAR SUPPORTERS’ CLUB
James Scanlon took time out while on international duty with Gibraltar to meet Reds at our official Supporters' Club.
A key part of this season’s FA Youth Cup side, who have reached the semi-finals, Scanlon enjoyed his first taste of senior involvement recently when an unused sub for Ruben Amorim’s first team in our Europa League victory over Real Sociedad.
The 18-year-old also has 10 caps for Gibraltar, having become one of the youngest Academy graduates to represent their nation when making his debut in 2022.
After a training session on international duty, Scanlon met a group of passionate local Reds, signed shirts and presented the supporters with the shirt he wore when scoring his first senior international goal, against Liechtenstein last September.
FA YOUTH CUP SEMI-FINAL CONFIRMED
Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup semi-final at Aston Villa will be played at Villa Park on Monday 31 March (19:00 BST).
The young Reds have enjoyed an excellent campaign in the prestigious competition, scoring five goals against each of Coventry City, Preston North End and Chelsea at home before a dramatic, extra-time victory at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium in the quarter-final.
U18s progress in the FA Youth Cup
🤩 ACADEMY REACTION | Our Under-18s are into the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup and the lads are absolutely buzzing...
INTERNATIONAL CALL-UPS
Congratulations to all Academy players currently away with their national teams.
For England, Harry Amass and Jack Fletcher are representing the U18s, Ethan Wheatley the U19s and Elyh Harrison and Toby Collyer the U20s.
Dan Armer, James Overy and Tyler Fletcher are with Scotland’s U19s, while Louis Jackson and Jack Kingdon — currently out on loan at Tranmere Rovers and Rochdale — join up with the U21s.
Good luck also to Gabriele Biancheri (Wales U19s), Louie Bradbury (Wales U17s), Jack Moorhouse (Republic of Ireland U21s), Jacob Devaney (Republic of Ireland U19s), Chido Obi (Denmark U21s) and Samuel Lusale (Slovakia U19s).
FIXTURE CHANGES
U18s v Derby County — Originally scheduled for Tuesday 1 April. Will now take place on Saturday 19 April (12:00 BST) at Carrington.
U21s v Leeds United — Originally scheduled for Monday 31 March at the LNER Community Stadium. Will now take place Friday 28 March (13:00 GMT) at Thorp Arch Training Ground.
SCHOLARS ENJOY MEDIA TRAINING
Those of our scholars not on international duty this week attended Old Trafford for training with the club's media team.
The boys enjoyed seeing what a television gallery and studio is like, practising their interviewing skills and learning about what's required from senior players around matchdays.