Leeds United U18s 2020/21
After an extended break due to the Coronavirus shutdown, academy football looks to be nearing a return. During the break the academy received the news they’ve been working toward over the last few years, academy one status granted, with plans in place to build a new training ground on the old Matthew Murray site along with the Fullerton Park sports hub. Leeds have made improvements to the current training ground and a number of new academy roles filled to ensure all the necessary requirements are met. The Thorp Arch based academy will now be the only academy in the Yorkshire region able to boast the top tier status and will be hoping that will give them the edge recruiting the best local talent. The academy sides will see a significant increase of quality in the teams they will be facing, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to come this season for the U18s. The 18s will now compete in the Premier league North along with the FA youth cup, while the 23s will play in the Premier league 2, Premier league cup and the Football league trophy.
Leeds have a strong reputation of securing the best talent throughout the city with Terry Potter heading up the recruitment department, a man that has dedicated the majority of his working life to the club. The academy are now looking to compete with the top academy’s not only on the pitch but in terms of securing the ‘next big thing’ and have now broadened there search for talent, bringing in one of most respected talent spotters in the game, Craig Dean as head of emerging talent. Promotion has given Leeds not only the finances put there ring in the hat, but the attraction of premier league football and an almost certainty to be improved by Bielsa and his coaches.
A fantastic piece by Phil Hay on recent academy recruitment
https://theathletic.co.uk/2013180/2020/08/24/leeds-academy-recruitment-bielsa/
We’ve recently seen 13 teenagers put pen to paper on their 2 year scholarships with the club as they prepare to step into full time football and hoping to be the next player of the Thorp Arch production line. The academy have a large scholar intake this summer to compliment a strong group of second year scholars, two of which have already penned professional contracts. The U18s will be managed by former Leeds player Scott Gardner this season
Goalkeepers
(1st year scholar)Will Brook
The 16 year old has been in academy for a number of years and has consistently proved his ever reliability when given the nod between the sticks. Brook stands at over 6 foot with impressive reflexes and shot stopping ability. The young keeper may have to bide his time in order to get regular game time with 4 capable goalkeepers available for the coming campaign.
(1st year scholar)Harry Christy
International call ups- England U15s
U18s-2019/2020- 1 start- 2 goals conceded.
Harry is a a fantastic shot stopper and has the composure and ability to play the ‘sweeper keeper’ role that we now so often see throughout football. At U14 level Harry received personal recognition winning goalkeeper of the tournament in the Italian Chisola Cup, after playing a key part in a penalty shootout victory against Juventus. Not long after turning 15 the young shot stopper made his first league start for the U18s and went onto to make 4 starts throughout his U15 season,impressing despite playing two age groups up. Christy has attended a number of England training camps and will be looking to impress for club and country this season.
(2nd year scholar) Cooper Skerry
Previous club-Brisbane City
International call ups- Australia U19s
U18s-2019/2020- 10 starts- 1 clean sheet- 1 penalty save-15 conceded
The 17 year old had a fantastic first season with the club since joining from Brisbane City. The Australian born youngster has made the number 1 shirt his own and significantly improved a number of areas of his game. The goalkeeper impressed Manchester United and Swansea City while on trial before making the move to Yorkshire. Cooper has put in a number of fine performances most notably in the FA youth cup, making the decisive save on penalty kicks to earn the side an away trip to Manchester United, before making a string of fine saves at Old Trafford. Skerry has been named on the U23s bench on numerous occasions but will now be looking to push Elia Caprile and earn a professional contract.
The goalkeeper spoke about his move and life at Leeds
https://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/meet-the-rookie-gloveman-flying-the-aussie-flag-at-leeds
Cooper’s penalty shootout heroics from the FA youth cup 4th round last year👇
(Professional contract) Dani Van Den Heuvel
Previous clubs- ADO Deen Haag and Ajax
International call ups- Netherlands U17
Dani is a highly rated shot stopper that made the move from Ajax this summer. The 17 year is considered as one of the best goalkeepers in his age group in Netherlands and has represented his country at U15,16 and 17s level. @AjaxYA spoke about Dani . ‘He has a confident look as a person and that is exactly how he plays. As a goalkeeper he communicates with his defence well, is good with the ball at his feet and has good reflexes’. The youngster has followed the same career path as current First team player Pascal Struijk in making the move to Yorkshire after coming through the academy system at Deen Haag then Ajax. Heuvel is expected to begin by getting game time with 18s but will be hoping to impress enough to gain his U23s debut before long
Defenders
(1st year scholar) Harvey Sutcliffe
Position- Right Back
A versatile defender comfortable in a number of positions but most at home in the right back spot, He is a composed defender that is strong in the tackle with a fantastic delivery in the final third. The 16 year has recently recovered from a serious knee injury and has put in a number of impressive displays over pre season including grabbing a goal against Sheffield Wednesday in a 4–2 victory. Harvey’s energy and versatility could be a huge asset for the side throughout the season.
(1st year scholar) Kris Moore
Position- Centre Back
U18s-2019/2020- 12 starts- 2 substitute appearances
Kris is a powerful centre back who is strong in the tackle and a leader at his young age. The defender captained the U16s before becoming a main stay in the U18s side after Christmas. He made 12 starts for Mark Jackson’s side last season including a strong display against Manchester United in the FA youth cup. The dominant defender was named as the U16s player of the year for the 2019/2020 season.
(1st year scholar) Joe Littlewood
Position- Centre Back
U18s-2019/2020- 2 starts- 1 substitute appearances
Joe joined the club when Huddersfield Town reformed their academy 2017 and went on to win player of the year at U15 level and has since played up age groups regularly. The former Huddersfield man is comfortable in bringing the ball out of the back 4 and can play holding midfield and right back along with his favoured centre back position. The 16 year old played a handful of games for the U18s last season but will now be looking to establish himself as a key player for the upcoming campaign.
(1st year scholar) Jeremiah Mullen
Position-Centre Back
Previous club- Liverpool
Intentional call ups- Scotland U16s
Jeremiah was part of the academy from a young age before moving on to Liverpool at U12s level as an attacking player. The 16 year took the decision to rejoin the club this summer despite interest from a number of other category one academies. Mullen is a powerful defender with a good turn of pace and has regularly played centre back and right back in his recent years at Liverpool. The defender is part of the Scotland U16s team and will be looking to kick on for club and country in the coming season. Some highlights from Jeremiah’s time with Liverpool below
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B-htZEiJDzZ/?igshid=zauxicrgb99n
(2nd year scholar) Ethan Kachosa
Position-Right Back
U18s-2019/2020- 5 starts- 1 substitute appearances
A full back with great pace and an engine to get up and down the pitch and to support his winger. Ethan is comfortable on either foot and can operate on either side of the back 4. The full back was named the U16s player of year in the 2018/19 season and will be looking to regain his form after a difficult season with injuries last season.
(2nd year scholar) Aaron Pilkington
Position-Right Back
U18s-2019/2020- 12 starts- 1 substitute appearances- 1 goal
Aaron is a right back who is comfortable on the ball and defensively solid. Pilkington was a main stay in the U18s team last year making 12 starts and playing a key part in the successful performances. The full back will be looking to improve on the attacking side of his game and add some goals and assists throughout the campaign.
(2nd year scholar) Connor Teale
Position-Centre Back
Previous club- York City
U18s-2019/2020- 9 starts- 1 substitute appearances
Connor joined the club from York City at 15 and made his U18s debut within a few months of joining the club. The centre back made a great start to last years season, captaining the side on a number of occasions before an injury in November ultimately brought an end to his season. Teale will be looking to earn himself a place in the side for the coming season and potentially the captains arm band
(2nd year scholar) Taylor Ragan
Position-Left Back
U18s-2019/2020- 2 starts- 0 substitute appearances
Taylor is a left back with great pace and a fantastic left foot, he loves to get forward and support the attacking players. Ragan won player of the year at U15s level in 2017/18 before a serious knee injury put the full back out of action for a significant period of time, he made a return to action in January before another injury ultimately brought an end to his season. The 17 year old will be hoping to put his injury issues behind him and get a run in the side.
Midfielders
(1st year scholar) Lui Bradbury
U18s-2019/2020- 1 starts- 0 substitute appearances
Lui has been with the academy for a number of years since a brief spell with Manchester United. A box to box midfield with a good range of passing and a turn of pace, the 16 year old has a knack of finding himself space around the box and was often on the score sheet for the U16s last year. He will be looking to prove he can cope with the physical aspect of the step up and make a position his own in a fiercely competitive midfield.
Lui’s 2019/20 highlights below👇
https://twitter.com/luibradbury/status/1274796742156914697?s=21
(1st year scholar) Mitch Picksley
Picksley has been with the academy since U9’s and his impressive performances throughout the age groups ensured he was one of a number of players to have secured a scholarship early. A creative midfield player with good close control and a low centre of gravity makes him a difficult player to defend against. Like Lui, he will be looking to prove he can cope and adapt to the step up.
(1st year scholar) Joe Snowdon
Previous club- Manchester City
Snowdon a midfielder with great technical ability joined from Manchester City this summer despite huge interest from a number of clubs. Joe can play anywhere in midfield and likes to dictate the game with his vision and fantastic passing ability. The 16 year old is a good finisher around the box and has the defensive ability to be able to play in a deeper midfield role. The former City youngster will be hoping to impress enough to earn a starting position and show his quality
(1st year scholar) Morten Spencer
Previous club- Sunderland
International call ups- England&Norway U15s
U18s-2019/2020- 2 starts- 1 substitute appearances
Morten joined the club at 15 from Sunderland despite reported interest from Middlesbrough and Manchester City. The midfielder has impressed for the U16s since joining and made his U18s debut just after Christmas. The midfielder played a key part in the U16s winning the Esposende Cup last summer in Portugal, contributing a number of goals and assists. Spencer has represented both England and Norway at international level but opted for Norway on the most recent international trip.
(2nd year scholar) Alfie Hughes
Previous clubs- Middlesbrough and Manchester United
International call ups- England U15s
Alfie turned down a scholarship at Manchester United last summer to join the academy. He has had a tough time since signing, suffering a serious knee injury within a month of signing, The 17 year old made his first appearance in over a year this week as a half time substitute in the EFL trophy. Hughes is an attacking midfielder with fantastic technical ability and has represented England at U15s level. A big season ahead for the former Middlesbrough and Manchester United midfielder as he hopes to earn a professional contract.
(2nd year scholar) Billy Fewster
U18s-2019/2020- 7 starts- 3 substitute appearances
Billy joined the academy from grassroots level at U11s, a tenacious battling midfielder that breaks play up and gets his side back on the front foot. Fewster showed his versatility last season playing a number of games at centre half and excelling, his confidence to drive out with the ball and passing range proved a huge asset when starting attacks.
Billy’s highlights from last season👇
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBL4s3ggPck/?igshid=1t6bxepiijftx
(2nd year scholar) Max Rigby
U18s-2019/2020- 10 starts- 3 substitute appearances
An attack minded midfielder who looks to get the team on the front foot and provide goals and assists. Max found game time hard to come by at the beginning of last season but became a main stay in the side in the new year. Rigby will be hoping to retain his place in the side and add some goals to his game.
Here are some highlights from last season on his youtube channel👇
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mW_cr3djSAI
(2nd year scholar) Sam Leverett
U18s-2019/2020- 10 starts- 2 substitute appearances- 1 goal
A tough tackling midfielder most comfortable in a defensive midfield position protecting the back 4. Leverett is comfortable taking the ball in tight spaces, a fantastic left foot and great range of passing. The midfielder has been a key part of the U18 side since making his debut as a 15 year old and will be hoping to make the step up to the U23s side.
(Professional contract)Nohan Kenneh
International call ups- England U17s
U18s-2019/2020- 14 starts- 1 substitute appearances- 1 goal
U23s- 2019/2020- 5 starts- 2 substitute appareances
A powerful player with great physical attributes and the ability to dictate the pace of the game. The Liberian born youngster made his U18s debut at 15 and has rarely missed a game until recently stepping up to the U23s team. The 17 year old has impressed through the age groups with England and is currently part of the U17s team. Nohan signed his first professional contract in January despite reported interest from French giants PSG.
Check out Kenneh’s long range strike for U18s last season on his weaker foot👇
https://twitter.com/lufc/status/1165974801732788229?s=21
A look into Kenneh’s playing style below from @FocusOnLeeds
https://focusonleeds.com/2020/06/06/nohan-kenneh-player-analysis/
(Professional contract) Stuart Mckinstry
Previous club-Motherwell
International call ups- Scotland U17s
U18s-2019/2020- 13 starts- 0 substitute appearances- 3 goals
U23s- 2019/2020- 7 starts- 0 substitute appearances- 2 goals
Highly rated attacking midfielder Stuart Mckinstry joined the club last summer from Motherwell. The Scottish player maker has had a fantastic first season at the club, making his U23s at debut at 16, signing his first professional contract and training with the first team regularly. Stuart has fantastic ability with the ball at his feet and regularly drifts around the forward positions to find space. Stuart signed a new 3 year professional contract last month.
A fantastic individual goal from the youngster👇
A good insight into Mckinstry and his background from @FocusOnLeeds on Twitter
https://theathletic.co.uk/2024125/2020/09/03/leeds-breakthrough-star-stuart-mckinstry/
Attackers
(1st year scholar) Max Dean
Previous club- Everton
U18s-2019/2020- 1 starts- 2 substitute appearances- 1 goal (while on trial)
Leeds fought off a number of interested clubs this summer to secure the signing of Max Dean after the attacker left Everton. The club moved quickly to get the forward in on trial, in which he impressed grabbing a goal against Crewe Alexandra in a 5–4 win. He is an attack minded player that loves to create and scores goal and is comfortable playing anywhere behind the striker.
(1st year scholar) Charlie Allen
Previous club- Linfield
International call ups- Northern Ireland U17s
Charlie is one of a number of highly rated Northern Irish youngsters making the move to England this summer with the former Linfield man turning down a number of clubs to sign for Leeds. Charlie became Linfield’s youngest ever debutant in 2019 at 15 years and 5 months and has attracted interest from some of the biggest UK clubs, attending trials at Rangers, Chelsea and Tottenham. The Charlie has fantastic close control and is comfortable playing of either foot, He mainly operates as an attacking midfielder but can operate in a number of positions. Irish FA Elite Performance Director Jim Magilton described Charlie as “one of those kids that you could play him anywhere and he was probably the best player on the pitch. He could play right back, right midfield, central midfield, as a number 10 or at centre forward and off either flank”. Charlie is one of seven current internationals in the U18s side representing Northern Ireland at U17 level.
A video of Charlie in action below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmylZiGOhXE
(1st year scholar) Keenan Carole
U18s-2019/2020- 0 starts- 3 substitute appearances
Keenan is a direct winger but with fantastic close control, a good turn of pace and a fantastic left foot . Carole made a handful of substitute appearances in the U18s last season but will be hoping to make a wide position his own and make his mark. Despite been the youngest player in his age group, the winger has often played up age groups during his time with the academy and will be looking to follow in his father’s footsteps and step out at Elland Road as a first team player.
Keenan’s highlights below👇
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgxhLTpLt_M
(2nd year scholar) Max Mcmillan
U18s-2019/2020- 9 starts- 4 substitute appearances- 6 goals
U23s-2019/2020- 0 starts- 0 substitute appearances
Max is a natural number 9 that thrives in and around the box, he is an instinctive finisher and has a knack of been in the right place at the right time. The 17 year old has a good turn of pace and often uses this to good effect latching on to balls in behind the defenders. The striker finished the season as top goalscorer last year with 6 goals despite only starting 9 games due to Injuries. Mcmillan scored a hat-trick in the 18s first pre season game and has recently stepped up to the 23s making his first start in a pre season game against Manchester City. Mcmillan is available to represent both England and South African at international level and recently spoke about this
https://twitter.com/max_mcmillan10/status/1245363364823478277?s=21
The striker scored 6 goals last season for the U18s side including this fantastic free kick
https://twitter.com/max_mcmillan10/status/1229013352640323584?s=21
(2nd year scholar) Jimiel Chikukwa
U18s-2019/2020- 3 starts- 3 substitute appearances- 1 goal
Jimiel is a 17 year old with lightning pace comfortable on either wing or operating as a number 9. he causes endless problems for defenders, with his pace and movement stretching the pitch and putting him in dangerous positions. In the 2018/19 season the forward scored over 40 goals for the U16s but last year had limited game time due to injuries halting his progress. Jimiel had a month loan with Carlisle United U18s before the pandemic hit, scoring 3 goals in as many games. The 17 year old will now be looking to get himself back on the pitch and rediscover his goal scoring form.
(2nd year scholar) Emmanuel Amissah
U18s-2019/2020- 3 starts- 3 substitute appearances- 2 goals
Manny is a versatile forward that can play anywhere across the front 3, his pace makes him a constant threat for the opposition defenders. The Ghanaian attacker was just beginning to find form when the season was brought to an end with him grabbing a goal and a few assists in his last 3 starts. Emmanuel is the younger brother of Sammy that played a key part in the U18s title winning side in 2017/18. ‘Manny is currently recovering from a serious injury and isn’t expected to feature until the new year.
(2nd year scholar) Owen Bray
U18s-2019/2020- 9 starts- 6 substitute appearances- 2 goals
Owen is a 17 year old winger that has been at the academy for a number of years. The wide man has energy in abundance and loves to press and chase down the opposition defenders . In possession,Owen has a good turn of pace and loves to get the byline and put crosses into the box. Bray will looking to build on last season and improve on his goal and assists tally.
Congratulations to all the players that have left the academy and gone on to sign scholarships at other clubs. Stan Mills (Everton),Alfie Burnett (Rotherham) while Luke Harrop,Jack Wilson, George Thewlis, Leke Ajibode have all signed terms with Bradford City.
