The Academy Wrap Up: Let the Dreams Begin
A new season is on the cusp, and new dreams of making the jump to the first team have begun. The accomplishments of the academy players last season, The Lancashire County Football Association Cup victory, a Quarterfinal appearance in the UEFA Youth League, and top four finishes for both the U-23s and the U-18s are all a distant memory. In the words of academy graduate, Captain Fantastic, Steven Gerrard himself, “We go again!”
Over the break, the club parted ways with academy products Ben Woodburn and Sheyi Ojo, as well as academy midfielder Elijah Dixon-Bonner, forward Luis Longstaff, and right back Sean Wilson. The academy has so far added the excited prospect of Ben Doak from the Celtic Academy, Trent Kone-Doherty from Derry City, and welcomed back Jay Spearing, who’s still shorter than the average U-18 player! Spearing has been brought back to provide experience in a player-coach role. In the ever-evolving academy setup, numerous players have been sent out to gain experience throughout both the lower divisions of England and Europe.
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Preseason at the Academy
The academy started its workups on July 9th with a friendly against Welsh side Caernafon, resulting in a 1-1 draw with Jake Cain scoring. This was followed up on July 12th with another friendly again Wigan seniors, resulting in a 6-0 loss for the young Reds. The latest match on July 16th saw the Reds come out on top of a 9-goal thriller against Leeds United with a 5-4 result. Mateusz Musialowski scored a brace, joined on the scoresheet by both Harvey Blair and Layton Stewart. The next friendly scheduled will see the young Reds facing Kidderminster on July 22nd. This season I look forward to covering our academy and watching these young men grow and progress towards fulfilling their dreams of running out at Anfield and making their first team bow.
Until next time, let the dreams begin! Up the Reds! YNWA
