It is therefore important that we stop to celebrate the achievement of the team. For players aged 16, 17 and 18, it is important that they learn to be part of an effective team that can perform consistently in a highly competitive environment. This achievement of winning the Under-18 Premier League is recognition of this group of players ability to do just that. And at this club, being a winner is a useful habit to nurture.
What is particularly pleasing is the manner in which the team have gone about winning the league. They have been committed to a style of play. 34 different players have featured in the team with opportunities for many Under-16 players to play their part. Tuesday’s victory at Wolves was the 19th win out of 22 games. The team won the opening 14 games of the season and have only lost on one occasion. The team have scored 74 goals so far, with two games left to play.
The group have faced a variety of learning experiences; chasing the game from two goals down, playing with 10 men, local derbies, last minute equalisers/winners, must-win games and games where they were the favourites. All of those experiences will help to prepare the players for a senior career.
And judging by the post-match celebration at Wolves, and the squad’s meal in the main Carrington restaurant on their return – with the manager congratulating the players and the coaching staff for their achievements – the boys have enjoyed themselves and created memories that will last forever. That’s another important part of the Academy journey.
