Sheffield Wednesday’s youth plans ahead of new arrivals

While the U23s and U18s saw their campaigns end a few weeks back, several age groups have had their season extended in order to try and make up for some of the time that was lost as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wednesday’s U9s through to their U14s are still undergoing their game programmes – something that will continue until the end of June – while the club are going through a ‘transition period’ following a number of exits in recent weeks.

The club’s Head of Academy Education and Player Care, Dan Potts, spoke about the work being done at present, explaining that they still try to help scholars that have left the club after decisions were made to part ways.

He told Wednesday’s official website, “For most of our Youth Development, the season has been extended to the end of June… We are also in a transition period with some of our squads. Some players have been released and we support all players to help them on the next stage of their football journey, such as help finding a new club or trials with LFE/EFL.”

He went on to say, “Many players, including our new scholars, current scholars and Under-23s are following a detailed, carefully planned off-season programme and are in regular contact with our sport scientists.

“Regarding the new scholars who will join us from next month, we have gathered academic information, predicted grades and comments from their schools which forms part of our induction and initial assessment when the players join us full time from July.

“We are looking forward to returning to face-to-face delivery on the education and Life Skills Programme which the new scholars will follow during their two-year apprenticeship.

“The aim is for them to achieve their maximum academic potential alongside training and playing. The educational programme has been specifically designed for elite athletes and is geared towards nationally recognised qualifications.”

Players such as Alex Bonnington, Paulo Aguas and Basile Zottos made the step up from the U18s to the U23s after being offered professional contracts, while youngsters like Bailey Cadamarteri, Rio Shipston, Jack Hall and Leojo Davidson look to up the ante in the U18s.

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