In the world of football, young talents emerge from unexpected places. They may start as ordinary schoolboys, but their extraordinary careers lie ahead. As schools break up and futures take shape, these promising players stand out among their peers.
In a photo capturing the essence of this exciting time, four schoolboys share smiles, their arms draped over each other’s shoulders, wearing white shirts adorned with marker-pen messages. Yet, this photo is not like any other; it features aspiring football stars.
On the left stands Tosin Kehinde, now playing for Randers in the Danish top flight. In the center is Jimmy Dunne, a regular defender for QPR this season. On the right is Axel Tuanzebe, who has spent the last six months with Stoke’s squad. And at the front, the most recognizable face of them all, Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United star.
This snapshot was taken at Ashton on Mersey School, where Manchester United’s academy prospects have been walking the corridors for a remarkable 25 years. This institution, along with several others in Manchester, serves as a breeding ground for future stars.
Nick Cox, Manchester United’s academy director and a former teacher, believes in the importance of keeping young players rooted in their communities. He stresses the significance of maintaining strong relationships with local schools and ensuring a seamless integration between their academic programs and the club’s training regimen.
However, as players grow older and join the academy from distant places, the demands of their football careers often necessitate a transition to schools designed to accommodate aspiring Premier League stars. Manchester Grammar School, located near United’s Carrington training ground, partners with the club to provide this support. Nevertheless, Ashton on Mersey, a state school in Sale, remains the primary destination for the club’s prospects. This partnership is the longest-standing of its kind in England.
David Law, former head of PE at Ashton on Mersey, witnessed the origins and growth of this collaboration. The journey began in the late 1990s when Ashton on Mersey aspired to become a sports college but lacked the necessary funds. Law, a former Manchester City apprentice, reached out to his contact at United, leading to a meeting where United’s finance director, David Gill, handed over a cheque for £100,000. This investment proved to be a wise one.
In less than five years, Darren Fletcher, an 18-year-old debutant in the Champions League for United, visited Ashton on Mersey to share his experiences with the students. Such encounters between professional players and aspiring talents became an inspiring and regular occurrence.
A similar story unfolded at St Bede’s College, renowned for its contributions to Manchester City’s history. In 2012, then-manager Roberto Mancini sought solace in the school’s chapel before witnessing his team secure a historic league title. Phil Foden, St Bede’s alumnus, emerged as a notable success, followed by other talents like Cole Palmer, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Interestingly, St Bede’s inadvertent impact has also extended to their city rivals. Jadon Sancho and Charlie McNeill, former City Academy prospects, later switched allegiance to Manchester United. While City collaborates with schools across both the state and private sectors, St Bede’s remains the primary feeder to City Football Academy (CFA), where youth teams train near Etihad Stadium.
To facilitate a smooth transition for new St Bede’s pupils, City and the school engage in a non-football-oriented process involving multiple meetings with families and club officials. The aim is to ensure these young players integrate seamlessly into the school environment, without drawing undue attention to themselves. St Bede’s teachers even accompany them to the CFA, delivering lessons around their training schedule.
Maintaining academic standards is a crucial aspect of these partnerships. City’s players receive detention if they fail to meet the school’s expectations, resulting in missed training sessions. At St Bede’s, 97% of City’s Academy players achieved at least four C-grades in their GCSEs, while 38% earned seven A grades or better, surpassing national averages.
While the focus on education is paramount, the social dynamics within these schools can be challenging for young academy players. The presence of Premier League stars can generate a mix of jealousy and admiration among their peers. Relationships and friendships are formed, with some players even finding love among their fellow students. Marcus Rashford himself is engaged to a former pupil from Ashton on Mersey.
Nick Cox emphasizes the importance of allowing young players to lead normal lives, preserving their identity beyond football. Manchester United’s academy goes beyond football training, offering life skills such as cooking, financial management, and advanced driving lessons. They explore the club’s history and gain a broader understanding of the world, engaging in educational trips to places like Auschwitz.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that every player, regardless of their future in football, maximizes their potential. Some will make it to the first team, others may move on to other clubs, and some might pursue careers outside of football altogether. Nick Cox hopes that their time in the academy will leave a lasting impact, enriched with valuable experiences and memories.
As these talented young players graduate from their respective schools, they carry with them a wealth of knowledge and lessons learned. Whether they choose the red or blue half of Manchester or even pursue different paths, their time in these schools has shaped them into individuals who have reached their potential.
5 comments
Wow, this article tells us about the schools where future football stars for Man United and Man City are born! It’s like a behind-the-scenes look at how these talented players are nurtured from a young age. Really interesting to see the long-standing partnerships between the clubs and the schools. Such an important role education plays in their lives.
Man United’s academy at Ashton on Mersey School seems like a real gem! They’ve been producing top talents for 25 years. It’s cool to hear about the experiences of players like Rashford and Fletcher, still going to school after making their debuts. Education and football going hand in hand.
St Bede’s College has made its mark on Man City’s history. Foden, Palmer, Harwood-Bellis, Adarabioyo – all talented players who came through there. Interesting how some players even switch sides and end up at Man United! These partnerships between clubs and schools really make a difference in shaping young players’ futures.
It’s impressive to see the commitment these schools have to their students’ education. The fact that they have teachers accompanying the players to deliver lessons around training shows a dedication to their academic development. And the stats about their academic achievements are above average too. Great job!
I can’t help but feel a bit envious of the kids who get to go to school with these potential superstars. Imagine having Rashford or Foden as your classmate! But hey, it’s also cool to hear that some relationships even develop from these situations. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be cheering for one of them in the Premier League.