New intake of Under 9's

[Leisure]

Burnley Football Club is delighted to welcome the latest intake of U9s into the club’s academy set-up.

The Covid-19 pandemic delayed the youngsters registering as an official academy player in May following their step-up from pre-academy status.
Traditionally, the new intake watches the Clarets’ final Premier League game of the season at Turf Moor, with a coaching session on the pitch at half-time.
They would also usually have a signing evening at Turf Moor with their family, followed by a match on the pitch afterwards followed by an-end-of season get-together with the coaches, families and friends of the Foundation Phase players.
Unfortunately, those events had to be shelved, but the eight-year olds did not miss out on signing for the club with the registering was done through an interactive zoom night with staff and families.
A gift pack was also sent out from the football club to welcome them as an official Burnley Academy player, while there have also been regular live sessions through Zoom to keep the youngsters involved.
Sam Keates, the Foundation phase coach & pre academy co-ordinator, admits it is an exciting and special moment for the youngsters, joining the recently granted category one academy.
“We are delighted that these boys have chosen to sign for Burnley football club,” he said.
“Some boys have been with us for two years and others slightly less, but they are all joining at such an exciting time for the academy and look forward to the experiences that lie ahead.
“Our latest intake of U9’s is a real mixed group, some boys are from Burnley and the surrounding areas, others from further afield such as Lancashire and greater Manchester.
“The recruitment of talented young players is becoming more challenging all the time, In the NW of England we have so many clubs looking at the same players and wanting to attract the top talent into their system.
“Therefore it’s crucial that we are different in our approach and children experience something different.”
Lead Foundation phase coach Rick Ashcroft added: “We love the fact that they all wanted to be part of and play for the club.
“The boys have lots to look forward to, experiences which will stretch and develop them in every way.
“These experiences will be paramount in helping to contribute to their development as great young people.
We are excited to see where this leads, help them develop and get to know them even more.”

The latest intake of U9s are as follow:

Obed Mensah
Charlie Lee
Dominic Cox
Noah Dandy
Stefan Kurpas
Jacob Horsfield
Eddie Moreland
Ayoola Longe
Carter McDevitt
Harry Morris
Ethan Barrett
Jamie Stephenson

[cricketfieldclarets]

One of the lads taken on, I played with his dad throughout junior and then in adult leagues who was a talented local player. Hopefully with the right coaching at our academy he could be one to make it. Good luck to them all.

[KateR]

exciting times for the little ones and I can only imagine being part of the family, the pride and excitement right now, they need to enjoy it to the full, seems to be little but good news coming out of the club lately

[Silkyskills1]

Good luck to them all. Living the dream.

[FCBurnley]

Love the name Noah Dandy. That’s a name meant for stardom. Good luck to them all

[BenWickes]

I wish them all the best for a future career. I just hope they don't bully Ashley Westwood for his lunch money

[BenWickes]

Love the name Noah Dandy. That’s a name meant for stardom. Good luck to them all

A headline writers dream that one.

[ClaretTony]

I saw this article a couple of days ago. Never known anything like that, a football club putting up photographs of children in that way. We've never announce an intake of players before under 16. I'm sure they must be within their rights in terms of child protection but I'm uncomfortable with it.

[Turfy Topper]

Too much pressure on young shoulders. None of them will make it, and when they start getting released from next year they will pack in football. Ridiculous!

[BenWickes]

I saw this article a couple of days ago. Never known anything like that, a football club putting up photographs of children in that way. We've never announce an intake of players before under 16. I'm sure they must be within their rights in terms of child protection but I'm uncomfortable with it.

I thought it odd but must have had the parents consent. I read that they'd normally have been on 'Turf for the final home game and get to play at half time etc. Maybe this is their way of getting a bit of recognition. I do feel a bit uncomfortable with it too, but must have been legally approved and consent given.

[Stan Tastic]

Too much pressure on young shoulders. None of them will make it, and when they start getting released from next year they will pack in football. Ridiculous!

Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool's academy aged six.

[BenWickes]

Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool's academy aged six.

I think the issue is more to do with making their names and pictures readily available in the public domain.

[ClaretTony]

Trent Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool's academy aged six.

It's 8 before they can, TTA, like some of these lads, was in the pre-academy.

[ClaretTony]

I think the issue is more to do with making their names and pictures readily available in the public domain.

That's exactly my concern

[Stan Tastic]

It's 8 before they can, TTA, like some of these lads, was in the pre-academy.

Fair enough, I read it on Wiki.

Born and raised in Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold joined Liverpool's academy in 2004 and captained the club at across its youth levels.

[cricketfieldclarets]

Ive always been a bit against allowing kids to join academies at a young age full stop and certainly against them not being able to play with school and friends. But its the way it is now. And parents often dont help. Ive met lots 'My son plays for Man City' (He doesnt though does he). But this seems to be the way it is now. And obviously done with parents consent and legally. Personally I wouldnt want it myself. But we have to also remember that part of the academies now is about welfare and education.

Good luck to them all.

[Stan Tastic]

I think the issue is more to do with making their names and pictures readily available in the public domain.

I was making the point that players can join from a very young age and make it right the way through to the first team, in reply to this
negative viewpoint.

Turfy Topper wrote: ↑Wed Jul 15, 2020 2:51 pm
Too much pressure on young shoulders. None of them will make it, and when they start getting released from next year they will pack in football. Ridiculous!

[BenWickes]

I was making the point that players can join from a very young age and make it right the way through to the first team, in reply to this
negative viewpoint.

Fair enough. My apologies. You make a valid point.

[Longsidelenny1882]

Well said turfy topper utc

[Leisure]

Think that the kids will absolutely love having their pictures on the club website.

[boatshed bill]

Think that the kids will absolutely love having their pictures on the club website.

I'm sure the club will have sought the correct consents. But I have to say i find it a bit weird.
However, if it inspires these kids to greater things then what's the problem?

[MT03ALG]

Clubs should not be able to sign players until they are at least 15 years old. There would then be less chance of the players being released and giving up football as Turfy Topper suggested might happen. How much money is wasted on Academies especially at the top clubs ?