The Academy/Development squads watch thread 2024/25

[Royals and Racers]

FA Youth cup 3rd round draw done today- Reading U18`s home to Aston Villa U 18`s- not sure why they have done the draw now as 9 matches are still to be played from round 1 !!!!!

Match arranged for Friday December 11th KO 7pm at the Madejski stadium.

Confirmation that no fans allowed at game although match is being streamed on the clubs you tube channel.

[Royals and Racers]

Good win for the U 18`s at Bearwood this morning beating Norwich 5-2. This should be a confidence boost ahead of the tough home FA youth cup 3rd round tie against Aston Villa on Friday.

[Nameless]

Good win for the U 18`s at Bearwood this morning beating Norwich 5-2. This should be a confidence boost ahead of the tough home FA youth cup 3rd round tie against Aston Villa on Friday.

Is Olise still eligible for the U18s ?

[Royals and Racers]

Good win for the U 18`s at Bearwood this morning beating Norwich 5-2. This should be a confidence boost ahead of the tough home FA youth cup 3rd round tie against Aston Villa on Friday.

Is Olise still eligible for the U18s ?

The relevant rule in the FA youth cup 20/21 rulebook
Only those players are eligible to take part who have reached the age of 15 years by
midnight on 31 August of the current season and not reached the age of 18 years as at
midnight on 31 August of the current season. (For season 2020-21, a player must have
been born on or after 1 September 2002 and before 1 September 2005).
so no(12/12/2001)

[WoodleyRoyal]

What’s the deal with the cat 1 status of the academy? I think it’s reviewed every ‘x’ number of years isn’t it? Anyone know when the next review is? And the likelihood of remaining cat 1?

I see over on the general football section stranded posted the following about the post brexit transfer market

‘ From 1st Jan, it's going to be harder for English clubs to buy talent from abroad.

Players from the EU will need a work permit based on a points system and clubs can only buy 3 u21 non-British players per window, 6 in any season and none under the age of 18.’

It seem now is as important as ever to keep the status. As the price of homegrown players is going to surely go up with the new rules.

[Snowflake Royal]

What’s the deal with the cat 1 status of the academy? I think it’s reviewed every ‘x’ number of years isn’t it? Anyone know when the next review is? And the likelihood of remaining cat 1?

I see over on the general football section stranded posted the following about the post brexit transfer market

‘ From 1st Jan, it's going to be harder for English clubs to buy talent from abroad.

Players from the EU will need a work permit based on a points system and clubs can only buy 3 u21 non-British players per window, 6 in any season and none under the age of 18.’

It seem now is as important as ever to keep the status. As the price of homegrown players is going to surely go up with the new rules.

I'd hope we're on for retaining it given the absolute deluge of talent it's given us recently. And the amount of money we've been investing in it and the new training facilities.

[WoodleyRoyal]

What’s the deal with the cat 1 status of the academy? I think it’s reviewed every ‘x’ number of years isn’t it? Anyone know when the next review is? And the likelihood of remaining cat 1?

I see over on the general football section stranded posted the following about the post brexit transfer market

‘ From 1st Jan, it's going to be harder for English clubs to buy talent from abroad.

Players from the EU will need a work permit based on a points system and clubs can only buy 3 u21 non-British players per window, 6 in any season and none under the age of 18.’

It seem now is as important as ever to keep the status. As the price of homegrown players is going to surely go up with the new rules.

I'd hope we're on for retaining it given the absolute deluge of talent it's given us recently. And the amount of money we've been investing in it and the new training facilities.

Oh for sure that my feeling too. My only concern and I have no basis for this concern is gilks up to keeping the cat 1 status. I mean us mere mortals have no real idea about what goes on behind the scenes. I assume he’s doing a job. However Dolan and Ged Roddy were hugely experienced. Gilks is a bit wet behind the ears. I would hate that we missed out because some sort of red tape. Because as you rightly point out Ian everything is place and we are seeing the fruits of it.

[From Despair To Where?]

I doubt it all falls on Gilkes' shoulders. A lot of the business and compliance side of the Academy will be done at board level.

From what I've heard, Gilkes is also considerably less "wet behind the ears" than you give him credit for.

[ayjaydee]

One of the criteria for Cat 1 status is covered training facilities. The dome at the Madstad is now redundant as the land was sold (to the Thais?) for development.
A substantial amount of money has been invested in a similar facility sited at Forest School to ensure we retain Cat 1.

[Snowflake Royal]

One of the criteria for Cat 1 status is covered training facilities. The dome at the Madstad is now redundant as the land was sold (to the Thais?) for development.
A substantial amount of money has been invested in a similar facility sited at Forest School to ensure we retain Cat 1.

IIRC one of our weak points previously was education facilities, which is why we started partnering with Forest School, to sure that side up.

[Royals and Racers]

Just a reminder that tomorrow evening(Friday 11th) the Royals U 18`s play Aston Villa U 18`s in the 3rd round of the FA Youth cup KO 7pm which is being played at the Madejski stadium behind closed doors. The match is being streamed live on the Reading FC youtube channel- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAQTJd6HwNA
This is bound to be a big test for the team as currently Villa top the Premier league U 18 south table with 22 points from 9 games whereas the Royals are down in 10th with 8 points from their 9 games- Reading have played Villa once this season losing 3-1 away in September.
Edit even though the RFC website says the game is at Bearwood- it`s not !!!!

[Royals and Racers]

Congratulations to Reading FC- team posted on the Academy twitter at exactly 6pm
Team
Boyce-Clarke
Ashcroft
Paul
Stickland
Abbey
Talent-Aryeetey
Hamilton-Olise
Camara
Samuels
Melvin-Lambert
Ehibhatiomhan
Subs
Collins
Sackey
Maudner
Abrefa
Clarke
Purcell
Anderson

[morganb]

I realise this is the U18s but is there anyone who is obviously missing who might therefore be on the bench (or better) tomorrow?

[Royals and Racers]

I realise this is the U18s but is there anyone who is obviously missing who might therefore be on the bench (or better) tomorrow?

No

[SCIAG]

I realise this is the U18s but is there anyone who is obviously missing who might therefore be on the bench (or better) tomorrow?

Tetek, but you knew that already. Other than that this is our strongest side.

Villa are also fielding a strong side including Louie Barry.

Some accidental rude commentary being provided by “Liam” manning the camera.

[Royals and Racers]

I realise this is the U18s but is there anyone who is obviously missing who might therefore be on the bench (or better) tomorrow?

No

Sorry- Tetek just gets in on age.

[SCIAG]

Any idea who is in each shirt? I’ve got the back four, goalkeeper, and Melvin-Lambert but otherwise I’m stuck.

Abbey just went down but seems to be OK.

[Royals and Racers]

1-0 well worked goal

[SCIAG]

1-0, great team goal, NML with the finish.

[SCIAG]

Ropey equaliser that, all involved will be disappointed.