ACADEMY TALENT IS OFF TO HULL CITY 62347

Glenavon Academy will take a squad of sixteen U-17 players to Hull City this weekend. It is the latest in a series of trips organised by Academy Manager, Jeff Magee. v5d6a

“We have been to Chelsea, Norwich City/Ipswich Town and Aston Villa,” said Jeff. “Each time we have played one or two games, had a Training Centre tour and have been able to spend some time together.”

Jeff feels that the excursions have all been beneficial. “It is chance for our lads to play against professional academy teams, showcase their talent and see the type of facilities there are in England,” he explained. “We have had very positive from all the clubs we have visited.”

Chelsea has already invited the Glenavon Academy to return to its Cobham training centre next season. “That shows that we made a good impression,” added Jeff. “Although the top English academies have players from all over the world, their coaches want to see the standard here in Northern Ireland. They are always on the lookout for young players. Who knows what doors might open for one or perhaps even more than one of our lads through a trip like this?”

The party which travels to Hull will be led by coaches Chris Chambers, Mark Porter, Jack Ross and Tim Lennon from the under-20s and under-18s.

The group will include many of the Under-18s’ players who have reached the Mid-Ulster Youth Cup Final.

The decider against Dungannon Swifts U-18s, postponed a couple of weeks ago, will now be played at Stangmore Park on Wednesday 30th April 2025 at 7-45 pm.

The Glenavon Website hopes to publish a preview early next week.