Latics Youth Team Development Squad recruiting new players

Following a successful first year, the Oldham Athletic Youth Team Development Squad is now looking to recruit players for next season. 

With a unique chance of being based at Boundary Park, the exciting programme provides young people with a brilliant opportunity to receive professional football training alongside studying for an academic qualification. 

The club wants to hear from eligible players who would like to register interest in joining the squad from 2024. 

Eligible players are those who fall under the Under-17 category for the 2024/25 season, meaning they will be school leavers in 2024. 

The Course 

Unlike most other courses, the Oldham Athletic Youth Development Squad is based on site, at the first-team stadium, with training taking place at the Little Wembley training facility, in a full-time environment. 

Plans are underway for Little Wembley, with an application submitted in September to transform the area into a 4G pitch, perfect for use by the development squad. 

Players have access to, and use the same facilities the first-team players use, such as Glo Gym. 

Not only is it an excellent education in terms of a qualification, with the chance to obtain an NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity, but there will be a platform to fulfil your potential at both football and education. 

Unique Opportunity 

Each member of this year’s squad has trained with the main youth team, whilst three players have already been rewarded with the magnificent opportunity of training with the Oldham first team.

This chance is created by the squad being based at Boundary Park, also showing that there is a clear pathway for those joining. 

It’s an opportunity, not only to showcase footballing talent, but also to get a feel for how a professional football club operates, on and off the pitch. 

Those joining the programme will receive an academic qualification alongside their football training, with the team competing at a high standard in the National League Youth Alliance. 

Unrivalled Experience 

The club’s Academy structure is overseen by Paul Murray, himself a former top-flight midfielder and Oldham captain. 

The Head Coach of the Development Squad is Nicky Adams (pictured above), another ex-Latics player, who has enjoyed a fantastic playing career, earning a reputation as a consummate professional. 

Reflecting on this year’s programme and looking towards next season, Murray is delighted with how the opening months have gone and is also excited for what’s to come. 

“Everyone involved is so proud of what we’ve achieved in the first 12 months of our development programme," he said. 

“The progress the players have made is fantastic, which has led to five of them training with the first team. 

“We have an experienced Head Coach in Nicky Adams, who’s played nearly 700 professional games over a 17-year career. 

“The programme is bespoke and unique compared to other courses, we’re based next to the first team’s stadium, and use the same facilities as they do. 

“Off the pitch, we’re building a 4G training pitch on Little Wembley, complete with changing rooms and education facilities, based adjacent to Boundary Park. 

“We’re all excited for what the second year holds, and we can’t wait to see it flourish.” 

Potential players are urged not to delay in registering your interest to join the Development Squad. 

If you're aged 16-17 during the 2024/25 season and you want to join this unique programme, email Head of Academy Operations and Education, Phil Arbelo-Dolan, at: phil.arbelodolan@oldhamathletic.co.uk

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