Created ahead of the 2021/22 season, The Harrogate Town AFC Academy aims to create an environment for enthusiastic individuals to flourish and support first team operations.
All players are encouraged to show creativity and individuality whilst further developing an outstanding work ethic, desire to succeed and positive attitude as a base to allow further development both on and off the pitch.
We combine coaching with education to produce confident, respectful, talented & creative individuals in a professional football club environment.’
The Academy will be headed up by Academy Manager Paul Stansfield, who will be supported by an outstanding and experienced team which includes Head of Youth Coaching Josh Law, Head of Goalkeeping Phil Priestley, Academy Secretary Josh Walsh, Academy physiotherapist Laura Rhys-Williams, Sports Scientist Will Macgregor and Lee Barraclough as Head of Recruitment.
The Team
The Academy will be based at West Riding FA along with the current first team and compete in the EFL Youth Alliance North East, allowing regular competitive fixtures and a clear pathway and progression through the ranks. Home fixtures are played at York St John University.
Fixtures & Results
Pre Season 2022
Saturday 9th July
Mansfield v Town - 12pm
Friday 15th July
Harrogate Railway v Town - 7.30pm
Saturday 23rd July
Knaresborough Town v Town - 3pm
Our inaugural season ended with a respectable 11th place finish, with Emmanuel Ilesanmi, Ben Tweed and Brad Williams all making their first team debuts, as well as other Academy players regularly training with the first team and being involved in the match day squad.
2021/22 Season
Our two-year football scholarship incorporates football and education delivered by the LFE (League Football Education) with scholars leaving with a BTEC qualification.
For news regarding the progress of our Academy, follow
@HarrogateYouth on Twitter.