Salford City Football Club announce new graduates from their under 16’s academy programme. The players were given a lap of honour during Salfords’ goalless draw against Gillingham earlier this month (11/04/26).
These players will join the under 18 side next year. Salford City have a Category 3 academy and will play clubs such as Wrexham A.F.C, Walsall FC and Port Vale.
The Salford academy will provide education, housing and opportunities to help these players further their footballing careers.
Dylan Lovell, 16 years old, has signed a 2-year scholarship contract with The Ammies after a successful trial in October last year.
Dylan who is a goalkeeper for the under 16’s said that it was a ‘brilliant experience’, and one that he would ‘never forget’.
Dylan also said, “It was amazing to meet and see all the fans”.
It was a record setting attendance at the Peninsula with 4,303 fans in attendance, with tickets only costing £1.40 to celebrate 100 years of Salford.
Dylan has said he is ‘excited but nervous’ with what the next two years have installed and especially moving away from his home in North Wales.
Dylan also added, “To get where you want to be you almost need to be comfortable being uncomfortable”.
Dylan played at Crewe Alexandra academy for 8 years before being released at the end of last year, with him eventually going on a trial period at Salford.
Dylan said, “It has been really easy to integrate with the rest of squad.
“Really happy with my decision and thought I did well in the trial”, he went onto say.
In 2012, the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) was introduced by the EFL and Premier League with the aim of improving each team’s academy systems.
The EPPP policy split academies across English football into four categories.
The academies are ranked via the club’s financial situation, whilst still supporting and evolving their academy footballers.
Salford academy achieved a category 3 status from the 2023-24 season, with it running from Under-9s to Under-18s.
Manchester United has a category 1 status, meaning they can develop young players all the way up to under 23’s.
Accrington Stanley closed their academy in May last year due to operating costs, which left fans ‘upset and disappointed’, but have now recently announced a new youth team.
Starting from next season, Accrington Stanley will have a ‘brand-new Youth Team’ with the guidance of First Team Captain, Seamus Conneely, and other UEFA-qualified coaches.
Accrington Stanley have refused to comment on the matter.
The Salford under 18’s compete in the EFL Youth Alliance North, the EFL Youth Alliance Cup, and the FA Youth Cup.
They currently sit 9th out of 21 teams in the EFL Youth Alliance North and are on 39 points.