Post by Les on Jul 6, 2024 11:27:21 GMT
safc
Academy Manager, Robin Nicholls
From Jordan Henderson and Jordan Pickford to Tommy Watson and Chris Rigg - the Academy of Light has been a hub for aspiring graduates for more than 20 years now.
Ahead of the latest season – and with pre-season preparations only just getting under way – we sat down with Sunderland AFC’s Academy Manager, Robin Nicholls, to talk through his ambitions for the 2024-25 campaign.
“We put a lot of focus on individual journeys and making sure they have a programme that suits them,” he said.
“We look at results and collective performances, but we want the players to understand their pathway and how they reach the top level.”
The start of the week saw the latest cohort of scholars embark on their two-year adventure while various players further down the line on their journey’s penned professional contracts.
“There is a lot of talent and quality,” Robin continued.
“We are so pleased to get those (deals) over the line.
“Our recruitment team have done a great job highlighting players that can add something to the group.
“It is really important for the lads who sign to know they have a future here. During the last two seasons, it is impressive when you look at the number of academy players getting first-team minutes.”
The 2023-24 campaign saw the Under-21s reach the Premier League 2 Play-Off finals as well as qualify for the International Cup. Many individuals also gained valuable experience by being involved in the first-team matchday squad.
“The development of the players is the priority, and their success goes further afield with many being called up to their national team.
“Results are a good barometer of success, but we want the younger lads to develop into the Sunderland way, so they are ready if called upon.”
Both groups will travel to Italy later this month for a pre-season camp where the two sides will be put through their paces with an extensive programme and several friendly fixtures.
“The tours are so important as they provide a different experience in terms of who they face, the environment and the culture,” he added.
“Hopefully the U18s and U21s can use the trip to solidify a lot of development in a short space of time.
“The new season is just around the corner, and we want to have an impact on the lads that goes deeper than just winning.
“We constantly want to give them enriching experiences that help them improve not just as players but also as people.”
Academy Manager, Robin Nicholls
From Jordan Henderson and Jordan Pickford to Tommy Watson and Chris Rigg - the Academy of Light has been a hub for aspiring graduates for more than 20 years now.
Ahead of the latest season – and with pre-season preparations only just getting under way – we sat down with Sunderland AFC’s Academy Manager, Robin Nicholls, to talk through his ambitions for the 2024-25 campaign.
“We put a lot of focus on individual journeys and making sure they have a programme that suits them,” he said.
“We look at results and collective performances, but we want the players to understand their pathway and how they reach the top level.”
The start of the week saw the latest cohort of scholars embark on their two-year adventure while various players further down the line on their journey’s penned professional contracts.
“There is a lot of talent and quality,” Robin continued.
“We are so pleased to get those (deals) over the line.
“Our recruitment team have done a great job highlighting players that can add something to the group.
“It is really important for the lads who sign to know they have a future here. During the last two seasons, it is impressive when you look at the number of academy players getting first-team minutes.”
The 2023-24 campaign saw the Under-21s reach the Premier League 2 Play-Off finals as well as qualify for the International Cup. Many individuals also gained valuable experience by being involved in the first-team matchday squad.
“The development of the players is the priority, and their success goes further afield with many being called up to their national team.
“Results are a good barometer of success, but we want the younger lads to develop into the Sunderland way, so they are ready if called upon.”
Both groups will travel to Italy later this month for a pre-season camp where the two sides will be put through their paces with an extensive programme and several friendly fixtures.
“The tours are so important as they provide a different experience in terms of who they face, the environment and the culture,” he added.
“Hopefully the U18s and U21s can use the trip to solidify a lot of development in a short space of time.
“The new season is just around the corner, and we want to have an impact on the lads that goes deeper than just winning.
“We constantly want to give them enriching experiences that help them improve not just as players but also as people.”