Highlights from the Walsall Academy 2024–25 season showcasing progress along the EPPP development pathway for youth players.
Based in West Midlands, Walsall FC Academy runs a category 3 academy.
Walsall FC Academy Players On Loan 2024/25
Youth players on loan.
- Douglas James-Taylor (Forward) Drogheda United
- Charlie Wragg (Forward) Bromsgrove Sporting; Alvechurch FC; Halesowen Town FC
- Jaiy Leydon (Midfielder) Redditch United; Redditch United
- Jenson Kilroy (Goalkeeper) Hereford Pegasus; Stratford Town
- Tom Owen (Defender) Dudley Town
- Jackson Preece (Midfielder) Newcastle Town
- Cayden Bennett (Defender) Romulus
- McLoyd Oben – Romulus
- Dylan Thomas (Midfielder) Redditch United
- Stan Straw(defender) Alvechurch FC
- Ronan Maher (Midfielder) Tamworth
- Josh Essen (Midfielder) Redditch United
- Kobe Wilkes (Defender) Bedworth United
Walsall FC Academy Products in 1st Team 2024/25
- Dylan Thomas (Midfielder) #27
- Charlie Wragg (Forward) #34
Walsall FC Academy International Players 2024/25
- Younusa Kanyi – England U15 Camp
Walsall Academy Competitions For 2024/25
U18 Youth Alliance Cup
The EFL Youth Alliance Cup is a youth football tournament in England, organized by the English Football League (EFL). It features under-18 teams from League One and League Two clubs that compete in the EFL Youth Alliance, the league system for these academies.
The competition follows a format like the EFL Trophy, beginning with a regional group stage before progressing to a national knockout phase.
Designed to foster young talent at lower-tier EFL clubs, the tournament provides a structured competitive environment beyond regular league matches.
In the group stage, Walsall U18 are drawn in Group E against under-18 teams from Forest Green Rovers, Oxford United, Swindon Town and Cheltenham Town.
U18 Youth Alliance Cup Group Stage
- Lost away against Swindon Town U18 (3 – 0)
- Lost at home against Forest Green Rovers U18 (3 – 2)
- Lost away against Cheltenham Town U18 (6 – 1)
- Lost at home against Oxford United U18 (2 – 0)
Walsall FC Academy News
The academy participate in the Birmingham Senior Cup.
9th October 2024
Walsall FC has introduced the “Academy Alumni Project” to help players stay connected with the club after they leave the academy.
This initiative ensures that every academy graduate can maintain a lasting bond with Walsall FC.
19th October 2024
In the 1st round of the FA Youth Cup, Walsall U18s have been drawn away to Chesterfield.
29th October 2024
The FA Youth Cup journey came to an end for Walsall after a first-round loss 0 – 1 away to Chesterfield.
17th December 2024
Walsall Academy welcomed over 100 grassroots coaches from 50 different clubs, offering them an inside look at the work being done at the club.
16th April 2025
Walsall Under-15s clinched victory in the Premier League’s Coaching Craft Competition, edging out Blackburn Rovers 6–5 in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final.
9th May 2025
The Saddlers’ development team were defeated 3–1 by Rushall Olympic in the Walsall Senior Cup final, despite delivering a determined and spirited performance.