Blackpool Academy 2024-25

Highlights from the Blackpool Academy 2024–25 season showcasing progress along the EPPP development pathway for youth players.

Blackpool FC runs a category 3 academy based in Lancashire.

Blackpool FC Scholars 2024/25

These 11 Academy prospects will join Blackpool FC for the 2024/25 season.

  1. Kai Crowe (Goalkeeper)
  2. Derek Oshodi (Defender)
  3. Jack Panther (Defender)
  4. Ky-Mani Leliendal (Defender)
  5. Takudzwa Gwanzura (Defender)
  6. Oluchi Nwankwo (Defender)
  7. Harry Williamson (Midfielder)
  8. Jack Richardson (Midfielder)
  9. Spencer Knight (Midfielder)
  10. Theo Upton (Midfielder)
  11. James Butterworth (Forward)

Blackpool Academy Players On Loan 2024/25

Youth players on loan.

  1. Lennon Scholes (Forward) Squires Gate FC
  2. Connor McVeigh (Defender) Squires Gate FC
  3. Charlie Cox (Defender) Squires Gate FC; Lancaster City FC
  4. Jibran Ahmed (Forward) Squires Gate FC
  5. Taylor Bowen (Forward) Runcorn Linnets
  6. Alex Lankshear (Defender) Welling United; Ebbsfleet United
  7. Kwakwu Donkor (Defender) Welling United; Mickleover
  8. Dan Sassi (Defender) Rochdale; AFC Fylde
  9. Josh Miles (Forward) Warrington
  10. Jake Daniels (Forward) Rylands
  11. Jack Moore (Defender) Tamworth; Chorley
  12. Luke Findlow (Defender) Squires Gate FC

Blackpool Academy Products in 1st Team 2024/25

  1. Rob Apter (Forward) #25
  2. Alex Lankshear (Defender) #39
  3. Theo Upton (Midfielder) #40
  4. Spencer Knight (Midfielder) #42
  5. Jake Daniels (Forward) #43
  6. Terry Bondo (Forward) #41

Blackpool Academy International Players 2024/25

Rob Apter (Midfielder) Scotland U21

Blackpool Academy Competitions For 2024/25

U17 Professional Development League Cup

The U17 Professional Development League Cup is an English youth football tournament created for players aged 17 and under.

U17 PDL Round of 16

  1. Won at home against Grimsby Town U17 (4 – 1)

U17 PDL Quarter-Finals

  1. Lost away against Cheltenham Town U17 (1 – 0)

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, Blackpool are drawn in Group 1 against under-18 teams from Accrington Stanley, Bolton Wanderers, Carlisle United, Morecambe and Preston North End.

U18 Youth Alliance Cup Group Stage

  1. Won away against Morecambe U18 (5 – 2)
  2. Won at home against Accrington Stanley U18 (3 – 2)
  3. Lost away against Bolton Wanderers U18 (3 – 2)
  4. Won at home against Preston North End U18 (2 – 1)
  5. Lost at home against Carlisle United U18 (5 – 3)

Blackpool Academy News

In the 1st round of the FA Youth Cup, Blackpool have been drawn away to Stockport.

1st November 2024

After beating Stockport County away 3 – 0 in the first round, Blackpool has secured a place in the second round of the FA Youth Cup

8th November 2024

Blackpool U18s have been drawn away to Crewe Alexandra in the 2nd round of the FA Youth Cup. Match to be played on Thursday the 21st of November at the Mornflake Stadium.

21st November 2024

The tie against Crewe Alexandra has been postponed. A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course.

25th November 2024

Blackpool Under 18s second round FA Youth Cup tie against Crewe Alexandra has been arranged for Wednesday 27th November at the Mornflake Stadium.

27th November 2024

The FA Youth Cup journey came to an end for Blackpool after a second-round loss 2 – 0 away to Crewe Alexandra.

15th January 2025

Spencer Knight has signed his first professional contract keeping him at Bloomfield Road until June 2027.

23rd January 2025

Blackpool Under-17s progressed to the quarter-finals of the PDL Cup beating Grimsby Town 4 – 1 after extra time.

9th February 2025

Takudzwa Gwanzura has joined Norwich City for an undisclosed fee.

21st February 2025

Theo Upton has signed a professional contract, securing his stay at Bloomfield Road until June 2027.

25th February 2025

Blackpool Under-18s have advanced to the Lancashire FA Professional Youth Cup final after defeating Burnley on penalties. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Blackpool winning on penalties 5 – 3.

24th March 2025

The Under-18s will face Bolton Wanderers in the Lancashire FA Professional Youth Cup Final on Wednesday, April 2, with a 7:30 pm kick-off.

25th March 2025

Terry Bondo has signed his first professional contract with the Club.

The 18-year-old striker’s deal will keep him at Bloomfield Road until June 2026, with the Club holding an option for an additional 12 months.

2nd April 2025

Blackpool fell to a 2-0 defeat against Bolton Wanderers in the 2024/25 LFA Youth Cup final.

Under-18 Players Released

  1. Ezra Amadi-Emina
  2. Charlie Cox
  3. Jack Panther
  4. Conor McVeigh
  5. Luke Findlow
  6. Harry Norris
  7. Jibran Ahmed
  8. Taylor Bowen
  9. Lennon Scholes
  10. Layton Campbell
  11. Rhys Madu

Young Pros Released

  1. Alex Lankshear
  2. Jack Moore
  3. Jaden Jones
  4. Tyler Hill
  5. Kwaku Donkor
  6. Jake Daniels