Colchester United Academy 2024-25

Highlights from the Colchester United Academy 2024–25 season showcasing progress along the EPPP development pathway.

Colchester United runs a category 2 academy based in Essex.

Colchester United Scholars 2045/25

Eight young players will continue their football journey with the U’s Academy, having signed deals to join the U18s squad for the 2024/25 season.

  1. Owen Moore
  2. James Sasere
  3. Dwayne Campina Do Vale
  4. Daniel Banjoko
  5. Leo Makatta
  6. Herbie Shaw
  7. Ronnie Harvey
  8. Olufela Abidekun

Colchester United Academy Players On Loan 2024/25

  1. Oscar Thorn (Forward) Chelmsford City
  2. Frankie Terry (Defender) Braintree; Yeovil Town
  3. Kien Connolly (Forward) Maldon & Tiptree
  4. Max Jolliffe (Midfielder) Maldon & Tiptree
  5. Hakeem Sandah (Forward) Maldon & Tiptree
  6. Alfie Bendle (Midfielder) Chelmsford City; St Albans City
  7. Harrison Chamberlain (Goalkeeper) Cray Valley PM
  8. Joel Thompson (Defender) Aveley
  9. Frankie Edwards (Defender) Chelmsford City
  10. Kyreece Lisbie (Forward) Braintree

Colchester United Academy Products in 1st Team 2024/25

  1. Samson Tovide (Forward) #9
  2. Alfie Bendle (Midfielder) #20
  3. Joel Thompson (Defender) #26
  4. Oscar Thorn (Forward) #31
  5. Hakeem Sandah (Forward) #34
  6. Kien Connolly (Forward) #39
  7. Frankie Terry (Defender) #40
  8. Max Jolliffe (Midfielder) #41
  9. Frankie Edwards (Defender) #43
  10. Oliver Godziemski (Forward) #45
  11. Harrison Chamberlain (Goalkeeper) #46
  12. James Sasere (Forward) #48
  13. Rash Drysdale (Forward) #47

Colchester United Academy Competitions For 2024/25

U18 Professional Development League Cup

Established for the 2021/22 season, the Professional Development League Cup features 32 teams divided into eight groups of four.

The group winners advance to the knockout stages.

U18 Professional Development League Cup Group Stage

Colchester United U18 are drawn in Group E against under-18 teams from Stevenage, Charlton and QPR.

  1. Won away against Stevenage U18 (2 – 0)
  2. Won at home against QPR U18 (3 – 0)
  3. Won away at Charlton U18 (3 – 1)

U18 PDL Quarter-Finals

  1. Won at home against Bolton Wanderers U18 (2 – 1)
    • David Nkrumah
    • James Sasere

U18 PDL Semi-Finals

  1. Lost away against Sheffield United U18 (4 – 2)
    • Kai Martin (2)

U21 Premier League Cup

The Premier League Cup was introduced in the 2013/14 season to enhance competition during the Professional Development Phase.

It added a knockout tournament alongside the regular league schedule. For the 2024/25 season, the format features nine groups.

The top team from each group automatically qualifies for the knockout stage, along with the seven best second-placed teams.

Colchester United are drawn in Group E against under 21 teams from Blackburn Rovers, Queens Park Rangers and Preston North End.

U21 Premier League Cup Group Stage

  1. Lost away against Blackburn U21 (2 – 1)
    • Frankie Terry
  2. Drew at home against QPR U21 (1 – 1)
  3. Lost away at Preston North End U21 (2 – 1)
    • Kaleel Green
  4. Drew at home against Blackburn U21 (1 – 1)
    • Amine Sassi
  5. Won away at QPR U21 (1 – 0)
    • Kaleel Green
  6. Won at home against Preston North End U21 (2 – 1)
    • Hakeem Sandah
    • Rashaad Drysdale

Colchester United Academy News

19th October 2024

In the 1st round of the FA Youth Cup, Colchester United have been drawn at home to Hackney Wick FC.

29th October 2024

After beating Hackney Wick FC 4 – 2 at home in the first round, Colchester has secured a place in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.

4th November 2024

Colchester United U18s have been drawn away to Burgess Hill in the 2nd round of the FA Youth Cup.

15th November 2024

In the 3rd round of the FA Youth Cup, Colchester have been drawn away to either Merstham or Forest Green Rovers if they win their match against Burgess Hill on the 27th of November.

27th November 2024

The FA Youth Cup journey came to an end for Colchester United after a second-round loss 2 – 2 (5 – 4 on penalties) away at Burgess Hill.

3rd January 2025

Frankie Terry has been recalled at the end of his loan spell at Braintree Town.

Alfie Bendle has been recalled from his loan at Chelmsford City where he made 13 appearances in all competitions.

13th February 2025

Joel Thompson has signed on a permanent deal to Finn Harps from Colchester United

20th February 2025

Colchester United U18s are set to face Sheffield United in the semi-final of the Professional Development League Cup on Wednesday, March 5th.

26th February 2025

Sam Kuffor signs for Colchester United U21s from Maldon & Tiptree and gone back to the Jammers on loan.

8th April 2025

Kyreece Lisbie has been recalled from his loan at Braintree Town and will now rejoin Colchester United, linking up with the U’s first team squad for the rest of the season.

17th May 2025

Colchester United has offered development contracts to Elkanah Akor, Alfie Newby, and Kai O’Flynn Martin.

2nd June 2025

Academy Players Released

  1. Rash Drysdale
  2. Alexander Kokoshi
  3. Alamin Kosoko
  4. Burak Sabah
  5. Jack Sexton