Newport County Academy 2025–26 season showcasing progress along the EPPP development pathway for youth players.
Based in Wales, Newport County AFC Academy runs a category 3 academy.
Newport County Retained List 2025
View the complete list of Newport County players who have been retained, released, or have returned to their parent clubs following loan spells.
Newport County Academy Players On Loan 2025/26
- Nelson Sanca (Defender) Llanelli Town
- Corey Evans (Midfielder) Yate Town
- Sam Watkins (Defender) Stebonheath Park
- Jac Norris (Midfielder) Llanelli Town
- Riley Lonergan (Midfielder) Cardiff Met; Newport City
- Moses Alexander-Walker (Forward) Bath City
Newport County Academy Players in the First Team 2025/26
- Nelson Sanca (Defender) #31
- Moses Alexander-Walker (Forward) #27
- Harrison Pugh (Midfielder) #36
Newport County Academy Competitions
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 Cup Group Stage
Newport County U17 will play against Under-17 teams from Swindon Town, Exeter City and AFC Bournemouth.
- Newport County U18 won away against Exeter City U17 (0 – 4)
- Newport County U18 won away against Swindon Town U17 (2 – 3)
- Newport County U17 lost at home against AFC Bournemouth U17 (0 – 7)
Round of 32
- Newport County U17 lost away against AFC Wimbledon U17 (7 – 2)
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.
U18 Youth Alliance Cup Group Stage
- Newport County U18 lost away against Stevenage U18 (3 – 0)
FA Youth Cup
First Round Proper
Newport County U18 have been drawn at home against Tiverton Town U18
- Newport County U18 lost at home against Tiverton Town U18 (2 – 2) (3 – 4 on Pens)
- Jed Osbourne
- Harrison Pugh
Newport County Academy News
16th May 2025
Five academy players have been offered their first professional contracts with the club, following a series of impressive performances during the 2024-25 season.
Corey Evans, Morgan Evans, Moses Alexander-Walker, Riley Lonergan, and Sam Watkins have all earned professional deals.
Lonergan, C. Evans, and Alexander-Walker have each been offered one-year contracts, while M. Evans and Watkins have been presented with six-month deals.
4th November 2025
Newport County U18s’ FA Youth Cup run came to an end after a 2-2 draw and a 3-4 defeat on penalties at home to Tiverton Town U18s.
13th November 2025
Second year scholar Harrison Pugh made his first team debut against Exeter City in the Vertu Trophy.
14th January 2026
Defender Sam Watkins has left the Exiles after his contract expired, having spent part of the current campaign on loan at Stebonheath Park.