Highlights from the Stevenage FC Academy 2024–25 season showcasing progress along the EPPP development pathway for youth players.
Based in Hertfordshire, Stevenage runs a category 3 academy.
Stevenage FC Scholars 2024/25
These 8 prospects will join the Stevenage FC Academy for the 2024/25 season.
- Max Woodford (Goalkeeper)
- Alfie Thornett (Defender)
- Frankie Impey (Defender)
- Ryan Doherty (Midfielder)
- Lenny Brown (Midfielder)
- Riley England (Midfielder)
- Tatenda Mutunga (Midfielder)
- Frank Norris (Forward)
The scholars will spend two seasons with the U19s, competing in the Youth Alliance League (South), Youth Alliance Cup, and FA Youth Cup.
Stevenage FC Academy Players On Loan 2024/25
- Rylee Mitchell (Goalkeeper) Oxford City
- Owen Cochrane (Defender) Maidenhead
- David Hicks (Forward) Potters Bar; Aveley
- Harrison Smith (Forward) Worthing
- Makise Evans (Forward) St Albans City; Tonbridge; Hampton & Richmond
- Ryan Doherty (Midfielder) Potters Bar Town FC
- Lenny Brown (Forward) Bishop’s Stortford FC
- Ellis Bates (Defender) Bedford Town FC
- Albie O’Keefe (Midfielder) St Ives Town FC
- Oliver Reeve (Defender) Aveley
- Louie Henry (Defender) Potters Bar
Stevenage FC Academy Products in 1st Team 2024/25
- Max Woodford (Goalkeeper) #50
- Makise Evans (Forward) #35
- Ryan Doherty (Midfielder) #37
- Alfie Thornett (Defender) #38
- Riley England (Midfielder) #39
- Lenny Brown (Forward) #40
- Rylee Mitchell (Goalkeeper) #41
- Ellis Bates (Defender) #43
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, Stevenage U18 are drawn in Group G against under-18 teams from Luton Town, Milton Keynes Dons, Northampton Town and Cambridge United.
U18 Youth Alliance Cup Group Stage
- Won at home against Luton Town U18 (2 – 1)
- Won away against Cambridge United U18 (4 – 3)
- Won at home against Milton Keynes Dons U18 (5 – 2)
- Lost away against Northampton Town U18 (4 – 0)
The U18 Youth Alliance Cup Sectional Quarter-Finals
- Lost at home against Oxford United (3 – 1)
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
Stevenage U18 are drawn in Group E against under-18 teams from Colchester United, Charlton and QPR.
- Lost at home against Colchester U18 (2 – 0)
- Won away against Charlton U18 (3 – 2)
- Won away against QPR U18 (3 – 0)
Stevenage FC Academy News
8th October 2024
At just 15 years old, Ryan Doherty set a new record by becoming the youngest player to ever debut for Stevenage FC.
19th October 2024
In the 1st round of the FA Youth Cup, Stevenage FC have been drawn away to Milton Keynes Dons.
4th November 2024
After beating MK Dons U18s away 4 – 0 in the first round, Stevenage has secured a place in the second round of the FA Youth Cup.
5th November 2024
Stevenage U18s have been drawn at home against Cheltenham Town in the 2nd round of the FA Youth Cup.
15th November 2024
In the 3rd round of the FA Youth Cup, Stevenage have been drawn at home to either Exeter City or AFC Dunstable if they win their match against Cheltenham Town.
18th November 2024
Stevenage secured a dominant 4 – 1 (1 – 1 normal time) victory over Cheltenham Town to advance to the third round of the FA Youth Cup.
19th November 2024
Following Exeter’s win over AFC Dunstable in the second round, Stevenage will now play Exeter City in the 3rd round of the FA Youth Cup.
21st December 2024
The FA Youth Cup journey came to an end for Stevenage after a third-round loss 1 – 0 at home to Exeter City.
3rd January 2025
Harrison Smith has joined St Albans City on a permanent deal from Stevenage.
3rd May 2025
Ellis Bates made his EFL League One debut against Bolton Wanderers, coming on as a substitute for club captain Carl Piergianni.
Youth Players Released
- David Hicks (Joins Reading FC)
- Makise Evans (Joins Colchester United)