Leeds United are a club that value their young players. Over the past few years, Thorp Arch has produced some outstanding youngsters with some on the path to the first team.
Archie Gray is the most recent success for the club; he had a fantastic breakout season but was unfortunately sold for a big fee later. Pascal Struijk, who was signed at a young age, played through the ranks and is now one of the club’s key players. Crysencio Summerville is also another success story from youth level. Kalvin Phillips was also a big name that left the club years ago.
This current crop of Leeds youngsters are tipped for stardom. The likes of Harry Gray, Alfie Cresswell and Rory Mahady all showed their quality last season when they lifted the National League Cup, beating professional senior sides to the trophy.
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from in the 2000s?
Aaron Lennon set for Leeds United return
Aaron Lennon Credit: Imago
And over the summer, the club has been adding new faces to the technical team at U18 and U21 levels. Jonny Howson came on board as a player/coach and now, Leeds are set to bring back a former academy graduate.
It was reported last month that Aaron Lennon was set for a role with the U18s at Thorp Arch. It has now been confirmed that the former England winger is now active in the academy. Lennon had recently worked with Leeds in May last year, but left for family reasons.
“I was coaching Leeds’ under-18s last season, which I really enjoyed. I decided not to do that this season (2024/25) though as I’m due to become a dad again any day now. We already have a three-year-old, so it’s the time to just enjoy being a dad.
“I’ve been doing some punditry as well, which I have really been enjoying. I’m looking to do more of that this season and also take up the coaching again when the time is right.”
Experience will only improve crop of youngsters
Having former players like Aaron Lennon and Jonny Howson around the youngsters will only be a positive influence. As players who have come through the youth tanks, they can convey their wisdom onto the current crop of players.
And with how talented these youngsters are, it will not be a surprise if some find themselves in the first team soon.
