Landon Smith reacts as Hartlepool United launch exciting new plans for Under-21 development squad
Hartlepool United have launched a new Under-21 development squad.
Hartlepool United has announced the club is to launch a new Under-21 development squad in a major boost to the younger players.
Academy chiefs say the new professional development U21 squad will provide an ‘important bridge between the Academy structure and the first team environment’. Pools’ Academy currently supports six teams and more than 120 players across its development system.
A club statement read: “Working closely alongside Academy and first team staff, the U21 professional development squad will help create greater consistency across playing style, recruitment, coaching standards and player development throughout the football club.
“The introduction of the U21 squad forms part of Pool’s wider long-term football strategy and reflects a continued focus on building a modern and sustainable pathway capable of preparing young players for the demands of senior football both on and off the pitch.”
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Alex Cross, Academy manager at Pools, said: “Over the past few months we’ve carried out a full review of the Academy programme as part of the wider work taking place across the football club, and the introduction of the U21 Professional Development Squad is another important part of that process.
“Landon has been hugely supportive throughout and his backing has allowed us to continue strengthening the pathway for young players at the club. The addition of the U21 Professional Development Squad gives us another important stage within the player pathway and allows us to be more patient and methodical in preparing young players for senior football. Our aim is to create an environment where ambitious young players can see a genuine opportunity to progress, develop and push towards first team football at Pools.
“In recent years we’ve seen players progress into the first team and move on to EFL clubs, and we believe this next step will help us continue building a strong conveyor belt of talent at the club.”
Pools owner and chairman Landon Smith said: “One of the key priorities since arriving at Hartlepool United has been reviewing the player development pathway across the football club and identifying ways we can continue strengthening opportunities for young players. The introduction of the U21 Professional Development Squad is another important step within that process and reflects our commitment to building a structure that gives talented players the best possible environment to develop and progress.
“Alex and his staff have been doing an outstanding job and we want to continue supporting that work by investing in the pathway and giving them the tools, structure and support needed to continue growing the Academy in the right way.
“What has impressed me most is the professionalism, care and dedication shown by Alex and his staff every single day. They are fully committed to developing young players properly and creating standards that reflect the ambitions of this football club. At a club like Hartlepool United, creating opportunities for talented local players is hugely important. We want young players to see a clear route into senior football and believe the Professional Development Squad will play an important role in strengthening that pathway at Pools.”
Players aged 18-20 with a playing background who are interested in joining Hartlepool United’s new U21 Professional Development Squad are encouraged to register their interest by completing the application form: HUFC Interest Form - Professional Development Squad Application.
If the Hartlepool United player pathway is of interest and you are aged between 15-17, you can also register your interest in joining the Club’s Academy programme via: https://form.jotform.com/243376190247358
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