With the 2023/24 fast approaching its end, we’re now looking to recruit players for next season’s Youth Team Development Squad.
The club would like to hear from eligible players who are interested in joining the squad for the 2024/25 season.
Eligible players are those who fall under the U17 category for the 2024/25 season, meaning they will be school leavers in 2024.
If you're aged 16-17 during the 2024/25 season and you want to join this programme, please apply by emailing football.applications@oldhamathletic.co.uk including brief details about your football experience.
The Course
Unlike most other courses, the Oldham Athletic Development Squad is based on site, at the first-team stadium, with training taking place at the Little Wembley training facility, in a full-time environment.
Players have access to, and use the same facilities the first-team players use, such as Glo Gym.
Not only is it an excellent education in terms of a qualification, with the chance to obtain an NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity, but there will be a platform to fulfil your potential at both football and education.
Unique Opportunity
Each member of this year’s squad has trained with the main youth team, whilst a number of players have already been rewarded with the fantastic opportunity of training with the Oldham first team.
This chance is created by the squad being based at Boundary Park, indicating that there is a clear pathway for those joining us.
It’s an opportunity, not only to showcase footballing talent, but also to get a feel for how a professional football club operates, on and off the pitch.
Those joining the programme will receive an academic qualification alongside their football training, with the team competing at a high standard in the National League Youth Alliance.
More details are available by downloading the 2024/25 Development Squad flyer here.
Unrivalled Experience
Our Academy structure is overseen by Paul Murray, himself a former top-flight midfielder and Oldham captain.
The Head Coach of the Development Squad is Nicky Adams, another ex-Oldham player, who has enjoyed a fantastic playing career, earning a reputation as a consummate professional.
Nicky has spent the past six months working with this year’s crop on a daily basis.
Training three times a week at Little Wembley, one of Nicky’s players have already reaped rewards from the programme, with Theo Andrew officially making the step up to join the main youth team in December.
“I’m really happy for Theo that he’s been given his opportunity in the youth team,” said Nicky
“He thanked us for the chance we gave him, and that’s exactly what we’re about, giving them the platform to kick on from where they’ve joined us.
“It’s down to them to grab it with both hands, and show us what they can do.
The programme provides a great baseline for young players to showcase their ability, using the fantastic facilities at Boundary Park.
Nicky added, “The provisions we have here are fantastic for the level the first team are at, let alone any of the youth teams.
“Little Wembley has a rich history of fantastic players playing on it, the first team use it, and it’s where we train and play our games.
“That’s on the footprint of the first team stadium, which holds 13,500, where they’ll interact with and be around a professional football club.
“It’s the perfect breeding ground for a young footballer.”
Register Today
Do not delay in registering your interest to join the Development Squad.
If you're aged 16-17 during the 2024/25 season and you want to join this unique programme, email football.applications@oldhamathletic.co.uk including brief details about your football experience.
Applications will be received by Head of Academy Operations & Education, Phil Arbelo-Dolan.
