In a week of dramatic success on the pitch, Manchester United’s Academy also celebrated the achievements of our players away from football.
The Under-18s put in an impressive display at Manchester City for an opening day victory in the U18 Premier League, which they won last season, before defeating Leicester City in the U18 PL Cup on Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile, the Under-21s backed up a wonderful comeback EFL Trophy win with a four-goal haul at home to Stoke City.
Players involved in all of those wins were receiving exam results during August, and all Academy staff, especially those in the Education department, were proud of their efforts.
At GCSE level, students across the country were collecting their results last Thursday, and our players were no different. The majority of our new scholars achieved excellent grades, with a dozen grade 8s (equivalent to A* in the old system) and six grade 9s, the highest possible grade.
More than 85% of second-year scholars achieved their target grade or above, with 10 achieving a Btec Extended Diploma (worth three ‘A’ Levels), including five full distinction profiles (Tom Myles, Ruben Curley, Louis Jackson, Jack Kingdon and James Nolan). Another 10 have successfully completed the Sporting Excellence Professional (SEP) at Distinction level while three are at the mid-point of their ‘A’ Level programmes.
“As an Education team, we are delighted with the achievements of our players across our Academies over the last year,” said Ian Smithson (Head of Education).
“As well as seeing some significant successes in final outcomes at both GCSE and Btec level, we are delighted that some players are embarking on ‘A’ Level study, with academic options now part of the curriculum we offer for players, alongside our well-established first-class vocational courses.
“Similarly, players in our U21 age groups are taking the opportunity to further themselves by taking on part-time degrees and Education short courses. This bodes well for the future, as young players demonstrate a real commitment to their personal development, and our programme is evolving to enable this.”
Two Under-21 players (Sonny Aljofree and Dermot Mee) have begun a three-year part-time Bachelor of Arts honours degree with the Professional Football Association (PFA) in Football and Business Management, with six signing up for short courses in Entrepreneurship and Cybersecurity at UA ‘92.
Players in our Girls’ Academy are also celebrating some highly impressive results.
“Five girls finished their PGA journey with two players now already in the USA starting their degrees and enjoying American life,” explains Vanessa Walker (Education Officer).
“All girls secured the Extended Diploma in Sport with one achieving the highest grade possible of D
DD*.
“The new cohort received their GCSE results this week with some outstanding grades, well done to all. Special mention to one particular player who achieved five grade 9s amongst her 8s and 7s! All will start their A Levels and BTECs in September.”
https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/academy-weekly-29-august-2024
