Academy Watch - 20/5/2026

Our Academy sides have now wrapped up their 2025/26 campaigns, with both the U17s and U19s producing some excellent performances throughout the season.

The U17s signed off with a narrow 4-3 defeat away at EFL side Harrogate Town AFC, with goals from Mackenzie Gibson, Rory McEvoy and Spencer Ashcroft. Despite missing out on the title on the final day, the young Spartans finished just four points off top spot in NLFA Division H.

Meanwhile, the U19s finished 6th in the NLFA North Division following an injury-hit second half of the season, having been firmly in title contention earlier in the campaign. Following the conclusion of the season, Max Campbell, Robbie Kinniburgh, Luke Parker, Dean Cochrane, Ryan Ndiweni and Promise N'Zumbu will all graduate from the Spartans Academy system this summer

Lead Academy Coach and First Team Manager Marc Nash summed the campaign saying:

“It's been another excellent season in the academy with sone very strong performances. The U19's going unbeaten in the league until February when our goalkeeping injury crisis occurred and derailed a title charge”.

He added: “The 17's along with Hartlepool were again the youngest team in the league sending out our 1st years every game. Only 4 points off the top was a great achievement. Locally, both sides done the league double over both South Shields and Gateshead proving we can compete with the full time clubs once again”.

“I'd like to thank Fents and the other staff for all their hard work and the players for their effort and commitment, especially those who leave us after three brilliant years. We now look forward to the new intake producing the consistency we've shown and see who can reach the first team like many have done before them these last few years”.

The club would like to congratulate all of the staff and players throughout the academy on yet another positive season.