Wilcox and Guardiola hail another Under-18 Premier League national title | OneFootball

Jason Wilcox and Pep Guardiola have praised everyone involved with City’s Academy after a third straight U18 Premier League National final triumph.

City came out 2-1 winners over southern champions West Ham United after extra time in the final to seal an unprecedented run of titles dating back to 2020/21.

The Blues defeated Southampton and Fulham in the final of the previous two seasons. We were also awarded the 2019/20 title on a points-per-game basis when the campaign was cancelled due to COVID.

Ben Wilkinson’s side have followed in the footsteps of their predecessors and made history as we become the first club ever to win the title four years in a row.

After Brian Barry-Murphy’s Elite Development Squad claimed a third successive Premier League 2 title, it’s been another special year for the Club’s Academy.

Academy Director Wilcox’s pride shone through after the most recent success, stating: “Winning the Under 18 Premier League National title for a third season in a row is the perfect way to end an excellent campaign for our Academy.

"The players have played some excellent football again this season – exactly the kind of style we want to see at all age groups across our Academy system,

“While development is central to our day-to-day programme at the Academy, winning titles reinforces that this Club is doing the right things on and off the pitch in terms of creating good footballers and good people.

“So many people work hard every single day to make sure our Academy is the bets it can be. This win is for all of them.

“Congratulations to all of the staff and players that have worked so hard for this historic achievement.”

Those sentiments were echoed by first team manager Guardiola.

“Our Under-18s have again done something special this season,” he said.

“To defend the title they have won in the last two seasons and experience the pressure of a final shows the outstanding mentality of all players and staff.

“The way they have played, taking the game to their opponents and always looking to score more goals, is a great display of the football we want to play at City.

“I want to say a huge congratulations to Ben, his staff and all the players. Make the most of this special moment, I know it has taken a lot of hard work!”