Following on from the Academy Alumni programme launch last season, the club was pleased to welcome five former academy players back to Carrow Road before the Canaries' final home game against Swansea City.
Launched last summer and believed to be one of the most ambitious schemes of its kind in the country, the programme provides wellbeing support, guidance and pathways back into football, including opportunities at other clubs.
The initiative was created to strengthen the club’s long-standing value of belonging, while ensuring young players continue to feel connected to Norwich City beyond their time in the academy.
On the programme, Isaac Burrage said: “To be able to engage with our alumni and their parents regularly and then have them present at our annual celebration event shows the community we are creating. Norwich City is, and always will be, a part of their lives.
“Leaving our academy can be a difficult transition, but I’m proud of the resilience and commitment our alumni have shown to be the best version of themselves, and to remain a part of our amazing football club. As we follow our clubs transition model, their next year will entail further opportunities for growth.
"It was great to welcome Oscar, Patric, Ben, Hayden and Zach with their families.
"They were all given a letter from ourselves regarding their first year of transition, a certificate with their designated alumni number, marking their legacy that will forever be a part of Norwich City, as well as a shirt ahead of the game against Swansea City.
“It’s important for me to highlight the emotional impact their journey has on them as young people and the resilience they must show. Our alumni programme makes a difference, and alumni should be proud of the people they are, as their parents and I are extremely proud of them all.
“Once a Canary, always a Canary.”
Looking ahead, the club’s ambition is to build a thriving alumni community through organised events, networking opportunities and fixtures against other alumni teams across the country.