Norwich City’s academy graduates have impressed first team head coach Dean Smith this season, training with the rest of the squad regularly.
Some of the faces included in training sessions are Tony Springett, Jonathan Tomkinson, Flynn Clarke, Liam Gibbs, Abu Kamara and Ken Aboh. Under-18s coach Greg Crane is delighted to see the progress those players have been making.
“It’s really good for the lads to see that progression," he said. "Ken Aboh got a little snippet of what it’s like to train with them last week, which was brilliant for him. It’s really good for our lads to get the opportunity to be put in front of the manager and his staff and show them what they’re about.”
Some of the youth team have had call-ups on first-team matchdays when injuries or illness have overcome the squad, with Rowe regularly making a name for himself off the bench in many recent games.
“They’re representing the academy and the work that we all do as a group so they’ve got to take that onto the first team level and show those boys that they can handle it on that stage," added Greg.
“Hopefully, the manager will put them in a squad, on the pitch and even start them, so it’s a good message for our young lads. What you do on a daily basis is what you’re working towards. That’s embedded in our philosophy with our academy players as well, so it’s something that’s within our roots.
“For me, with my role seeing the boys across there, long may it continue because they’re all doing the academy proud.”
Head of football development Steve Weaver is the link between the two sides, selecting players that will not only challenge the first team in training but step up to represent the club.
“He flits between the two groups and knows all the boys," said Greg. "He’s coached them, worked with them and sees them in every game, so it’s sort of what the first team need.
“It’s about who deserves it and is going to show the academy in the best light. It could be a number of different reasons why, but they’ve got to use it as a chance to impress and they have to be ready for that opportunity.”