Running from 18-24 March, the EFL’s Youth Development Week highlights the crucial role being played by EFL Clubs in creating the next generation of players.
Latest figures show that EFL Academy-developed players have made over 3,000 appearances across the Championship, League One and League Two so far this season.
The Academy of Light has produced a plethora of homegrown talented players that have gone on to feature in the first-team squad with the latest our Under-21s captain, Harrison Jones.
U21s midfielder Harrison Jones has spoken about the moment and “honour” of being called up to represent his boyhood club at first-team level.
The 19-year-old is full of confidence following a frustrating 12-month period ravaged by injury and is looking to push on and let his football do the talking.
“As a Sunderland fan, I've been to all the Sunderland games all my life, so being able to represent the club is an honour. I told my family straight away and they were all happy for me.
“There is no feeling like scoring and after a year out it's great to be back playing most of all and scoring goals is a bonus, but something I want to keep doing alongside helping the team win,” he added.
U21s assistant Lead Coach John Hewitson has been part of Jones’ development since the age of 9 and is delighted to see the midfielder fit again and showing everyone what he is capable of on the pitch.
“Harrison is the type of player we call a diamond; he has got fantastic technical ability and has continued to show real leadership skills,” Hewitson said.
“When you look back at the facts, he missed the whole of last season due to injury, he has done remarkably well to consistently perform and he certainly merits his first-team opportunity.”
Ambitious Jones is looking for further first-team call-ups before the season draws to a close in May but understands he must consistently perform at U21 level to catch the attention of Mike Dodds.
“Hopefully more opportunities on the bench for the first team and just keep doing well in the Premier League 2. I want to keep enjoying my football and have fun at the same time,” he explained.