Unearthing the next big thing
U23 Academy football vs National League - who wins in the endless debate?
21.07.22, 17:11 Updated 11.06.25, 16:23
Rarmani Edmonds-Green. Luke Woolfenden. Brendan Sarpong-Wiredu. Brandon Hanlan. Wes Foderingham. Reeco Hackett-Fairchild. Alfie Doughty. What do these names have in common?
Each one of them was a promising Football League academy talent when they arrived at Bromley on loan. And, subsequently, they’ve all forged successful careers at a higher level. Wes Foderingham is perhaps the standout performer, having represented Glasgow Rangers with distinction in the Scottish Premier League.
With so many examples of Bromley being a successful finishing school for promising talent, it rather begs a question. Why don’t more EFL/PL clubs utilise the National League in preference to U23s football?
Premier League 2 notwithstanding, a narrative exists that U23 football lacks rigour and focuses too much on style over substance.
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