During the close season, the annual Leeds United Academy Under-18s signing night was held at Elland Road to welcome the new cohort of Under-9s players making their first steps towards professional football. 14 talented youngsters from across West Yorkshire signed their first deals to commemorate taking their places in the Academy set-up at Thorp Arch.
The event was presented by pre-Academy manager Daniel Kearney, Lead Under-8s to Under-10s coach Luke Lyons and Senior Scout Paul Duffy. Academy Manager Martin Diggle was also present, speaking about the journey of the players and welcoming everyone involved into the Leeds United family.
Under-21s coach and former Leeds United Academy graduate Danny Rose made an appearance too, talking about his journey and coming full circle at the club. His talk gave an insight into progressing through his career as a Premier League regular and England international before returning to the club in the same Academy set-up he graduated from, this time in a senior role.
Current first team duo Ao Tanaka and Wilfried Gnonto were surprise guests on the night, presenting each player who signed their first deal at the club with a gift box that included a customised shirt featuring their name and the year 2026 on the back.
Commenting on the presence of the first teamers, Daniel Kearney said: "To have the support from the first team players at this event meant so much to the families and players and we are extremely fortunate at Leeds United to receive the backing and support of the first team players, continually strengthening the link and connection between the academy and first team."
On the day, players and families had unique opportunities to have professional photographs of the contract signing, in the Legends' Lounge and overlooking the hallowed Elland Road turf. To finalise their special day, players had the one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the pitch at Elland Road, with families forming a guard of honour and cheering them on from the stands as they took to the pitch many of them will be seeking to return to in the future.
