We conclude Youth Development Week by catching up with Academy Manager Gavin Chesterfield to reflect on the hard work, commitment and drive of the Academy staff to strive towards further progress.
“For me in terms of what this week means, one it’s a celebration of the great work that is going on across the country for youth development, across all clubs at all levels,” Gavin began.
“Specifically, our interest is in what we do at Cardiff City and I’m immensely proud of the work that the staff do, the hours they put in to enrich the lives of our young people at the Club. I generally reflect proudly. There’s nothing quite like one of your own scoring in front of The Canton Stand.
“I still think there’s loads to improve upon and it’s all about the chase for us getting better each and every day. I think the children and the staff really buy into that.”
There have been plenty of positives across the 2024/25 campaign for the Academy, ranging from First Team debuts and being competitive in the age groups, as well as developing off the field.
Gavin continued: “We reflect on the campaign largely with positivity. In terms of the teams at the top end of the spectrum, the U21s and the U18s have gone deep in cup competitions, have been competitive in their league programmes and have produced some really good performances against Category One opposition as well.
“Throughout the rest of the Academy, from the U16s down to the pre-Academy, there has been some real success and positive performances. One barometer of success is competing and going deep into competitions, but the most important thing for me is the long-term plan and seeing the individual growth of the players.
“That requires a lot of things to come together to make it work. The staff and the parents ensure that scaffold is around the players to ensure they can come to the Academy and give their best self.
“That’s the bit I’m most proud of. The players come into the Academy with a smile on their face and I’m proud of the work that the staff are doing.”
The Academy are constantly striving towards development and improvement, as Gavin concluded with an insight on what is next.
“I think we can always get better in every department,” he told us. “The staff are constantly pushing themselves to improve. The ‘we not me’ thinking is a vital part of our growth.
“Our Academy base in Llanrumney and the investment made I think will pay dividends. The general positivity about young players at the Club is something we can all be proud of and something that we’re thankful for.
“I still believe that the best is yet to come in terms of transitioning into a First Team environment. The First Team staff have been excellent in improving our training minutes for Academy players. They get to sample what good feels like, looks like and sounds like. They get to be around players that have had incredible careers and off the back of that, that serves as motivation.
“I’m really pleased with where the boys are at in terms of their adaptation to the First Team and long-term, I think the future of the Club is in good hands.”