Introduction

The Burnley Youth Team squad consists of players aged between 16 and 18. Known as apprentices, they spend two years with the club and also at college, where they undertake a 'Modern Apprenticeship In Sporting Excellence'. After the second year, players are either released or taken on as professionals.

Burnley's Youth Team compete in the Youth Alliance League North West Conference, a regional division in the North-West of England. The fixtures in the first stage of this competition run until the New Year, when teams are separated into further leagues dependent on their final league position. These newly-formed divisions are known as The Merit League and the fixtures are no longer as regionally based.

Aside from the league competitions, there is also the Youth Alliance Cup, when teams are initially set out in mini-divisions of four teams, of which the winners progress to the next round.

Nationally, the main competition is the FA Youth Cup, which is in many ways similar to the FA Cup. However, for this competition, Burnley are unable to field third year scholars, whose age deems them ineligible. This often results in younger players from the Centre Of Excellence being used for these games.

The Players

(There are currently no third year apprentices at Turf Moor)

Second Year Apprentices (correct at May 31, 2007)

Adam Kay -Date of Birth: 05/03/90

Born in Burnley, Adam is a product of St. Theodore's High School and was ever present in the very successful Lancashire Schools FA team. A skilful and athletic central midfielder who has made several appearances for youth reserve and youth sides, he came to the Centre of Excellence from local junior side Borrowdale United. Adam was registered as a first team player in December 2007, handed the squad number 25.

Rob Turner - Date of Birth: 29/09/89

A big bustling striker who lives in Preston and attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Blackburn. Came to the Centre several years ago and after averaging two goals per game was promoted to the Youth Team. He has represented the Youth Team over the last three years and also played for the reserves. Played in the Lancashire FA Youth Cup Final and the successful Lancashire Schools FA team.

Dean Stott - Date of Birth: 05/10/89

An aggressive defender from Burnley who also attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Blackburn. After being at the Centre since U11's he played regularly for the youth team last year. Another representative from the successful youth side in the 2006 Lancashire FA Youth Cup and the Lancashire Schools FA.

Thomas Bradley - Date of Birth: 21/01/90

An aggressive, left sided local player from Gawthorpe who over the years at the Centre has earned the nickname 'Chopper'. Bradley can play in most positions and after nearly a season out with a cruciate injury recovered to play for the Youth team in 2006 and finished the season on a high with an outstanding performance for the Youths in the Lancashire FA Youth Cup Final. Continued his progress last season.

Lewis Craig - Date of Birth: 20/11/89

Hailing from Barnoldswick, this tricky winger qualified for Scotland and played for them in last season's U16's Victory Shield. After several successful seasons at the Centre of Excellence he regularly played in the Youth team last season. Yet another youth team representative in the final against Blackpool and the Lancashire Schools FA Team.

Alex MacDonald - Date of Birth: 14/04/90

Joined the Centre at the beginning of the 2005/06 season, having been spotted playing for Cheshire Schoolboys. A diminutive, but quick, strong and aggressive player from Warrington, Alex has become a regular feature for the Youth and Reserve teams and a highlight was undoubtedly coming off the bench in the 2006 Lancashire FA Youth Cup Final and scoring two excellent winning goals. In March 2008, he stepped up to train with the Clarets first team.

Jonathan Sergeant - Date of Birth: 06/01/90

Goalkeeper hailing from Northern Ireland, who was spotted by the same scout that brought Kyle Lafferty to Turf Moor. Brave and an excellent shot-stopper, Jonathan is currently Northern Ireland's U16's stopper and he hopes to eventually follow Kyle into the full Irish Squad.

First Year Apprentices (correct at May 31, 2007).

Nik Kudiersky - Date of Birth: 15/02/91 

A big, strong and uncompromising central defender. Comes from Glossop, has played for Manchester county team and has been at the centre for roughly a year and a half.

Wes Fletcher  - Date of Birth: 28/02/91

An intelligent striker who brings other players into play and holds the ball up very well. Is from Ormskirk and was on Liverpool's books. Has played for Lancashire county and has been at the centre for the last three months.

Stef Ritchie -  Date of Birth: 13/11/90

A tall goalkeeper who was on Blackburn Rover's books initially and has been at the centre for approximately 6 months. Played for the youth team at the end of last season.

James Craggs - Date of Birth: 02/10/90

A local lad from Burnley who has been at the centre for a number of years. A very quick winger, he was the Burnley sprint champion and has played for Lancashire County.

Alex-Ray Harvey - Date of Birth: 04/04/90

A left-footed, aggressive, ball-winning central midfield player. Again a local Burnley lad who has been at our centre for a number of years. Has played for the reserves and youth team in the past, whilst also featuring in the Lancashire county team.

Ben Hoskin - Date of Birth: 08/10/90

From Accrington, nephew of Ash Hoskin. A quick, aggressive full-back who is good in the air, again been at the centre for a number of years and has played for the youth team this season. Also plays for Lancashire county. Delivers a great ball with his right foot going forward.

Dan Brown - Date of Birth: 16/04/91

Central defender from Warrington with lots of pace, who is very strong and actually plays for Cheshire county. Was once on Blackburn Rover's books and has been at the centre for the last six months.

Chris Anderson - Date of Birth: 02/10/90

Otherwise known as scorer! Central midfield player and local Burnley lad who has been at the centre for a number of years. Again an aggressive player who has played for the youth team this season and Lancashire county.

Matt Lomas - Date of Birth: 01/10/90

From Bolton and was on Bolton Wanderer's books until recently. A left-back although right-footed can use both feet and has lots of pace. Loves getting forward and again can deliver a good cross.

Chris Lynch -  Date of Birth: 31/01/91 

Tall central-defender who is actually from Blackburn. Plays for Lancashire County and has been at the centre for a number of years. Strong in the air and composed on the ball, to quote Vince Overson, he looks like Matt Dawson but I'm not saying he plays like him!

Dil Chagger - Date of Birth: 02/12/90

Hails from Milton Keynes but his family moved over to Germany as a child, where he eventually played for Moenchengladbach and Rheindahlen juniors. The youth development staffs have kept tabs on him for about 12 months. A central or right-sided midfielder who is a good athlete and comfortable on the ball.