Larne FC are delighted to announce a new NexGen Programme for 2024 designed to give our next generation of players unique access to clubs in England, Scotland and beyond.
Following on from the success of recent trips to Newcastle United and the city of Liverpool, we’ve now put together a structured calendar for the next 12 months and secured agreements with Crystal Palace, Preston North End, Wigan Athletic, Hibernian and Den Haag. The programme will also see our youngsters return to Newcastle United, strengthening our relationship with one of the fastest growing football clubs in the world.
The new NexGen Programme will give our players the platform to showcase their ability against top academy players giving them the best chance to perform in some of the best environments youth football has to offer.
The evidence is clear that this is a system that works for our young players. Thanks to the opportunities offered from the games and coaching sessions at Newcastle United and in the Liverpool area, 4 Larne FC Academy players have been identified by clubs in England and invited back for further opportunities in the New Year.
Commenting on the NexGen Programme for 2024, Elite Academy Director Ryan Prentice said:
“We want to give our Academy players opportunities that match the quality of coaching and care that we’re proud to offer them at Larne FC. Everyone behind the scenes has worked hard to forge links in the North West of England and with Newcastle United and these ‘pilot events’ showed just how much our youngsters can thrive in such competitive places. It’s also given us the hunger and experience to develop an exciting calendar that will allow us to plan ahead and then take advantage of each and every opportunity that we have created.”
Larne FC Owner, Kenny Bruce, added:
“It’s wonderful to offer our players the chance to show just how talented they are to a much wider audience and one that could give them a huge stepping stone to playing for different clubs, in different leagues, in different countries. We want to create a unique pathway for the best Northern Irish talent to come through our Academy at Larne FC and go in whatever direction their abilities take them. I’m confident the new NexGen Programme will give us the focus, the structure and the relationships that can only benefit our youngsters going forward.”
The NexGen Programme 2024 will see fixtures and visits throughout the next 12 months delivered during School Holidays and other natural breaks within the competitive calendar. While the Progamme has been designed to expose Academy players to competitive games with teams at higher levels, the two visits in 2023 also provided valuable bonding experiences, giving our players the chance to develop as people as well as footballers.
For more information on the NexGen Programme 2024, please contact ryanprentice@larnefc.com.
