Reserves and Academy 2026-27

[Legion]

Fill yer boots.

[cdbearsfan]

We have qualified for the 2026/27 UEFA Youth League, which is nice.

[AV82EC]

How far did they get last time? R16 wasn’t it? Can’t for the life of me remember who knocked us out.

[cdbearsfan]

We qualified via the Domestic Champions Path this season. Entered at Second Round, eliminated in Third Round by PSV.

Previous season, we qualified because the first team made the Champions League. Finished 15th in the big group stage and won through one knockout round before being eliminated by Barcelona in the last sixteen.

So, respectable but unspectacular would perhaps be a fair summary of our efforts thus far.

[AV82EC]

Thanks cd.

[KNVillan]

Into the semi-final of the Hong Kong Sevens after beating WHU

https://x.com/i/status/2058441439755809179

Game is on YouTube
https://x.com/i/status/2058451888010326024

[Somniloquism]

Lost 2-0 to Yokohama who lost to Brighton in the final.

[Dogtanian]

Article on Rory Wilson and his loan to Sturm Graz;

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7342914/2026/06/10/rory-wilson-aston-villa-sturm-graz/

"So, at the moment, no (on Wilson returning), but he proved he can play on this level and that he is a goalscorer in training. He’s young and needs to play."

Looks like he has another two years on his contract now. According to the article, a deal was also agreed last year with Hoffenheim with a 7m EUR buy clause. So wouldn't be surprised if he gets sold this summer.

[PeterWithesShin]

Aston Villa have submitted the lists of players they will be releasing from their squads following the conclusion of the season

— I-Lani Edwards
— Ronnie Hollingshead
— Thierry Katsukunya
— Max Lott
— Calum Moreland
— Charlie Pavey
— Ewan Simpson
— Kerr Smith
— Elijah Briscoe
— Jacob Green
— Cole Ramsey
— Junior Wilson

[cdbearsfan]

We paid a couple of million for Kerr Smith, I think. Disappointing.

[paul_e]

From that list I think Katsukunya, Simpson, Smith and Ramsey were all players that were pretty highly thought of at one point. It shows just how difficult it is to turn promising 15-16 year olds into premier league players.

[PeterWithesShin]

Cole had an injury which may be of ongoing concern. Plus he celebrated Arsenal winning the league so is an obvious wrong 'un.

[paul_e]

The 5 year professional deal got ripped up in that exact moment!

[Exeter 77]

I was a bit surprised Kerr Smith was released.

[dcdavecollett]

Didn't he have a bad injury set-back?