The Academy 2012/13
An Academy is not just a building, group of young players and coaches or a scheme. It encompasses all of these things, but more importantly it is a philosophy, a culture and a way of doing things.
Cardiff City Football Club has always been centred around the local community. The great players and teams throughout the Club's history have been built on local boys and local talent. We have a proud history of nurturing young stars of the future and continue to maintain our commitment to youth development by doing it in the correct way.
Under the guidance of Academy Manager Dick Bate, the Academy identifies, recruits and coaches aspiring professionals so as to maximise their potential under the very best professional development programmes. In addition to their football development, we work closely with schools and colleges to ensure that our players receive the very best education during their time with the club - a culture overseen by Education and Welfare Manager, Steve Ellis.
Those who make the grade at the end of their school-boy days are offered every chance of breaking into the first-team. Those who don't make the grade are given the correct support for pursuing their careers elsewhere, be it in, or outside of the football environment.
Below are brief profiles of our 2012/13 under 18 squad.
Anthony Bell
Midfielder
An energetic left-sided midfielder, Anthony has made an immediate impact at u18 level having joined us in September 2012. Now in the second year of his apprenticeship, Anthony completed his first year with Darlington F.C.
Jaye Bowen
Midfielder
A clever, quick-thinking midfielder who was unfortunate with injuries last term. Always smiling, Jaye is a great character to have around and will hopefully follow in his father Jason's footsteps by playing for the first team.
With a further u18 season to follow next year, Jaye has established himself in this season's squad whilst offering cover for the Development side.
Yora Enzam
Striker
Congo-born Yora is a pacey centre-forward who contributed greatly to Cardiff City's successful u16 campaign of 2011/13. With the ability to take on board information and utilise it on the field, Yora is benefitting significantly from the full-time training he is receiving at Glamorgan Sports Park this term.
Dane Griffiths
Striker
A strong and pacey centre-forward, Dane was plagued by injuries in earlier years of his development. However, he has proven that he has the ability to compete at under 18 level after having done so competently last season.
Gethyn Hill
Striker
Gethyn is a tall striker with very good, quick feet who has impressed in recent seasons by scoring many an important goal at under 16 level.
He progressed well in the under 18 category during the first-year of his Academy Scholarship last season and has continued to do so this term. Has also been regularly involved in Kevin Cooper's Development Squad, scoring in a number of substitute appearances. An age-level Welsh international.
Thomas James
Full-back
Tom enjoyed a very impressive 2011/12 u16 season and has really progressed over the past twelve months. He is comfortable playing in either full-back position and has show composure in central defence when called upon. A shy and retiring character with an admirable attitude and dedication to his career.
Liam Matthews
Goalkeeper
Swansea-born Liam has been with Cardiff City throughout his school-boy years and shared u18 goalkeeping duties with Dave Richards throughout the 2011/12 season. Now working with Academy goalkeeping coach Lee Kendall, Liam continues to progress as he strives to emulate the graduating-success of older cousin Adam.
Kane Owen
Defender
Kane is a regular in Dick Bate's under 18 squad and has also featured for the Developement side on a number of occasions this season.
A natural full-back, Kane appeared as a substitute centre-half against Swansea City and Colchester United in autumn Development fixtures, highlighting his adaptability and commitment to the cause.
Tyler Roche
Midfielder
Bridgend-born Tyler is an exciting wide midfielder who can beat any defender on his day with quick feet and explosive pace. A very modest, unassuming individual, he has added a new dimension to our u18 ttacking play in his first seaosn at this age level.
Macauley Southam
Midfielder
'Macca' is a Cardiff lad who can play a number of positions in midfield and has an ability to find good areas on the pitch to make himself available. One of a number of our new Apprentices this season who enjoyed a successful u16 campaign last season.
Ben Watkins
Midfielder
Ben is a whole-hearted midfielder who shows commitment in everything he does, both on and off the pitch. He has become a prominent part of the u18 setup this season after having played at this level on a number of occasions last term. A tenacious and determined ball-winner who adds genuine strength to our midfield.
Curtis Watkins
Centre-half
Curtis is a highly-rated central defender who represented Wales in the Victory Shield last season. He shows athleticism and composure whenever he plays and has continually proven himself able to cope with the best strikers at u9-u16 level. Curtis is relishing the opportunity of tackling the physical element of u18 football this season as his promising development continues.
Bradley Wickham
Full-back
A modest and humble character who shows a quiet confidence whenever he plays. Brad is a very solid, consistent and dependable full-back who excels at the Academic element of the Apprenticeship programme as well as on the field.
Bradley Williams
Midfielder
Hereford-born Brad is one of the elder statesmen of the squad, now in his second year with the u18 setup. A solid and physical central midfielder who offers presence on the pitch and good character off it.
Josh Yorwerth
Centre-half
A second-year scholar, Josh is a dominant centre-half who possesses leadership quality, bravery and good technical ability. An excellent Victory Shield tournament with Wales last season proved that Josh has all the potential to become a top-class defender.