On Wednesday evening, the inaugural Academy Celebration Evening was held at Cardiff City Stadium.
The event recognised the hard work of players, staff and parents alike as the Academy continues to take positive strides forward.
First Team head coach Brian Barry-Murphy and his assistant Lee Riley were in attendance, along with our Academy graduates, current prospects, dedicated staff and players' families.
The evening began with our Academy graduates receiving recognition for taking steps on the international stage, with Rubin Colwill, Joel Colwill, Isaak Davies, Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio all receiving a gift from the Academy, fittingly presented by young prospects in their playing position.
There were also three categories of awards given to players, voted by their teammates: The 'I am Bluebird' award, the 'Rising Leader' award and the 'Emerging Bluebird' award.
We'd like to thank Sporting Ads, Velta, ARC Electrical and CryoCube, the sponsors of the event!
The following players received awards in the three categories:
I am Bluebird Award: Max (U9), Cameron (U10), Adedamola (U11), Elliot (U12), Rhys (U13), Caio (U14), Munyaradzi (U15), Charlie (U16), Ollie Walsh (U18), Jack Kingdon (U21).
Rising Leader Award: Jacob (U9), George (U10), Adedamola (U11), Adam (U12), Isaac (U13), Finley (U14), Hugo (U15), Taona (U16), Tom Prickett (U18), Jac Thomas (U21).
Emerging Bluebird: Rio (U9), Colbi (U10), Elliot (U11), Joey (U12), Jack (U13), Jayden (U14), Gruffydd (U15), Axel (U16), Robert Tankiewicz (U18), Robert Tankiewicz (U21).
As well as awards voted by teammates, there were also awards voted by staff presented in four five categories, with the winners as follows:
Foundation Phase - Outstanding contribution to Academy life: Elliot
Youth Development Phase - Outstanding contribution to Academy life: Paul
Professional Development Phase - Outstanding contribution to Academy life: Jack Sykes
Day Release Star: William
Staff - Outstanding contribution to Academy life: Lawrence Hallett
Speaking in the Ricoh Lounge at CCS, Academy Manager Gavin Chesterfield said: "I reflect proudly on this evening. We've not done an awards night like this previously and we're trying to go after celebrating the journey and focusing on all the things that Academy life can offer and I think that came cross tonight. I'm grateful for all the staff for all their hard work and they're often unsung heroes.
"It's nice to be able to spend time together in this setting, with the First Team players being here as well, that gives our Academy boys something to strive towards. You can't be something without being able to see it and we're excited for the future of Cardiff City Football Club."