Youth News: FA Youth Cup all you need to know.

Town’s U18’s play in the prestigious FA Youth Cup after a good run in it last season after they defeated Hitchin Town (A) 5-2 and Arlesey Town 1-0 (H) before a dramatic game against AFC Dunstable which ended 1-1 after 90 minutes when Town equalised in the last minute.

However, they were unfortunately defeated on penalties

Here’s all you need to know about the famous competition.

• Founded in 1952

• First winners - Manchester United

• Current holders - Aston Villa

• Most final wins - Manchester United (11)

Photo credit: The FA

Facts:

The Youth Cup trophy itself was purchased by the Football League during World War II.

However, they never found a use for it. Football League secretary Fred Howarth found the trophy in a cupboard at the Starkie Street office and handed it over to the Football Association.

The tournament has served as a springboard into the professional game for many top British players. The likes of George Best, John Barnes, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Frank Lampard, Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Joe Cole, Wayne Rooney, Theo Walcott, Daniel Sturridge, Jack Wilshere, and Gareth Bale had all won the tournament or played in the final.

The 1991–92 FA Youth Cup famously spawned the rise of Fergie's Fledglings or the Class of ‘92 as others have called them.

During Manchester United’s record of eleven wins, they won the first five in a row between 1952 and 1957 with dramatic scoreline over two-legged matches.

Manchester United 9–3 Wolves

Manchester United 5–4 Wolves

Manchester United 7–1 West Brom

Manchester United 4–3 Chesterfield

Manchester United 8–2. West Ham United

The competition changed to one-legged matches in 2018.

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