Thirteen players took the big step in their blossoming football careers this week by signing their contracts at a special event at the Etihad Stadium.
Charlie Albinson, Sam Tattum, Jose Angel Tasende, Nathaniel Oseni, Yvan Wassi, Kean Bryan, Tom Holland, Denzeil Boadu, Bersant Celina, Brandon Barker, Joe Nuttall, David Brooks and Thierry Ambrose put pen to paper on Saturday night in front of proud family and friends.
View the pictures from this gallery: First year scholars: Image gallery
The young Blues listened to inspirational speeches from Head of Academy, Mark Allen and new u18 boss Jason Wilcox, who both stressed the hard work and challenges which await.
Patrick Vieira, head of the EDS, was also on hand to celebrate with the youngsters and offer the benefit of his experiences of a playing career at the top of the footballing pyramid.
All the new recruits now take their place in the u18 squad, and are already back in training at Platt Lane ahead of a preseason trip to Croatia this month along with Vieira’s EDS squad.
In the final season at Platt Lane before the move to the City Football Academy in time for the 2014/15 campaign, Wilcox has high hopes for the group at his disposal.
“There is a lot of talent in this group,” explained the former England international. “I think we’ve got to aim to win the league and FA Youth Cup – as well as getting as many boys into Patrick Vieira’s EDS squad as we can.”
We will be keeping you up-to-date throughout the season on the site and on twitter.
