Ben Wilkinson’s side sealed the prestigious title with a superb 2-1 victory over Southampton in Thursday’s showpiece final at the St Mary’s Stadium.
Goals from Tai Sodje, Dire Mebude secured the triumph over the Saints and set the seal on what has been a superb campaign for Wilkinson’s talented young side.
It means City are the first team in history to win three consecutive National titles, following our success over Fulham in last season’s final and our triumph in the COVID-interrupted 2019/20 season when we were awarded the title on a points per game basis.
City had already won the Under-18 Premier League North crown earlier this month and Thursday’s national triumph sets the seal on what has been a wonderful debut campaign for Wilkinson.
He succeeded Carlos Vicens as Lead Coach at the start of this season and also guided City to Under-17 Premier League Cup success earlier in the campaign.
Wilkinson’s youngsters achieved a remarkable level of consistency throughout the league campaign, winning 19 of our 26 Under-18 North games, with City losing just once since the turn of the year.
Our success was built on excellence at both ends of the pitch.
Our rock-solid defence conceded just 26 goals to end with the best defensive record in the North Divisions and second fewest amount conceded in the country.
Meanwhile we also proved to be the most potent attacking force in the country, racking up an incredible 87 goals – a feat that included a remarkable 13-0 rout of Newcastle United last month.
The Under-18s National title also rounds off to what has been a hugely successful 2021/22 campaign for City’s Academy.
Wilkinson’s side follow in the illustrious footsteps of the Elite Development Squad, who memorably retained the Premier League 2 trophy last month.
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Meanwhile, a host of exciting Academy youngsters have been afforded their first team debuts over the course of the season.
And, with Pep Guardiola’s first team knowing victory in our final match of the season at home to Aston Villa would see us retain the Premier League title, it means we are vying to secure the clean sweep of an Under-18 league title (both regional and national), the Premier League 2 and the Premier League in the same season for a second successive year.
Everyone at Manchester City congratulates Ben, the Under-18 squad and staff on this magnificent achievement.
