Under-18s Lead Coach Oliver Reiss says he and his team will be looking to create memories on Friday night by securing our place in a third successive FA Youth Cup final.

We welcome Blackburn Rovers to the Joie Stadium on Friday 10 April, with kick-off set for 19:00 (UK).

The game will be available to watch live on TNT Sports 1, with tickets for the game also available here.

Our Under-18s have had in incredible cup run so far, beating Fulham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton to reach the final four.

And in our latest outing, Reiss will be looking to guide his team to a second successive final during his tenure.

“It’s proof of our quality,” said the Lead Coach when asked about the impressive consistency of our Under-18s in the prestigious competition. 

“There are a few players in the squad who lost in the final last season, and whilst I cannot speak for them, I’m sure them and the younger players want to win this [competition].

“And for some of them this is their last chance to win it so that is extra motivation.”

The year before Reiss took charge in the summer of 2024, now Elite Development Squad Lead Coach Ben Wilkinson led the Under-18s to FA Youth Cup glory with a 4-0 win over Leeds United at the Etihad.

For Reiss and his team, City’s previous success in the competition is providing extra motivation for the team to create their own similar memories to the class of 2023/24.

“When looking back we want to try and make it better to the season before [losing to Aston Villa in last season’s FA Youth Cup final],” began Reiss.

“But also the season before when Ben Wilkinson and his team won the cup and to show them ‘hey is this not something nice to reach?’.

“So the motivation for the players is of course becoming a professional player some day, reaching the highest level possible [in the senior game].

“But also how can we create moments, create memories? Wouldn’t it be nice to have our own picture like two years ago of Ben, the staff and the team [lifting the trophy].

“I want us to look back in 10 years and say what a time, what a final, what a semi-final, what a moment to win this trophy.”

Friday’s opponent, Blackburn, are a familiar foe for City.

A fellow Under-18 Premier League North side, this will be our third encounter with the Rovers this season.

Our young boys in blue did the double over them in the league with a 7-3 win at home before a 5-0 triumph in the reverse fixture.

But, similar to City’s FA Youth Cup squad, Blackburn will likely have different personnel involved.

“We know that there are four or five players who normally play with the Under-21s coming down so our preparation is a little different,” Reiss explained.

“Of course knowing them from the league gives us a little bit of an idea of what they will try to do against us.

“But again, when you have four or five top players joining the team, things can change.

“So that’s why for us we will approach this game differently compared to our Premier League games.”

 FA Youth Cup ties provide our Under-18s with the unique opportunity to play at the Joie Stadium.

It’s played host to our fantastic cup triumphs over Fulham, Arsenal and Everton and this Friday, City are focused on providing another exciting match for the fans.

“It’s always special for us to play in front of our fans at the Joie Stadium,” said Reiss.

“Especially when it’s a night under the lights, we are really looking forward to it.”