Inside Thorp Arch: The academy side dreaming of FA Youth Cup glory

Tucked away on the outskirts of Leeds, the Thorp Arch training complex has become the stage for one of the most exciting academy stories in recent memory. Leeds United's under-18s side sit two wins away from an FA Youth Cup final, their best run in the competition in over a decade.

Academy manager insists the group's success is no accident, pointing to a coaching philosophy built around possession-based football and individual player development rather than results alone.

“We don't judge our academy on trophies. We judge it on how many of these boys are good enough, and ready enough, to play for the first team. This cup run is a brilliant by-product of that process.”

Names to watch

Several members of the squad have already trained with Daniel Farke's first team, with at least two expected to be involved in pre-season fixtures ahead of next season.

• A 17-year-old central defender has captained the side throughout the cup run.
• An attacking midfielder has scored in each of the last three rounds.
• The academy's goalkeeper has kept five clean sheets in six Youth Cup appearances.

The quarter-final draw will be made next week, with Leeds Zone set to provide full coverage of the club's continued pursuit of Youth Cup glory.