Why don’t more fans go to watch our Under 21s?
There are a variety of factors at play here, but our youngsters deserve support this week at the MKM Stadium
Above: Captain Olly Green with the Billy Bly Memorial Trophy, which the U21s won against North Ferriby FC (Photo: Hull City Academy)
Hull City U21s (formerly U23 or Development Squad) have had a bit of a nomadic existence over the past three years - but it’s good news for Tigers fans who want to go and watch the next generation of City stars.
Last season the squad played mostly at the York Community Stadium - home of York City in the National League. Whilst a very good stadium and facility, it was not the best for fans wanting to watch the youngsters play. An hour or so for Hull based fans was never really going to bring in the crowds.
It has always been a source of frustration as to why City fans never really go to watch the U21 squad. When you look at last season, teams like Leeds United and even Manchester United were neigh on selling their grounds out for Youth Fixtures, with over 70,000 attending the FA Youth Cup at Old Trafford where United beat Nottingham Forest 3-1.
Flitting between different grounds with some kick off times when most people are at work, I completely understand why some of the fixtures may only be attended by parents or relatives. However, this season will be different - the Dransfield Stadium in North Ferriby is the location for most home games for the U21s, which should guarantee more fans attend than last year out at York.
Some games are at the MKM Stadium, too - and the first one is this week. Monday 8th August at 7pm - free entry.
Above: U21 fixtures for this year (Photo: Hull City Academy)
The Bradford City away game - which will my first away game as a fan since October 2021 - is the day after, but as the cost for the U21 game is free; at a decent time and during the summer holidays it would be a massive shame for City fans not to attend.
We have some fantastic young players at our club. Will Jarvis, Harry Wallis, Olly Green, Macauley Snelgrove - all deserve our support. For some this could be their last season in a City shirt before they move to pastures new at the end of the campaign if their options are not taken up or contracts renewed.
It’s a great opportunity to take the young fans to see the U21 as well - I’ll be taking my son as he can’t wait for Saturday at home to Norwich. He’s loved his experiences as a member so far and any excuse to go to watch live football is good enough for him.
It would be great to see several thousand at the MKM Stadium tomorrow to back the young lads. If you can, go. You won’t regret it and you may get to see the next big youth product before they break into the first team.
UTT!