Future Tykes: Barnsley’s Academy in 2024/25 – Progress with Purpose

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03 Jun 2025 13:00

Barnsley FC’s Academy system continues to operate as one of the club’s most valuable long-term assets, with the 2024/25 season providing further evidence that Oakwell remains fertile ground for developing talent. While few supporters regularly watch U18 or U21 fixtures in person, there’s a growing recognition that these squads play a crucial role in shaping the first-team picture—especially in an era where budgets are tight and homegrown options offer both value and identity.

This season’s journey for the Academy—split between the U18s under Nicky Eaden and the U21s under Tom Harban—was marked by growth, tactical sophistication, and no shortage of challenges. But behind the results lies a clear throughline: development with intent. Barnsley are not just fielding young teams—they are building players equipped for League One football and beyond.

Inside Oakwell's Youth Blueprint

Barnsley operates a Category Two Academy under the EPPP framework, giving it access to strong competition while maintaining autonomy over player progression. The U9–U21 development pathway is supported by a robust infrastructure at the Oakwell Training Ground, including dedicated coaches for each age phase, performance analysts, and a growing emphasis on psychological and academic support. This holistic approach was particularly visible in 2024/25, with a number of players stepping seamlessly from youth football into the fringes of the first-team environment.

Under Conor Hourihane’s interim stewardship of the senior side, alignment between the first team and Academy became more visible, with tactical philosophies—such as possession-based build-up and midfield pressing structures—mirrored across all levels. That integration helped accelerate development for several standout individuals.

U18s: Technical Growth and Tactical Maturity

Barnsley U18s finished sixth in the Professional Development League (North) with a record of 13 wins, five draws, and 13 defeats. While a top-four playoff spot remained just out of reach, the team displayed considerable attacking quality and a maturing tactical identity.

Nicky Eaden oversaw a structured 4-2-3-1 that prioritised fluidity in wide areas, vertical support from midfield, and front-foot defending. The midfield double pivot enabled clean transitions and allowed creative players like Jonathan Bland and Jack Woodcock to receive the ball in advanced areas.

Jonathan Bland: Central Intelligence

The captain was again a standout performer, delivering 10 goals and 8 assists while dictating tempo from central areas. Bland’s capacity to play both as a deep-lying No. 6 or a more advanced No. 8 made him indispensable, and his senior debut in League One came as no surprise. His tactical awareness and set-piece delivery are already at first-team standard.

Fabio Jalo: Purpose and Precision

Jalo contributed 12 goals and 7 assists in U18 action, regularly operating from the left and drifting into central lanes. His dribbling efficiency (63% success rate) and ability to affect matches in tight spaces suggest he’s ready for greater senior responsibility. Jalo also made notable contributions in League One and EFL Trophy games, underlining his status as a dual-squad asset.

Others Making Strides

Jack Woodcock: Midfielder with sharp instincts, seven goals at U18 level, and increasing exposure at U21.

The U18s combined attacking fluidity with defensive discipline, conceding just 41 goals across 31 matches. Late-season consistency remains an area for refinement, but the squad’s balance of technical ability and competitive edge bodes well.

U21s: Bridging the Gap to Senior Football

The U21s endured a tougher campaign in Premier League 2 Division 2, finishing 9th out of 11 with seven wins and 30 points from 31 fixtures. On paper, it was an underwhelming return. In reality, the team faced constant squad rotation due to loans, injuries, and first-team call-ups.

Tom Harban’s side played primarily in a high-tempo 4-3-3, with a focus on creating central overloads and progressing through midfield. However, defensive fragility—especially when key players were absent—proved costly. The side conceded 62 goals, and while there were moments of promise, they struggled for cohesion in key stretches.

Standout Contributors

Fabio Jalo again led the way with nine goals in U21 competition, adding incision from the left.
Vimal Yoganathan progressed through the U21s before a productive loan at Oldham. A tall, composed central midfielder, he offers calm in tight areas and good distribution range.
Luke Alker provided creativity and pressing energy in advanced midfield roles.

At the Back: Holding the Line

Kieren Flavell returned from two ACL injuries to reclaim the starting spot. Three clean sheets and 88 saves across 22 games marked a solid return. He also earned five senior appearances.
Connor Barratt missed key games due to international duty with Ireland U21s but remains a highly rated centre-back. His composure and aerial strength make him one of the more senior-ready defenders in the setup.

Despite the inconsistencies, the U21s succeeded in exposing players to near-first-team intensity and preparing several for higher challenges. Development took precedence over results—evident in the number of players who transitioned upwards.

More Than Just Matchdays

One of the more encouraging signs this season was the Academy’s ability to navigate setbacks—be it injuries, fixture congestion, or player departures—without losing identity. The commitment to integrating tactical learning and psychological support was evident in how players responded to adversity.

Notably, 12 players trained with the first team on a regular basis from January onward. Seven appeared in EFL Trophy fixtures, and five earned senior debuts. The progression from training pitch to matchday squad felt deliberate, not tokenistic.

Furthermore, the Academy continued to support community and education efforts, with 186 instances of player involvement in Barnsley FC Community Trust initiatives. This dual emphasis on player and person development remains a core strength.

Looking Ahead: Who’s Ready to Step Up?

A number of players are expected to push for more regular senior involvement next season:

Jonathan Bland: Expected to feature heavily in pre-season and challenge for league minutes.
Fabio Jalo: Could be a regular in Cup competitions and a rotation option in the league.
Kieren Flavell: Likely to compete for the starting goalkeeper position depending on senior movements.
Connor Barratt: Strong contender for EFL Trophy starts and squad rotation.
Vimal Yoganathan: If not loaned again, will be pushing for a place in Hourihane’s midfield group.
Luke Alker and Jack Woodcock: Each brings a specific strength and will be assessed closely in pre-season.

Loan strategies will also play a key role, with Barnsley likely to seek placements that mirror first-team systems and offer guaranteed minutes.

Final Thoughts: A Quietly Productive Campaign

Barnsley’s Academy didn’t deliver silverware in 2024/25, but what it did offer was something far more valuable: clear signs of steady evolution. The systems are in place. The coaches understand the identity. And the talent pipeline—from U18s through to senior exposure—is functioning with real intent.

While supporters may not yet be travelling en masse to U21 fixtures, there’s increasing awareness that the future of the club may well lie not in the next marquee signing, but in the next Bland, the next Jalo, the next Flavell.

The Academy remains one of Barnsley FC’s greatest strengths. And this season, it did exactly what it’s supposed to do: develop talent, test resilience, and prepare the next generation for the reality of professional football.

That’s not just good news. That’s long-term strategy made visible.