They made a decision not so long ago at Manchester City that academy players should have additional educational choice.
A long-standing partnership with the independent school, St Bede’s — where Pep Guardiola’s children were taught — has always been an attraction to families, but there is a realisation that others may thrive in different, less gilded, surroundings.
Private education is not for everybody and there is now a link with Barlow High School, a comprehensive five miles from the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City were rocked by the death of former academy player Jeremy Wisten this week
‘We have to find the right academic platform for our boys,’ City’s academy director Jason Wilcox says.