In the next edition of our monthly magazine Inside United, released in mid-December, we take a detailed look at the innovative new Academy Alumni scheme which seeks to significantly extend communication with past Academy players, offering informal education, workshops and, ultimately, creating a virtuous network of enthusiastic young men entering new stages of their careers.
Academy graduates maintaining their United association beyond their initial departures is nothing new. Coaches and other staff are in regular contact with their old players, and have been for years. One of those graduates, Joe Thompson, is now playing a key role as advisor to the Alumni project.