Academy Youngsters Graduate

Nine of Everton's Academy starlets have officially become full-time Everton players. Mason Springthorpe, Jasper Johns, Tom Molyneux, Mateusz Taudul (above), Ibou Touray, George Waring, Chris Long, Matthew Pennington and Connor Grant are now registered as Everton players and will work alongside the first team at Finch Farm.

Academy boss Ray Hall spoke to evertonfc.com, saying: "Today is an important day for the Academy. It is a long journey for these boys - for some of them it started at seven years old. This is the pinnacle of the first part if you will and the goal of one day playing for our first team is a big step closer.

"The manager came down and spoke to the boys and that was fantastic for them and you could see the impact his words had. They are fine young men but the hard work starts now."

The nine players include Mateusz Taudul (above), the Polish goalkeeper who you can find out more about here, and George Waring, who scored the winner as Everton defeated Fulham in the U18 National League final back in May.

Everton U18s defeat Fulham in Final

Everton's academy showed the first team how it's done as they were crowned the best academy side in the country at Craven Cottage on Friday night.

Their victory is made even more impressive by the fact that their opponents were Fulham, and therefore the Thames-side venue was hardly a neutral one. The young blues were also with three of their most important players: Hallam Hope and John Lundstram were on England duty, whilst Swede Johan Hammar picked up an injury 15 minutes into the semi-final victory over Aston Villa.

The side, managed by Ray Hall and coached by a team including Neil Dewsnip and Everton legend Kevin Sheedy, fell behind just after the 70th minute, but showed togetherness and true Everton spirit to overturn the deficit and return to Mersyside as champions.

From what I've read the affair wasn't the liveliest but some Everton youngsters showed promise, especially Sporting Lisbon loanee Eric Dier. He had a good game alongside Jake Bidwell in the heart of Everton's defence, although he made a slight error that might well have cost the visitors a penalty.

Various reports have also singled out Connor McAleny, who has sat on the first-team bench a few times this season, and Tom Donegan.

McAleny: star of the future?

The game kicked into life in the final 20 minutes. First Fulham took the lead when forward Ross Minkwitz fired a low shot into the corner from 12 yards on 74 minutes. The goal seemed to galvanise the young toffees who hit back, inspired by forward Adam Thomas. Thomas equalised on 81 minutes, capitalising on a poor Fulham clearance to slot home.

The scorer then turned provider, crossing for substitute George Waring to plant a header over the keeper and into the net. The goal cued wild celebrations which continued after the academy side managed to hold on and lift the U18 League Trophy.

The young toffees celebrate taking the lead

Captain fantastic: Jake Bidwell with the trophy

Congratulations to the young blues!