Sports win academy's inaugural youth league title

Mickleover Sports have won the NPL Football Academy's inaugural championship with a game to go.

The EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's Sports can look forward to being presented with the NPL Youth League trophy next Wednesday before their final fixture after second placed Romulus failed to beat Radcliffe Borough on Tuesday to keep their title hopes alive.

After losing 3-2 at home to the Sports last week, the Roms needed maximum points to take the title race to the wire but went down 3-1 at home to an improving Boro side who travel to the champions on the final day of the season.

With the scores goalless at half time, the visitors took the lead through Jordan Hodkinson soon after the break. The goalscorer then conceded a penalty in the 74th minute which was tucked away by Rami Tekle before a late brace from Callum Williams ensured the title went to Mickleover.

The EVO-STIK NPL is the first league in English football to launch a youth league and academy combining football with further education.

The NPLFA opened its doors to its first intake of students in September at five pilot clubs - Leek Town, Mickleover Sports, Newcastle Town, Radcliffe Borough and Romulus - after being officially sanctioned by the Football Association in May.

The initial pilot programme has seen up to 20 students aged 16-18 studying for a BTEC Level 3 in Sport on two year courses at each club while working with FA licensed coaches on a daily basis. As well as competing in the new EVO-STIK NPL Youth League, they've also played in national competitions led by the FA Youth Cup.

Since the start of the current campaign eight more clubs - Kidsgrove Athletic, Halesowen Town, Matlock Town, Mossley AFC, Belper Town, Lancaster City and Witton Albion - have already signed up to join the NPLFA next season with more expected to follow.

Follow the new academy's progress at nplfa.co.uk, twitter.com/NPLFA and at facebook.com/NPLFA.

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