Academy Dreams: Leeds United

Inside Leeds United’s world-class academy, the Under-23s have just been promoted to the top division and are now competing against the best teams in England. Episode 1 of Academy Dreams follows the team as they compete at a higher level of elite football in an effort catch the eye of Head Coach Marcelo Bielsa and break into the Leeds United first team, with the goal of playing in the Premier...

As the season progresses, Leeds United's Under-23s are feeling the strain of training under Marcelo Bielsa – the only way to get up to standard is to play games at full intensity. New recruits struggle with the levels of effort demanded. There is some reward to the exertion put in, as some of the Under-23s break through to play in the first team, with opportunities for Premier League debuts.

The Under-23s side are struggling, victims of their own success, as players who are graduating to the first team are now unavailable for selection. The strain shows on the squad as games get tougher, but injuries to first-team regulars means potential opportunities for the academy boys to advance and play in the Premier League.

A poor run of results has taken a toll on the Under-23s, with frustrations boiling over and relegation becoming increasingly plausible. However, there is a real sense of optimism in the side, as more and more academy players are getting chances to shine for the first team. The team are rocked by massive news from the very top of the club…

With 12 games left in the season, Jesse Marsch is installed as the new first-team coach. A growing list of injuries makes it clear the players will be fighting relegation battles at both Academy and first team level. There is opportunity for coach Mark Jackson too, as Jesse calls him up for first-team duties, paving the way for a new coach at Under-23 level.

It’s make-or-break for the academy side, with just three games left to avoid relegation – but a record crowd at Elland road for Manchester City beckons. However, the Under-23s continue to be weakened, as the best players are called up into the first team’s own relegation battle. Jesse Marsch names seven academy players in the squad for Leeds' dramatic final-day Premier League match against...