Carlisle United’s Academy enjoyed another encouraging season in 2025/26, with silverware, individual milestones and senior opportunities highlighting positive progress across the age groups.
A key focus throughout the Academy remains long-term player development, with youngsters regularly challenged by different game-model demands and opportunities to play up across older age groups.
That commitment to development over results has continued to shape the Academy programme, while performances on the pitch have also brought success this season.
The under-18s reached the EFL Youth Alliance Cup final, while the under-16s were crowned EFL Youth Alliance North champions before lifting the trophy at Brunton Park following a 6-0 friendly victory over Morecambe.
Academy Manager, Andy Lowe said: “Winning the EFL Youth Alliance North trophy is a brilliant achievement for this group. They’ve worked hard all season and fully deserve this moment.
“To lift the trophy at Brunton Park in front of family and friends made it even more special, and everyone connected with the Academy is really proud of them.
“The players have shown a great attitude right the way through the season and they’ve represented Carlisle United properly every time they’ve pulled the shirt on.
“A lot of credit also has to go to the staff and parents for the support they’ve given the lads throughout the year. Hopefully this is something the players will look back on with real pride.”
The Academy has also continued to place a strong emphasis on exposing players to senior football, with a number of scholars gaining valuable experience out on loan.
Rather than keeping second-year scholars solely within the youth-team environment, the club has looked to challenge players in senior men’s football, with positive results throughout the season.
Jonah Lowes' spell with Enterprise National League North side Darlington proved a standout example, with the young midfielder enjoying regular game time during the second half of the campaign.
There were also major individual milestones achieved during the season, including professional contracts being awarded to Amaru Smith and Jonah Lowes, while Hayden Atkinson made his first team league debut against Eastleigh in February
Away from competitive fixtures, Academy players also benefited from a mid-season tour of Belgium, providing opportunities for personal growth, life experiences and development off the pitch alongside a varied games programme against Category One academies.
Reflecting on the season as a whole, Andy Lowe added: “I would like to thank all the boys for their hard work and dedication to Carlisle United this season, along with the unwavering support from parents, without whom the Academy journey is almost impossible.”
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