Luigi Capuano has praised Dundee United as “one of the best environments in Scotland” for young players after the Tangerines’ academy achieved elite status for the sixth year in a row.
Following an assessment by the Scottish FA under the Club Academy Scotland (CAS) standards, United’s development program was again rated in the highest category.
For the club’s chief executive, this achievement reflects the exceptional youth development efforts at Tannadice.
Capuano said, “Maintaining our CAS elite status reinforces the positive work being done, not only within the academy but across the entire club.”
“We are grateful for the continued vital financial commitment from the chairman and the hard work and dedication from all academy staff.
“We believe that as a club, we provide one of the best environments in Scotland for our young players to learn and develop.”A huge thanks should go to all members of the Dundee United Supporters’ Foundation.
Our partnership has helped create an elite-level facility at Foundation Park, and their ongoing support will ensure we can attract the best young talent, as we are the only Elite level academy in the region.”The future of our academy is in good hands, with strong foundations in place to produce homegrown players who can progress to the first team and beyond.”United academy director Paul Cowie added, “Maintaining the Academy’s elite Club Academy Scotland status was a key objective for the club.”
“This allows our staff and players to continue to play against the best ten academies in the country week-in, week-out.
“The chairman and the board made it very clear in my role that the academy is the cornerstone of the club and the importance of Dundee United Football Club producing their own players.
“Last season in the Championship was a great example, where we had 13 academy graduates involved in the first team, with three debutants coming from Andy Payne’s Under-18 squad.
“The academy is growing from strength to strength across all departments and I can’t thank the staff enough for their unbelievable commitment, time and effort to create the best possible environment for our players to grow as footballers and young people both on and off the pitch.”
