An alternative look at our Academy’s trip to PAOK

Take a look behind the scenes on our Academy’s trip to Greece to face PAOK in the UEFA Youth League with these ‘alternative’ photos.

Coach Matt Wells and Head of Coaching and Player Development John McDermott led the team as we secured a 1-0 victory at the historic Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki thanks to defender Brooklyn Lyons-Foster’s 12th-minute goal.

Our squad for the Under-19 competition, containing a mix of Under-18 and Under-23 regulars, left London early on Monday morning and, in an authentic Champions League-style experience, trained at the stadium later that day.

On Tuesday evening, a staggering 8,958 fans packed into the ground to watch the play-off round tie. Completely filling up the main stand and stretching out into the remaining open-air terraces, all of which feature seating in black-and-white blocks to reflect the tenants’ colours, the noisy home supporters created an intense environment which provided a true experience of the rigours of top-level European football for our young stars.

Following our victory, which secured our place in Friday’s draw for the round of 16, the players remained in Thessaloniki and trained again on Wednesday morning at the local Lolas Multiaction Sports Center before jetting off back to London, with attentions now turning towards Saturday’s return to Under-18 Premier League action at Reading.