After seven games of the 2021 CPL season, the club's Under-21 players continue to flourish.

The league requirement for underage minutes is 1,500 and the team smashed that figure after just four fixtures. Now, a quarter of the way through the campaign, York United FC's number is an astonishing 2,865. If that rate continues, the club will finish the season with U21 players accumulating over 11,000 minutes between them.

But, it's not just their presence that is impressive. It's their development as players too.

At The Island Games in 2020, a number of youngsters: Lowell Wright, Max Ferrari, Ijah Halley and Isaiah Johnston were afforded some opportunities to shine. But understandably, it was a baptism of fire on occasion, especially when facing older and more experienced opponents. Naturally and expectedly, they appeared raw and overawed.

This time, however, it's vastly different.

On Matchday 6, the 0-0 draw with Cavalry FC was a physical battle and Tommy Wheeldon Jr's collection of veterans tried to intimidate the teenage talent that dared cross their paths. But it didn't work. York United's cherubic crop stood firm, held their ground and didn't hold back.

"I love it," said Head Coach Jimmy Brennan afterwards.

"If people didn't know myself or Paul Stalteri - the way that we are and the way we played - you never back down from your challenges. I was delighted to see our young guys get stuck in. They showed some true grit and character, which I like. And when the time is right they get on the ball and they can play. I was absolutely delighted to see that. Intensity levels were good across the board."

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