"Our Academy is and will remain the focal point of our club. The emphasis we put on this event is indicative of the importance it has at our club. The future is very bright at Dundee United."

Those were the words of Chairman Mark Ogren as he closed out Our Academy's second annual awards on Sunday night. An evening when we as a club came together, over Zoom, to celebrate the efforts & achievements of Our Academy players throughout the most challenging of years.

In what proved to be a truly inspirational evening, we opened with a terrific highlights package of just what these boys had achieved in a year with such little football before being treated to the opening remarks of Jim Laing, Chairperson of the Youth Development Board, and Academy Director Andy Goldie. 

"This time last year I promised 2020 would be the year that we continued to build, evolve and provide our young players with the environment, opportunities, and experiences to support their development as players and as young people," said Goldie.

"Nobody could have predicted what the rest of the year had in store for us, however, I can sit here tonight extremely proud of what Our Academy staff and players achieved both on and off the pitch.

"Adversity is all part of the journey Our Academy players are on but when faced with that last year we remained United and were there, right at the forefront of innovation, creativity, engagement and, most importantly, the care and support of our young people."

There were a number of guests in attendance alongside our parents and players. First team manager Micky Mellon and his coaching staff, along with some of our senior first team players and Our Academy graduates, were on the call and gave messages to our young players throughout the evening.

Alongside them were members from each of our fan groups and Hugh McAninch, Headteacher at Baldragon Academy the home of our very own performance school which launched back in August. 

Tony Asghar was in attendance and praised Our Academy and players for their successes over 2020, but also reminded them what it will take to make the next steps.

"The work that has gone in the last 12 months from Andy Goldie, his coaching and support staff, parents and, of course, the players has been inspirational," said United's Sporting Director.

"You are all potential first-team players of the future and we will continue to support your development. You'll have successes and also suffer disappointments - individually and collectively. 

"Some teammates might develop quicker than you but my message to Our Academy players is to be patient. You've shown this year that you can be patient and you can all work towards your goals, especially under hard circumstances.

"It's a challenging route to become a professional football player and some of you might not reach that standard at this club. But if you continue to work hard, live a lifestyle where you can listen, be patient and have a desire to be the best you can be you will all have a chance."

Player of the Year awards were then presented, with the trophies having been delivered to parents ahead of time, to each age group from Under 11s through to 18s. 

A Q&A with Our Academy graduates who are now part of the first team at Tannadice took place and featured the likes of Logan Chalmers, Jamie Robson and Louis Appere.

Declan Glass, who is continuing his recovery from an ACL injury, spoke about the challenges he has faced this season while Lewis Neilson highlighted what he had to give up to enjoy a year where he made his first team debut, played for Scotland and got five As in his Highers.

"I've seen a different side to the football club during my recovery with the medical staff and sports science," said Glass. "I've developed as a person during this time. You get a lot of time to reflect and have a look at yourself and it can only benefit me going forward."

Neilson added: "The main sacrifice I had to make was giving up a majority of my free time that I could have spent hanging out with my mates or chilling out. I had to give that up for the betterment of myself. 

"To get through it I set myself lots of little goals rather than looking at the bigger picture. I wasn't then overwhelmed by everything I would have on my plate. If you want to achieve something hard enough and you put your mind to it then you can."

After the final awards were presented, Chairman Mark Ogren - dialling in all the way from Minnesota - gave some final kind words of inspiration to our young players.

Mark Ogren "Congratulations to all our winners for your well-deserved recognition. I challenge you however to not rest on your laurels. Use this as a stepping stone on your individual growth and development.

"To all Our Academy players. Don't use covid as an excuse for what might've been this past year. Elite players persevere in the face of adversity. Remain motivated, continue to work hard and stay strong and good things will undoubtedly occur. You are the future of Dundee United.

"Our Academy is and will remain the focal point of our club. The emphasis we put on this event is indicative of the importance it has at our club. The future is very bright at Dundee United."

Thank you to the Dundee United Youth Development Board for sponsoring the event.

List of winners;

Under 11s - Logan Band

Under 12s - Brodie Lee

Under 13s - Andrew Mochrie

Under 14s - Owen Emslie

Under 15s - Keir Bertie & Rory MacLeod

Under 16s - Lewis O'Donnell

Under 18s - Adam Hutchinson

Paul J. Dempsey Player of the Year - Brodie Lee

Alistair 'Breeks' Brodie Player of the Year - Lewis Neilson

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