Man City Under-18s Advance to FA Youth Cup Final

City's youth squad defeats Blackburn Rovers to reach championship match

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:10pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a youth football match, with overlapping planes of color and form representing the energy and movement of the game.Manchester City's young stars showcase their skills and determination to reach another FA Youth Cup final.Manchester Today

Manchester City's Under-18 squad defeated Blackburn Rovers 3-1 in the FA Youth Cup semi-final match played at the Joie Stadium. This victory marks City's third consecutive appearance in the FA Youth Cup final as they continue their dominant run in the prestigious youth competition.

Why it matters

The FA Youth Cup is one of the most important youth tournaments in English football, providing a platform for the next generation of talent to showcase their skills. Manchester City's continued success in reaching the final highlights the strength of their youth development system and the club's commitment to nurturing homegrown players.

The details

City took the lead in the 25th minute through a goal from striker Liam Thompson. Blackburn equalized shortly after, but City regained the advantage before halftime with a strike from midfielder Ethan Ennis. The young Citizens sealed the victory in the second half with a goal from winger Jayden Braaf.

  • The match was played on April 10, 2026 at the Joie Stadium.

The players

Liam Thompson

A striker in Manchester City's Under-18 squad who scored the opening goal for City in the semi-final match.

Ethan Ennis

A midfielder in Manchester City's Under-18 squad who scored the go-ahead goal for City in the first half.

Jayden Braaf

A winger in Manchester City's Under-18 squad who scored the third goal to seal the victory for City.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really proud of the lads' performance tonight. They showed great character to come from behind and book our place in the final.”

— Gareth Taylor, Manchester City Under-18s Manager

What’s next

Manchester City will face the winner of the other semi-final match between Chelsea and Arsenal in the FA Youth Cup final, which is scheduled for May 2, 2026.

The takeaway

Manchester City's youth academy continues to produce top talent, with the Under-18 squad reaching their third consecutive FA Youth Cup final. This sustained success at the youth level bodes well for the club's long-term future and their ability to develop homegrown players for the first team.