Southampton honours academy players at 2025/26 awards evening

Southampton FC held its Academy Celebration Evening at St Mary's Stadium to recognise the achievements of its youth players and staff for the 2025/26 season. The event, held in collaboration with TrophyMan, brought together players from the Under-8s to the Under-21s levels along with their families.

Individual standout performers were selected by their teammates for the Player's Player of the Year awards. These included Bodhi Edge (U8), Adam Akinleye (U9), Harry Hobday (U10), George Hillyear (U11), Zac Lacey (U12), Josh Simpson (U13), Olly Lloyd (U14), Toby Bowden (U15), Max Little (U16), Hansel Adjei-Afriyie (U18), and Nick Oyekunle (U21). Goalkeeper of the Year honours went to George Hillyear (U9-12s) and Riley James (U13-16s). Phase awards were given to Harry Hobday (U9-12s), George Kift (U13-16s), and Cameron Bragg (U18-21s).

Cameron Bragg received multiple honours, including the Under-18-21s trophy and the Men's PFA Community Champion award for his work outside of football. The club also presented commemorative framed shirts to Sufianu Sillah Dbaga, Moses Sesay, Nick Oyekunle, and Barnaby Williams to mark their senior debuts during the past year.

Several awards recognised staff and long-term contributions to the academy. Tony Salentino received the Legacy Award for 25 years of service as an Academy Youth Development Coach. Kirsty Whitton, the Head of Academy Operations, was given the Outstanding Contribution Award, while Grace Kean received the Saints Proud staff award. Clyde Ying was named Intern of the Year.

Special individual honours included the Julie Batchelor Award for Academic Endeavour, which went to Calum Anderson, and the Ben Cull Award for bravery and determination, presented to Barnaby Williams. The evening also marked the arrival of the new Under-9s and Scholars intake for the upcoming season.