Port Vale: A Club Making Headlines for More Than Just Robbie Williams
When you think of Port Vale, the first thing that might come to mind is its famous club president, singer Robbie Williams. However, this League One side is quickly gaining recognition in the football world for something far more impressive – their ability to develop top young talent in England. With nine academy players making appearances for the first team this season, Port Vale is proving itself to be a breeding ground for future stars.
One such rising star is rookie striker Baylee Dipepa, who recently made his debut for the England U17s and scored twice against Northern Ireland. Dipepa’s success is just one example of the promising talent coming out of Port Vale’s academy. Wesley Jose, another young player, has been part of the England U15s emerging talent camp.
But it’s not just about individual success stories. Port Vale has also received compensation packages from Newcastle and Aston Villa for their young players Michael Mills and Freddie Lawrie respectively. In addition, 18-year-old striker Tommy McDermott has joined Burnley after his time with Port Vale. This season alone, Port Vale has given playing time to ten academy products, with five of them making their EFL debuts.
Impressively, Port Vale is on track to have nearly fifty League One appearances from academy products this season. The club has also been entrusted with developing England Under-20s duo Dan Gore and Alfie Devine, who are on loan from Manchester United and Tottenham respectively. Oliver Arblaster, who spent the first half of the season at Port Vale, has since broken into the Sheffield United team in the Premier League.
This remarkable success can be attributed to a combination of factors. Club owner Carol Shanahan OBE, along with her family and academy director Will Ryder, have created a vision for Port Vale that prioritizes community engagement and player development. Shanahan fell in love with the club after her family’s business moved next door to the stadium in 2015. Recognizing the potential to make a difference in a deprived area, she eventually bought the club from its previous owner.
Since taking over, Shanahan and her family have focused on putting people at the forefront of the club’s vision. They aim to create a lasting legacy in Burslem, making Port Vale a welcoming club where local people can go to aspire, learn, and better themselves. Will Ryder, who has been in charge of the academy for two and a half years, emphasizes individual development within a team structure. He believes in providing clear pathways to the first team and supporting players at every stage of their journey.
Unlike some professional clubs, Port Vale values the involvement of players’ families in their development. They understand that families play a crucial role in a player’s journey and make an effort to include them in the process. The club also focuses on helping players develop life skills and encourages leadership qualities from a young age.
Port Vale’s business model relies on good recruitment and either receiving compensation fees or selling players at the right price. The Shanahans have invested funds into the academy, with the goal of eventually making it self-sustaining. While the club has had limited financial resources in the past, they have managed to create something special by maximizing what they have.
Port Vale’s success in developing young talent is a testament to their commitment to community, player development, and creating a supportive environment. With Robbie Williams as their club president and a growing reputation for producing top English talent, Port Vale is truly making headlines for all the right reasons.