Academy established by former and current Newcastle United stars set for first FA Youth Cup tie

The Hornets skipper played a lead role in his side’s FA Vase semi-final win at Corinthian on Saturday as they secured a final meeting with Northern League rivals Consett at Wembley later this month.

But Storey will be hoping to get one over a Hebburn side on Monday when he watches on from the dugout in an FA Youth Cup preliminary round.

Storey plays a lead role in the Newcastle Elite Academy that was set up by current and former Newcastle United players Dwight Gayle, Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie, Rob Elliott and Mike Williamson just over two years ago.

They have partnered with Northern League club Newcastle Benfield to take part in this season’s Youth Cup and in a strange twist of fate it is Hebburn that will provide their opposition in Monday night’s tie at Sam Smith’s Park.

Storey knows all about what the Youth Cup can offer a young player after appearing in the competition alongside the likes of Marcus Maddison and Adam Campbell during his time with the Magpies academy.

Ahead of Monday’s tie, Storey told The Gazette: “I saw the draw, with us getting Hebburn and I just laughed.

“It was almost fate because we had played them in a friendly on the night before the draw was made.

“There is a torn allegiance but I am really looking forward to the first game in the competition with our partnership with Newcastle Benfield.

“It’s a proud moment for the academy and it’s a real milestone for how far we have come over the last two or three years.”

Ex-Magpies keeper Rob Elliot believes the academy players will be able to gain valuable education from the “unique experience” of taking part in the competition.

He told the Gazette: “Since the start of our full-time football programme three years ago, we’ve tried to move the academy forward each and every year to provide the best opportunities and pathways for our student athletes.

“For our Academy to participate in the Youth Cup, it is another milestone which will be a unique experience for our players take part in and learn from.”

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