Altrincham FC Academy manager Paul Fay heads into the 2025/26 season with his UEFA A Licence after completing the highly regarded qualification earlier this year.

Ahead of Wednesday's first game of the National League under-19 Alliance campaign, the man entering his fourth season in the Academy hot seat offers his thoughts on securing his latest coaching qualification, as well as the upcoming season for our youngsters.

"Anyone who knows me know I’m not afraid of hard work but I have to admit the qualification was a challenge. The depth of knowledge required and the learning I have undertaken have enhanced me as a coach and being able to share with the coaches I work with is rewarding.

"I’d like to say a massive thank you to the Sean Paul Murray and the IFA Tutors who were excellent throughout the two years and supported me through the journey, along with Paul Woolley with Alty Juniors and, of course, the senior club at Altrincham.

And on the 2025/26 season for our Academy players...

"It’s been a disjointed start to the season with the opening fixtures of the National League u19 Alliance on September 3rd being postponed due to the FA Youth Cup, and an other county competition effecting September 10th, but we start the campaign away to Gateshead next week.

"I am confident of the performances this year's Academy players are capable of. The game plans are in place, they know their jobs and we hope that they go on the pitch and deliver.

"We are going into the busiest time of the youth season, but with that brings the excitement of the FA Youth Cup Second Round Qualifying draw in the next few days. We will see what that competition brings us this season after last year's run to the First Round."

As Paul mentioned, this Wednesday's belated National League u19 Alliance season opener is at Gateshead, and our NFYL squad's second outing, after last week's defeat of Barnsley, comes at home to Steven Gerrard Academy Kirkby.

Remember to keep an eye across our channels all season as we bring you the latest news and results from the Academy.