Rovers Academy returned to training on Monday ahead of the 2020/21 season following a long break due to COVID-19.
The Academy have been following strict COVID-19 guidelines and protocols as they prepare for the new season. While the scholars usually train alongside the first-team, the new guidelines have seen them move their training to the Keepmoat Stadium.
All Academy football was postponed on March 13 and formally terminated on May 1 with the Youth Alliance League eventually decided by points per game (PPG) on July 16.
PPG saw Rovers U18s crowned North East Youth Alliance League champions, as they were 10 points clear at the top of the table when the season was put on pause.
2019/20 was not just successful for the U18s. The U16s were crowned national champions with a convincing win over the southern champions Northampton Town in the EFL national final. This was the culmination of an excellent campaign which saw Tony Mee’s young team win their league and then see off Shrewsbury Town in the northern final.
The U23s group also had one of their most successful seasons reaching the Central League Cup semi-final for the first time - a game they were never able to play due to COVID-19. They also beat Premier League Aston Villa to qualify for the knockout stages of the Premier League Cup for the first time.
Success continue for Rovers youngsters this summer when Danny Amos, Louis Jones, AJ Greaves, Branden Horton, Ben Blythe and Lirak Hasani all earned contracts with the club this summer.
The new intake of youngsters will be looking to help continue last season’s success and follow in the footsteps of the young players who have gone through the Academy to make first-team appearances.