Bra det gror!
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/leedsunited/United-youth-land-cash-windfall.3761587.jpLEEDS United's youth academy has landed a £25,000 windfall from Football League sponsors Coca-Cola.
The Elland Road club received the five-figure cash injection after United supporter Karen Bailey won Coca-Cola's 'Find the Next Rooney' competition, a promotion designed to plough money into youth development at professional clubs across the country.
The soft drinks manufacturer has agreed to give away £25,000 every week between January 14 and March 3, and Bailey, 34, guaranteed Leeds' share of the fund after collecting one of the lucky codes distributed on packs of Coca-Cola and Coca-Cola Zero.
Successful
United's academy is widely regarded as one of the most successful in England, and the last decade has seen a string of top-level players emerge from the club's youth-team system.
Two academy products – Tom Elliott and Fabian Delph – signed their first professional deals with Leeds this season, and a total of eight homegrown youngsters have featured in first-team matches this term.
United boss Gary McAllister said: "It's a nice windfall for the football club.
"This club has a rich history for producing and developing young players, and this can only help us further in that department."
The full article contains 204 words and appears in EP Leeds First & County newspaper.Last Updated: 09 February 2008 8:44 AM
