England
Theo James Walcott - Premier Cup: Southampton 2003
Grandson of the legendary West Indian cricketer Clyde Walcott, young Theo caught the eye of talent scouts from Southampton while playing for Swindon Town. He starred in the side that reached the 2005 final of the FA Youth Cup and went on to become the club's youngest ever player when he made his Championship debut aged 16 years and 143 days.
When he signed for Arsenal on 20 January 2006, Walcott became most expensive 16 year old in the history of British football. He made his Arsenal debut on August 23, 2006 against Dinamo Zagreb, and his Champions League debut made him the youngest ever Arsenal player to appear in European competition, a record previously held by Cesc Fabregas.
In May 2006 he became the youngest ever England international and received a surprise call-up for the World Cup finals in Germany.
Henri Lansbury - Premier Cup: Arsenal 2005
Lansbury proved his talents alongside Gavin Hoyte as part of an impressive Arsenal Premier Cup team in Hong Kong. He made his first team debut at just 16 years-of-age.
Gavin Hoyte - Premier Cup: Arsenal 2005
Hoyte made his full debut for Arsenal when he had just turned 17 years-of-age.
Ryan Smith - Premier Cup: Arsenal 2001
Ryan Smith made his Arsenal first team debut at 16 years-of-age in the Carling Cup before moving to Milwall.
Jay Bothroyd - Premier Cup: Arsenal 1996
Bothroyd moved to Coventry City, Italian Serie A team Perugia, back to the UK with Charlton Athletic and now plays for Wolves.
Luke Moore - Premier Cup: Aston Villa 2001
Moore forced his way into the senior team where he scored in his debut against premiership champions Chelsea within three minutes of coming onto the pitch. and has represented his country at U-21. He is currently gaining experience on loan to West Bromwich Albion.
Aaron Lennon - Premier Cup: Leeds United 2002
Lennon became the youngest ever Premiership player when he made his first team debut against Tottenham Hotspur aged just 16-years-old. Tottenham were so impressed they persuaded him to move to White Hart Lane. Lennon made his full international debut in June 2006 and is now a regular feature in the England squad.
Daniel Sturridge - Premier Cup: Manchester City 2004
Voted Tournament MVP and Top Scorer at the first MUPC World Finals to be held at Old Trafford, Sturridge led fierce local rivals Manchester City to a win over Manchester United. City became the first team outside Brazil to win the tournament since 1999. He signed a three year contract for Manchester City at just sixteen-years-of-age and scored a last minute winning goal for his country on his international debut against Turkey. He made his Premiership debut in February 2007 and, following impressive displays of skill, has already won the hearts of the Manchester City supporters.
The following players progressed to the Middlesbrough senior team:
Lee Cattermole – Premier Cup: Middlesbrough 2003
Seb Hines - Premier Cup: Middlesbrough 2003
Jonathan Grounds - Premier Cup: Middlesbrough 2003
Graeme Owens - Premier Cup Middlesbrough 2003
Currently on loan from Middlesbrough:
Josh Walker - Premier Cup: Middlesbrough 2003
Steven Taylor – Premier Cup: Newcastle United 2001
Taylor quickly secured his first team place with Newcastle and represented his country at U-21
Mark Noble - Premier Cup: West Ham 2001 & 2002
Noble captained West Ham United in both the Berlin and Lisbon Premier Cup World Finals and has been a regular in the West Ham first team since he was 17-years-old.
Manchester United players to watch out for - yet to break into the senior team:
Richard Eckersley – Premier Cup: Manchester United 2003
Sam Hewson– Premier Cup: Manchester United 2003
