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 the 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 a European competition, a record previously held by another Premier Cup “graduate” — Cesc Fabregas.

A regular in the England U-21 team, Walcott became the youngest ever England international and received a surprise call-up for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany although he did not take to the pitch. At just 19 years-of-age he became the youngest player ever to score a hat-trick for England in a stunning display against Croatia.

Henri Lansbury Premier Cup: Arsenal 2005

Lansbury proved his talents alongside Gavin Hoyte as part of an impressive Arsenal team in Hong Kong. He made his first team debut at just 16 years-of-age and is currently gaining experience on loan to Scunthorpe United.

Gavin Hoyte Premier Cup: Arsenal 2005

Hoyte made his full debut for Arsenal when he had just turned 17 years-of-age and is currently gaining experience on loan to Watford.

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, before returning to the UK with Charlton Athletic, Wolves and currently plays for Cardiff City.

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. West Bromwich Albion were impressed with Moore during his time on loan and made the move official in the summer of 2008.

Aaron Lennon Premier Cup: Leeds United 2002

Lennon became the youngest ever Premiership player when he made his first team debut against Tottenham Hotspur at just 16-years-of-age. Tottenham were so impressed they persuaded him to move to White Hart Lane where he was twice nominated for the Young Player of the Year award. Lennon made his full international debut in June 2006 and is now a regular in the England squad.

Daniel Sturridge Premier Cup: Manchester City 2004

Voted Tournament MVP and Top Scorer at the first MUPC World Finals held at Old Trafford, Sturridge led Manchester City to a win over host team Manchester United, becoming the first team outside Brazil to win the tournament since 1999. He signed a three-year contract for MCFC at just sixteen-years-of-age and scored a last minute winning goal for his country on his international debut against Turkey.

Sturridge made his Premiership debut in February 2007, and is rumoured to be a transfer target for many high profile clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.

Lee Cattermole Premier Cup: Middlesbrough 2003

Cattermole has impressed at England U-21 and signed for Wigan Athletic in July 2008.

Seb Hines Premier Cup: Middlesbrough 2003

Hines represented his country at U-19 and is currently gaining experience on loan to Oldham Athletic.

Jonathan Grounds Premier Cup: Middlesbrough 2003

Grounds is currently gaining experience on loan to Norwich.

Graeme Owens Premier Cup: Middlesbrough 2003

Owens is currently gaining further experience on loan to Blackpool.

Josh Walker Premier Cup: Middlesbrough 2003

After gaining experience on loan with both Bournemouth and Aberdeen, Walker returned to Middlesbrough and made his first team debut in January 2009.

Steven Taylor Premier Cup: Newcastle United 2001

Taylor has become a regular in Newcastle’s first team 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.

Daniel Welbeck Premier Cup: Manchester United 2005

Welbeck played a prominent role in the U-18s’ run to the 2007 FA Youth Cup final and impressed with a stunning goal on his Premier League debut against Stoke City in November, 2008. He has represented England at every level up to, and including U-21.

Richard Eckersley Premier Cup: Manchester United 2003

Eckersley made his first team debut in January 2009 against Tottenham Hotspur.

Sam Hewson Premier Cup: Manchester United 2003

Hewson is currently gaining experience on loan to Hereford United.