Academy Update
We bring you news of international recognition for two young City stars, and reveal details of an upcoming tournament at Oakham School.
Joe Magunda (pictured) and Ashley Chambers' meteoric rise up the footballing ladder continued last week when they helped England Under-17s reach the final of the Nordic Tournament.
Both City players featured heavily during the Iceland-based competition with defender Magunda netting in the 2-0 victory over Sweden while Chambers, on his full international debut, helped himself to a hat-trick in the 7-0 romp at the expense of the Faroe Islands.
Magunda (16) then went on to captain his country in the final in Reykjavik but could not prevent them from slipping to a 2-0 defeat against the Republic of Ireland.
However, City's Academy director Jon Rudkin was delighted with the contribution and performances of the duo.
He said: "For both of them to have been called up into the England set-up is excellent recognition of the hard work that they produced throughout last season.
"Both of them still have a lot to learn but are strong characters and want to do well.
"They are focussed individuals and have got good family support behind them. Both families are keen to help steer them in the right direction.
"Their progress also reflects well on our coaches throughout the Academy, including the likes of Trevor Peake and Richard Pizzorno who worked with our Under-16s last season.
"These two boys have progressed and gone on to represent their country which is an outstanding accolade to achieve in youth football."
Since returning to the Walkers Stadium, Magunda has been named in the England Under-17s' squad for the forthcoming Pepsi Tournament (August/September).
England are hosting the four-team tournament and will play Portugal, the United States and Italy at three venues in the West Country.
The strong squad also includes Southampton winger Theo Walcott, who made his debut for Southampton in their Championship match against Wolves last weekend.
"Joe is a young player in the early part of his development but he is on the right road and the Pepsi Tournament will provide him with another opportunity to go out onto the big stage and express himself," added Rudkin.
"This experience will benefit him and Leicester City Football Club in the long term."
Rudkin also praised the continued efforts of Chambers, who is still only 15-years-old.
Chambers was included in City's Reserve team squad for their opening FA Premier Reserve League South clash at Portsmouth on Wednesday evening.
Rudkin said: "It is great for Ashley to be able to pit his wits against some of the older players.
"To score a hat-trick on his full England debut is a terrific achievement and something that he will always cherish.
"Both he and Joe have one eye on the likes of Richard Stearman because he followed a similar path to what these two are doing now.
"They want to try and emulate what Richard has done in his first year-and-a-half as a professional.
"All I can ask it that they remain level-headed and continue in the same manner but there is still a long way to go and hard work ahead before they are playing regular first-team football."
England Under-17s coach Kenny Swain has also been quick to applaud the performances of both Magunda and Chambers whilst out in Iceland.
He said: "Both Joseph and Ashley did very well in the Nordics this month.
"Obviously Joseph has been involved with England before but for Ashley this was his first trip and I was very happy with the way he performed.
"He scored a hat-trick against the Faroe Islands which shows the talent he has whilst Joe played in all three games, scored a goal and captained the side against Ireland and he'll now join up with the England U17s for the Pepsi Tournament.
"The competition is all about the players' development and managing to achieve what we did out in Iceland was very pleasing."
City's youngsters have been invited to attend the prestigious Under-16 442 UK Ltd Summer Festival at Oakham School next week.
The Foxes will come up against some of the biggest names in the Academy structure including the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Glasgow Rangers.
The 'Oakham Summer Festival' aims to provide both coaches and players with a professional football environment in the build up to the start of the new season.
And Rudkin is looking forward to the experience. He said: "We are very honoured to have been invited as so much can be learned from these types of festivals as to what players are like off the field as well as on it.
"There will be a mixture of our Under-16s and Under-15s involved which will provide an opportunity to spend the whole week in a football environment playing against quality opposition."
Meanwhile, City's schoolboys will take part in a festival at Manchester United on Thursday ahead of games against West Brom and Swansea.
