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Former Leeds United star launches football academy in Knaresborough

Tuesday, 5 August 2025 07:24

Ex-Leeds United star Luke Ayling has launched a football academy.

A new football academy led by former Leeds United player Luke Ayling is set to launch in Knaresborough next month.

The Luke Ayling Academy (LA Academy) will offer young players a chance to experience professional-level training.

It will take place on Saturday 6th September from 1pm at King James School in Knaresborough.

The event is open to boys and girls from under-5s to under-14s, and families are encouraged to attend.

The free event includes a taster session, providing children with an opportunity to train in a high-performance environment under the guidance of Ayling and his coaching team.

Attendees will also get a first look at the new academy’s training programme.

Luke Ayling said:

“I’m incredibly grateful to be in a position where I can open my own Football Academy to share my passion for the game and create opportunities for children and young people to access top quality coaching on their doorstep.

“Having spent a large part of my playing career in Yorkshire, this is where I now call home. It’s only fitting that I start my Academy in a place that has given me so much support and many good times during my career.”

He added:

“My motivation is to use football to engage and inspire young footballers of all abilities in my local community.”

“My ambition is that LA Academy becomes a real hub for talent, providing a creative, nurturing and positive environment that enables players to maximise their potential on and off the pitch.”

The event aims to promote grassroots football and provide young players in the region with access to elite coaching and development pathways.

For more details and to book a place, visit the Luke Ayling Academy Instagram page or follow their updates online here.

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