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.

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.

Micah Richards Premier Cup: 2003

Richards joined Manchester City’s academy form Oldham Athletic in 2001 as a 14 year old, where he has since progressed, making his 1st Team debut as a substitute in October 2005 against Arsenal, and then going on to make his full debut in February 2006 against Charlton. Micah was awarded the club’s Young Player of the Year award for the 2005/6 season, and his good performances for his club were rewarded by his first call up to the English Senior Squad in November 2006, starting a friendly against the Netherlands which made him England’s youngest ever defender, a record previously held by Rio Ferdinand.

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.

Jack Wilshere Premier Cup: 2007

Wilshere is an attacking midfielder currently on loan at Bolton Wanderers gaining good first team experience under Owen Coyle. Jack graduated through the Arsenal Youth Academy after joining from Luton Town where he had a brief spell. At the age of 15 Jack was made captain of the Arsenal U16s and also played several games for the Arsenal U18s. Since 2006, Jack has always played in an age group above his own age at International level, at 14 he played for the England National U16s and at 15 he played for the England National U17s. He made his debut for the England U21s against the Netherlands and his good form has brought praise from England Manager Fabio Capello.

Gabby Agbonlahor Premier Cup: 2003

Agbonlahor progressed through Aston Villa’s Youth Academy and is now an established 1st Team regular, making a name for himself with his terrific pace which makes him such a handful for opposition defenders. His impressive form for both Aston Villa & the England U21s earned him his first full international cap against Germany in Berlin in November 2008. His good form has continued into the 200/10 season which promises to be his most prolific yet in the Premier League.

Adam Johnson Premier Cup: 2001

Johnson is a product of Middlesbrough’s youth academy making his senior debut at 17 years of age in a UEFA Cup tie away at Sporting Lisbon. After a good start to the 2009-2010 season, with Adam being the leading scorer for Middlesbrough in the Championship he became a subject of transfer rumours with several Premier League clubs reported to be interested and on 1 February 2010, he signed for Manchester City for £6m on a four-and-a-half-year contract. He was named in the England senior squad for the first time in Fabio Capello’s 30-man shortlist for the friendly against Egypt in March and although he did not make the final 23, his international future looks promising.

Lee Cattermole Premier Cup: Middlesbrough 2003

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

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.