Youngster speaks ahead of Saturday’s game against Bradford City

- Midfielder Dylan Helliwell speaks to htafc.com
- U17s’ game programme helping Helliwell develop
- Young Terriers face Bradford City on Saturday 16 October 2021

Huddersfield Town Under-17 midfielder Dylan Helliwell is impressed with the improvements he’s seen in his game thanks to the Club’s game programme.

Town’s Under-17 game programme sees the youngsters play a mixture of development matches, focused on training exercises, and performance matches, where the main focus is the win.

Alongside this, Helliwell is one of a handful of new scholars who’s had the opportunity to play Cup games with the Under-19s, an opportunity he wants to have more of.

“Playing with the older players is a good challenge, tough, but a good challenge.

“Playing up against older players is a lot more physical and more demanding.

“I’ve played in a lot of different positions to help me get faster.

“Cup games are good because there’s more pressure on winning.

“The coaches put more pressure on us, so we go out there to win.

“It’s been really good to get positive results recently.”

Although the 16-year-old officially joined Huddersfield Town from Manchester City as part of the Academy’s summer cohort ahead of the 2021/22 season, he played some games with George Danaher’s side at the end of last season. He commented on how he’s found Town so far.

“It’s been good.

“It’s been nice settling in, the lads have been good as well.

“I was here last season, so I’ve probably settled in quicker than the other new lads.

“Joining with Cian helped me a lot as well.

“I could be myself straight away, rather than having to take time to get to know everyone first.

“Cian and I knew each other quite well at Manchester City, we’re good mates.

“All of us scholars have bonded well as a team now, so it’s been good.”

Helliwell also took the time to discuss what he’d like to achieve in his first season with the Club.

“My football’s already improved a lot since I’ve been here, but I want to keep on improving.

“I’d like to play up with the older age groups more, and be handed captaincy a few times as well.”

The Young Terriers are back in action on Saturday 16 October 2021 when they welcome Bradford City to Canalside for an 11am kick-off.

You can keep up to date with all things Academy over on our official Academy Twitter; @htafcacademy.