There are seasons that live long in the memory because of silverware, and there are seasons remembered because of the growth, identity and togetherness shown by a group of young players. For Grimsby Town’s Youth Team, the 2025/26 campaign delivered all of that and more.
Under the guidance of Neil Woods and his staff, the Young Mariners produced one of the most impressive academy campaigns in recent years, combining exciting attacking football with resilience, consistency and a relentless competitive edge.
By the end of the season, Town had been crowned EFL Youth Alliance North East champions with four games still remaining, reached the latter stages of multiple cup competitions, produced memorable performances in the FA Youth Cup and, perhaps most importantly, continued the development pathway that saw academy graduates step into senior football.
It was a campaign that showcased the strength of the club’s youth system from start to finish.
Flying out of the blocks
Town quickly showed they would be a force in the division, losing just once before the turn of the year. Victories over Port Vale, Stockport County, Shrewsbury Town, Blackpool and Walsall helped build momentum during the opening months, while impressive away performances demonstrated the maturity of the group.
A thrilling 3-2 victory at Shrewsbury in September stood out as an early statement of intent, while a dominant 6-1 home win over Morecambe highlighted the attacking quality running throughout the squad.
By the end of October, the Young Mariners had also earned an impressive 3-2 victory away at Bolton Wanderers, further strengthening their position near the top of the table. At the heart of Town’s success was a clear identity. Woods’ side combined aggressive pressing, technical quality and attacking freedom with an organised defensive structure that repeatedly frustrated opponents.
The side’s attacking quality was evident throughout the campaign, with Elliot Smith, Harvey Booth, Charlie Hatton, Ted Sharp and Mamudu Jalloh all playing key roles in a dynamic forward unit.
One of the standout early moments came in the FA Youth Cup first round, as the Young Mariners dismantled Loughborough Students 6-1 away from home in a hugely impressive display.
Booth stole the headlines with a superb hat-trick, while Smith, Kian Hawley and Sharp also found the net in a dominant performance that underlined the squad’s quality and attacking depth. On an excellent surface at the Loughborough University Stadium, Town played with maturity and composure well beyond their years.
Although the FA Youth Cup journey ended in the next round with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Doncaster Rovers at Blundell Park, the performance again demonstrated the character within the group. Smith’s early header gave Town the perfect start and Woods’ side created enough opportunities to progress before Doncaster eventually edged the contest.
League consistency sets the tone
If the FA Youth Cup provided moments of excitement, it was Town’s remarkable league consistency that truly defined the campaign. The Young Mariners repeatedly demonstrated their ability to respond to adversity, bounce back from setbacks and deliver under pressure.
A 4-1 victory away at Rotherham United before Christmas summed up the team’s resilience. After falling behind early, Town took complete control following a red card for the hosts and responded emphatically through goals from Alex Graham, Jalloh, Fortune Onoh and Charlie Elliott.
The new year then brought an extraordinary run of form. Victories over Burton Albion, Notts County and Chesterfield saw Town score 14 goals across three matches, with several individuals stepping into the spotlight. Charlie Elliott’s stunning long-range strike against Burton set the tone for a composed 4-1 victory, while Henry Brown marked his return from injury with a brace in a 6-2 win over Notts County.
Town’s attacking football continued to flourish against Chesterfield, where goals from Graham, Smith, Carlo Midwinter and Brown secured another convincing 4-1 success. Throughout the season, there was a notable balance to the side. While the attacking players regularly delivered moments of quality, the defensive unit consistently provided the platform.
Players such as Graham, Charlie Elliott, Kian Hawley and Onoh became increasingly influential as the campaign progressed, while goalkeepers Hayden Rogers and Seb Auton both produced important performances at key moments.
Cup runs and learning experiences
The Young Mariners also enjoyed strong runs in cup competitions beyond the FA Youth Cup. Town reached the quarter-finals of the Youth Alliance Cup before suffering defeat to Blackpool, while they also made an impressive run to the last eight of the Professional Development League Cup.
Victories over Preston North End and Hull City in the group stages highlighted the side’s ability to compete against academy opposition from higher levels, before a narrow quarter-final defeat to Luton Town ended the journey.
Even in defeat, there were positives. Tight contests against strong opposition provided valuable learning opportunities for a squad that continued to develop technically and mentally throughout the season.
Big moments in big games
As the title race entered its decisive stages, Town continued to produce performances of real maturity. A disciplined 1-0 away victory at Doncaster Rovers demonstrated the side’s defensive organisation, while a dominant 5-0 win away at Notts County showcased the attacking quality that had become a hallmark of the team.
Hatton, in particular, grew increasingly influential during the latter stages of the campaign. His composure, creativity and eye for goal proved crucial in several important fixtures, including a memorable panenka penalty in a 1-1 draw with Bradford City.
Then came the defining moment of the season. At Cheapside against Mansfield Town, Grimsby needed a point to secure the North East Youth Alliance title. After falling behind, the Young Mariners threw everything forward in search of an equaliser.
Deep into stoppage time, Jalloh’s delivery caused chaos in the penalty area, Smith’s effort struck the post and Sharp reacted quickest to force home the rebound in the 95th minute. The dramatic equaliser sparked jubilant celebrations and confirmed Town as league champions with four matches still to play – a fitting reward for months of hard work and consistency.
Reaching the next level
One of the clearest indicators of the academy’s progress came away from youth football itself. Several members of the squad gained valuable exposure to senior football during the campaign, highlighting the pathway being created at the club.
Smith made his senior debut for the Mariners in the Emirates FA Cup victory over Wealdstone, while Graham featured in first-team competitions earlier in the season. The campaign concluded with both players signing their first professional contracts with the club – richly deserved recognition after outstanding individual seasons.
Smith, who scored more than 20 goals during the campaign, was also named Under-18s Player of the Season after progressing through every age group at the academy since joining as an under-8. Graham’s rise was equally impressive, developing into a composed and dependable leader at the heart of the defence while captaining the side during his second year as a scholar.
A campaign to be proud of
Although the season ended in heartbreak in the EFL Youth Alliance North Final against Shrewsbury Town, the Young Mariners left the pitch to deserved applause after another brave and committed performance.
By that stage, however, the foundations of an outstanding season had already been firmly established. League champions. Multiple cup runs. Senior debuts. Professional contracts. Memorable performances. Dramatic moments.
Most importantly, the 2025/26 season showcased a group of young players who represented Grimsby Town with enormous credit every single week. For Neil Woods and his squad, it was a season that will be remembered for a long time, and one that may yet prove to be the beginning of several exciting careers.
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