ADAM HINSHELWOOD envisages a bright future for the York City academy, after watching the under-19's reach the final of the National League Football Academy League Cup on Wednesday afternoon.

Goals from Bill Marshall and Leon Gibson-Booth saw Tim Ryan's under-19's defeat Blyth Spartans 2-0 to reach the cup final for the second year running, with the opportunity to defend silverware on offer at St George's Park on Wednesday, May 1 against Maidstone United.

They will be supported by first-team manager Hinshelwood, who travelled up to Blyth to watch the youngsters semi-final victory, with the City boss envisaging a bright future for the York youth.

“I’m really pleased, I travelled up with the lads yesterday (Wednesday) on my day off up to Blyth," Hinshelwood told the Press.

"It was my first time travelling up that far, I took a picture to show the family how north I was!

"I was really pleased and encouraged by how well they played, they’ve got some real good talents in their ranks there and it was nice to cast my eye over them.

"To get to the final is brilliant for the club.

"I said to them before the game that I really want them to really embrace a semi-final and a big game, and that’s what we want them to bring to the club on a more regular basis, those big games and getting to finals.

"It’s something that I want them to relish."

Hinshelwood also touched upon his previous role at Worthing, where he was in charge of the first-team and academy sides, and revealed that he hopes to give opportunities to the players in the City academies, should they impress him.

The City boss is eager to work with the academy sides more with York, hoping to instil his style of play throughout the club after also watching the under-13's and under 15's sides play prior to the Minstermen's 1-0 victory over Aldershot Town.

Hinshelwood told the Press: “I’ve done it a lot to be honest, part of my full-time role at Worthing was to take the under-19’s so I can see them first hand which were, not just technically ready, but as a young player coming through the mentality and whether they are ready to step up as well.

"The lads up here have put on a York shirt and really embrace that, their spirit is really good.

"They were certainly up for the game yesterday which was really encouraging to see, but part of what I like to do is give youngsters an opportunity.

"In previous years, I’ve not been afraid to give a 16-year-old an opportunity if I feel that they are mentally ready, and I want that to be no different here.

"I want to work with the young, local talent, I went on Saturday morning to see some of the youth teams play, the under-13’s and the under-15’s play, it’s something that I want to try to eventually get across in the Summer.

"A playing philosophy throughout the club, with lads coming into the club from a young age and making it all the way through.

"It’s been a while since the club has done that, but it’s something I’m really keen to bring back."