A jewel in Reading's crown, the Academy has been a source of pride for the club for the last 50 years.

Going through their first year as a non-Category One Academy for over a decade, former players Michael Gilkes, Noel Hunt and Mikele Leigertwood are continuing to develop stars for the future.

Take a look at three ones to one below.

Rashawn Scott

An attacker with one first team appearance already under Paul Ince, coming on the same afternoon he played a part in the successful Berks and Bucks Senior Cup win, the former Chelsea youngster has made a big impact in RG2.

A regular under Hunt, the tidy forward has scored four times so far- all mainly from a number 10 position or slightly wide.

Only recently turning 20, Ince will have to take a furth look at him if he continues to perform at Under-21 level.

David Nyarko

Prolific at Under-18 level last season with seven goals in 13 appearances, people began to sit up and take notice this season on a loan move to local non-league side Thatcham Town.

The 20-year-old moved on a one-month work experience loan and certainly made an impact- hitting five goals.

Since his return, he has been involved most weeks for Hunt and the Under-23s, continuing his rise toward first team football.

Reading Chronicle:

John Clarke

Signed in the summer from Port Vale, it was a signing which slid under the radar for the youth side.

With an injury crisis hoitting the club for most of the season, not many expected the 18-year-old to be involved in Championship action so soon.

Playing a collective 23 minutes of Championship football, and 90 in the Carabao Cup, saw him pick up three league wins and two clean sheets.

Impressing supporters in his short cameos, expect him to have a bright future.