James Copley shares his view as Sunderland play an historic game at Hillsborough
Written by Thomas Greaves on 6th October 2026
Matt Craddock’s Sunderland side have the chance to make history tomorrow night when they play against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Trophy at Hillsborough.
The Under-21s have not beaten a professional side in 10 years in a competitive game. Last time they did so, was against Notts County on the 9th November 2016 in a 2-1 victory with a young Josh Maja getting on the scoresheet.
Photo credit: Alamy Images
It was only five years ago that Sunderland’s first team was playing in the EFL Trophy with Trai Hume playing in the defeat to Oldham Athletic on the 1 December 2021.
“Its valuable experience,” Sunderland Echo reporter, James Copley said.
“Academy football can only prepare you so much, playing against senior professionals brings a different challenge. Playing at Hillsborough adds to that, these nights are what you want the youngsters to learn from, whatever the result.
“It’s slightly surreal looking back, the supporters know all too well what being in this competition feels like. The club has come to an enormous distance in a relatively short period, and fixtures like this really bring that home.
“It’s a big game for the youngsters involved. A win would be great, but there’s more to judging the evening than scoreline alone. If these games help prepare players for a loan spell or bring them closer to first-team football, they’ve served a useful purpose.”
Jay Nicholson, an academy media intern at Sunderland AFC also shared his views on the fixture.
“I think this game shows how far Sunderland have come in the last five years. We were in the same league as Sheffield Wednesday only a couple seasons ago and were beaten 2-0. It shows how good their recruitment model and how well run the club has become.
“Playing at Hillsborough is a great experience for the players and will enable them to develop as they look to prepare for senior football.”
A win for Sunderland would also give them a chance to progress out of the group for the first time in their history.
“I think they can win, you can almost guarantee that this Sunderland team that there will be goals. Hopefully, the energy and relentless style of play can put Sheffield Wednesday on the back foot.”
