As all 72 clubs come together to mark EFL Youth Development Week, we got two of our Luton Town starlets together for a fun look back at their time in the Hatters academy.

Midfielder Zack Nelson and left-sided defender Joe Johnson both joined the academy as Under-15s, having been released by Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal during their respective youth football journeys.

The pair have now made 39 senior appearances between them over the past three seasons, since England Under-19 international Joe made his debut in a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough in April 2023.

Joe has gone on to make 15 first team appearances, including eight this season, while Zack’s debut came in the 1-1 Premier League draw at Crystal Palace last March and he has since appeared 24 times, scoring once – a cracker in the Carabao Cup away to QPR.

Here is what the duo had to say to the questions posed by LTFC Jenga…

Who was the biggest influence on your youth career?

Zack – Scholar year was where I kicked on quite a lot, so I think Paul Hart was quite a big influence, a good role model and someone who taught me a lot on different sides of the game.

JJ – I had an old youth coach, so I’ll shout out Sean. Me and him used to do sessions all the time, especially when we were allowed out in Lockdown.

Players you looked up to as a kid and why?

Z – Being a Spurs fan I watched a lot of Tottenham games, so Harry Kane was one I looked up to quite a lot. A leader who set good examples on the pitch.

JJ – To be honest, I never wanted to be a left-back, so mine would have been someone like Ronaldo. I didn’t want to be a left back, but it’s just how it worked out.

What was your first memory of joining the academy?

Z – Under-15s time, cold sessions on the astro in the winter, but those are the kind of days that make you, so I’m glad we went through it.

JJ – The same for me. We joined at the same time, didn’t we?

How did you feel making your first team debut?

JJ – It was a bit mad really. I always remember there was a Nike commercial, where there’s a guy and he ends up going from playing Sunday League to playing for Arsenal. It just feels like that. Everything is just going on, and all you are just focussing on is everything going on around you. It’s a bit mad to be honest, but you get used to it eventually and it just becomes the football.

Z – Quite similar. It was a bit of a shock at the start, but I guess you don’t really expect it to come, sitting on the bench for quite a few games, and you’re just thinking…

JJ – It’s nerve-wracking when they tell you to get your kit on, and you’re just like, ‘oh wait, it’s actually me now’.

Z – I thought for me, it was because I didn’t really have too much time to think about it. The gaffer was like ‘Just get straight on’.

What’s your advice for young academy players?

Z – Something that helped me a lot was just use all your set-backs as fuel, motivation. Nothing is ever the end of the world, you can come back from anything, no matter how tough it is. Just keep going.

JJ – I would say that there is no secret, other than hard work. That is literally it.

Did you have a favourite coach, and why?

Z – I wouldn’t say there was one specific favourite, because they all taught me loads of different things that have helped me to get where I am now. But like I said at the start, the scholar year was probably where me and you both kicked on quite a lot – so I’d say Alan McCormack, Paul Hart, Benno, Alex Lawless. Those four were really crucial to helping us to where we are now.

JJ – Same for me, I don’t have one. Every coach has helped me. Every single coach I’ve had, especially at this club, has been so good to me. Not just developing me as a player, but as a person as well.

What is one part of your game you were told to focus on developing in your youth?

Z – I would say for me, the out of possession side of the game, because I’m more of an in-possession player. That’s where my best qualities are, so out of possession is where I had to improve quite a lot, and I’m still working on it now.

JJ – My pace. I’ve just got to keep getting quicker and quicker, because every striker and every winger is so sharp.

Your first memory of playing football?

JJ – My first memory is probably playing in a little futsal gym, and there is a video of me, where I went to do a free-kick and I missed the ball, slipped on my arse and started crying. My dad is saying ‘Get up, get up’, and I went and whipped it in the top bins and ran off celebrating!

What was the toughest day of your youth career?

Z – One moment that sticks out for me is getting released by Tottenham. It was a bit of a shock, but it’s helped me become who I am today and I’m happy I came here. I’ve got a lot of opportunities which I’m grateful for.

JJ – I’d agree. I think definitely, when you’re young, between the ages of ten and 15, being told you’re not good enough, it builds your character though. It’s a lesson that I’ve taken, but not an easy one.

What is the best advice you received in your youth career?

Z – Play with freedom, play with a smile on your face. That’s the biggest thing. When you’re happy, you are going to play your best football. That’s the best piece of advice.

JJ – It’s not about how many times you fall, it’s about how many times you get up.