This EFL Club Had a 14-YEAR-OLD With Their Squad Last Night

14-Year-Old Part Of Matchday For EFL Side

Doesn't it seem that footballers are getting younger and younger these days?

Many remember the national outcry of "we're all getting old" when Phil Foden and Angel Gomes first came into Premier League prominence as the first footballers born in the 2000's to be in the English top-flight. Flash forward a few years to the likes of Max Dowman and Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal, and it's safe to assume that as the academies pile on the training, the quality of player in a early-years teenager is getting better and better worldwide.

For Mansfield Town last night, they went another step in the exposure of young talent to first-team football, with 14-year-old goalkeeper Harry Mentz having an involvement with the matchday squad that defeated Plymouth comfortably.

Youth Talent Gets Warm-Up Chance

Though not named in the actual squad that took on Plymouth, Mentz' involvement in a senior matchday squad is still one that raises eyebrows and certainly has many questioning what they were up to when they were 14.

👏 14-year-old @MTFCAcademy goalkeeper Harry Mentz joins the first team goalkeepers in their warm-up this evening.#Stags 🟡🔵 pic.twitter.com/evipKgOIbQ

— Mansfield Town FC (@mansfieldtownfc) October 28, 2025

Existential crises aside, Mentz took to the field alongside senior goalkeepers Owen Mason and Liam Roberts, as well as a coach, to take part in the warm-up sessions on the pitch at Field Mill, just before The Stags went on to confidently dispose of their visitors 2-0 thanks to goals from Will Evans early in the game and Jordan Bowery late on.

For Mentz, though, last night would have been a remarkable occasion despite not being named on the teamsheet. To take part in a senior matchday set-up, no matter the level, is a serious highlight of how a club regards your talent, and no doubt that his exposure into the first team last night would have made for a very proud day for him.

May as well have stuck him in goal lads. Would have had the easiest debut ever!

— Jon ⚽️ (@JonPAFC) October 28, 2025

The win for Nigel Clough and his men leaves Mansfield Town sat in 8th, 5 points away from the League One Play-Offs, whereas struggling Plymouth slump in the relegation zone at 22nd.