Skipper Jonny Howson has joined the club's Academy Player Care team as an ambassador.
Jonny will provide a link for Academy youngsters breaking into the first team environment for the first time.
The role will see Jonny, along with other senior players, on hand to offer support and advice to help younger players make a smooth transition to a senior environment.
During pre-season, teenager Sonny Finch, pictured, was one a number of young players who travelled to Portugal with the first team squad for the first time.
Neil Maddison is the club's Head of Player Care and he said: "We are delighted to have Jonny as an advocate to the Academy Player Care team.
"The first team environment can be a daunting and challenging place for any young player trying to forge a career, and having someone like Jonny, who can be a confidant, a voice of reason and someone who can support our young players in that environment is so good for our younger players."
Jonny is no stranger to making the step up from Academy football to a first environment. He made his first team debut as an 18-year-old at Leeds United after graduating through the Academy and went on to become the youngest player since Billy Bremner to skipper his hometown club.
"I've been through an Academy and gone through the experience," said Jonny. "It can be daunting because you're suddenly training or playing with first team players.
"I'm delighted to be involved in helping players who come through our Academy. As a senior player it's important we help young players settle into the environment as quickly and smoothly as possible."