Bird, a left-back, has joined National League North side Hebburn after two previous spells with Northern Premier League outfit Emley. He made nine appearances for Emley, including five starts, during his time at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.
The move takes Bird to Tyneside and gives him the opportunity to gain experience at a higher level of the non-League game. His previous time at Emley provided a first taste of senior football, and Leeds confirmed that he will now continue that development with Hebburn.
Matykiewicz, meanwhile, will return to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground after joining Emley on a short-term youth loan. The centre-half is a Northern Ireland youth international and has already gained experience away from Leeds, having previously spent time with Ilkeston Town, another club in the Northern Premier League.
The defender has also featured for Scott Gardner’s Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy, appearing against Barnsley and Oldham Athletic. His move to Emley provides another opportunity to build on that experience through exposure to senior football.
The two loans represent different next steps for the defenders. Bird moves on from Emley after making nine appearances across his previous spells, while Matykiewicz takes up a place at the club Bird has now left behind.
Both players remain part of Leeds United’s Academy pathway, with the club wishing them well during their respective spells. Bird will look to adapt to National League North football after his time in the Northern Premier League, while Matykiewicz will aim to make an impression at Emley after his previous experience with Ilkeston and the Under-21s.
Leeds have confirmed both moves as short-term youth loans, with the stated aim of providing the young defenders with further senior experience away from the club.
Both moves keep the defenders in the local non-League game, where they can work towards greater consistency against senior opponents while remaining on Leeds’ books. Each loan is short-term, allowing Leeds to review the players’ progress before deciding on their next steps.