Homegrown talent at football academy

From recent graduate Aaron Jarvis who was signed with Luton to D’Andre Brown who has scored goals against West Ham, the community club's educational arm is set on producing a new generation of football stars.

Aaron Nicholson, the academy manager, said said working hard and a willing to learn is what sets the top students apart from everyone else.

He said: “I think those boys that get noted down as the better ones within the academy are the ones who put in the extra work to progress themselves.

"I think they take things on board well when you coach them and they progress at a different rate because they’re willing to put in extras and they’re willing to work that little bit harder.

Reflecting on the up and coming talent at the academy, Mr Nicholson added:"Aiden Harris who’s probably the hardest working student I think I’ve ever met. He’ll be going to university in September but his attitude, work rate and commitment – he’s got training for two hours later but he’s outside at the moment coaching the Under-13’s."

Harris joined the Academy at 15 and his experience has helped him by 19 to earn his place in the first team.

He said: “ I want to be coaching football day in, day out. I’ve just completed my level 2 and am looking forward to hopefully doing my UEFA B Licence soon. I want to go into full time coaching after University hopefully.”

Striker Aaron Jarvis got his education through the academy where he saw himself playing in the first team and was the club's top scorer with 17 goals in his first season. He's now playing for Sutton.

It’s a story the club are confident of repeating. Alongside Aiden Harris, Lloyd Snell and Kalum Cousins have made their first Tteam debuts this season while Kial Mumford has been named on the bench.

Mr Nicholson said he believes D’Andre Brown may have the biggest potential of them all.

He said: “I think he’s one of the most naturally gifted footballers that I’ve worked with."