04 February 2010

Lewisham College footballers sign pro deals


News
Lewisham College footballers sign pro deals
Monday, 01 February 2010
Louie Theophanous, left, and Haydn Ankle, from Lewisham College Football Academy, have signed for Dagenham & Redbridge. They are wearing Charlton Athletic’s strip as the college academy is partnered by the South-east London club
Louie Theophanous, left, and Haydn Ankle, from Lewisham College Football Academy, have signed for Dagenham & Redbridge. They are wearing Charlton Athletic’s strip as the college academy is partnered by the South-east London club
A COLLEGE football team has proved itself a hotbed for talent with four of its players being signed by professional clubs.
The teenagers are all members of the football academy at Lewisham College, in Lewisham Way.
League 1 outfit Colchester United have snapped up Trevor Ajim 17, from Lewisham, while Mohamed Diakite, 17, from Kennington, Louie Theophanous, 18, from Kennington, and Haydn Ankle, 18, from Brixton, have all signed for League 2 side Dagenham & Redbridge.
Meanwhile, Blue Square Premier club Salisbury City have picked up 17-year-old Stefon Hayles from Camberwell.
Academy head Dan Thomas said: “The players have all worked really hard and they’ve finally got the opportunity they deserve.
“It’s a big endorsement of the quality of players we’ve got here at Lewisham College – it underlines that our football academy is one of the best in London.”
Mohamed said: “After I was spotted, I was invited to train with the team, and the manager said he liked me so I was signed. It’s pretty exciting.”
College team captain Haydn said: “Dan really improved my game – coming to college meant I understood movement more and my finish got much better.”
Peterborough United midfielder Dominic Green also got his big break by signing to east London outfit Dagenham & Redbridge from Lewisham College’s academy.
He started his career at the Daggers before transferring to The Posh in the season that saw them promoted to the Championship.
Email: john.hugill@slp.co.uk

1 comment:

college sports said...

I wonder what the player feels when they are trade. Another faces, another strategy, new faces and so much more. You always need to adjust.