BURTON Albion Academy has signed up seven new scholars for the Professional Development Phase ahead of the 2019/20 season.
Luke Redfern, Ben McLean, Yewo Nyirenda, Thierry Latty-Fairweather, Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Matty Richardson and Said Idouarab have signed scholarship forms for the new season, joining 10 players heading into the second year of their scholarship in the U18s team this season.
The Young Brewers will compete again in the EFL Youth Alliance this season as the Academy provides the platform to develop the next generation of Brewers stars to follow in the footsteps of Marcus Harness, Ben Fox, Reece Hutchinson and more.
Professional Development Phase coach Sam Rose said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing how the lads develop this year.
“We’ve got a strong blend of characters and different types of player this season. The second-years, as they are now, did well last season and it’s an exciting time for Burton Albion’s Academy.
“We saw last season how Marcus, Reece, Joe and Ben thrived in the first-team making a combined 112 appearances – that can act as a real inspiration for all of these young players as they see the pathway to senior football with Burton Albion.
"Thierry, Ben, Luke, Matty, Said, Yewo and Teddy add to an exciting group of second year scholars and know what is expected of them if they are to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Ben (Hart), Ethan (Vale) and Nathan (Morley) in achieving professional contracts and joining the first-team squad."
Albion will begin their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Liverpool’s U18s on Wednesday, July 10 (12.30pm kick-off), before friendlies at Loughborough University (Tuesday, July 16 - 3pm) and Shepshed Dynamo (Tuesday, July 23 - 7.45pm). Academy players could also feature in Burton Albion XI squads heading to Mickleover Sports (Wednesday, July 24 - 7.45pm) and Nuneaton Borough (Monday, July 29 - 7.30pm).
FIRST-YEAR SCHOLARS (from left in picture):
Luke Redfern
Luke is a strong and adaptable player who is capable of playing across the defensive line and in midfield. Luke has been with the Academy since the age of 11.
Teddy Sharman-Lowe
Teddy is a talented goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and a strong shot-stopper. Teddy has been with the club since his U15 season after joining from Leicester City.
Said Idouarab
Said is combative midfield player who enjoys the defending side of the game. Said has been with the Academy since the age of 10.
Thierry Latty-Fairweather
Thierry is a defender capable of playing across the back-line and who is strong in 1v1 defending situations. Thierry joins following a season with Nottingham Forest.
Matty Richardson
Matty is a creative midfield player who is capable of playing wide and through the middle. Matty joins the Young Brewers from Birmingham City.
Ben McLean
Ben is a capable defender who can play at CB and FB. Ben is comfortable on the ball and is a good athlete. Ben joins from Nottingham Forest.
Yewo Nyirenda
Yewo is a powerful centre-forward who provides a focal point for the attack. Yewo joins from Nottingham Forest.
BURTON ALBION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE - 2019/20:
Goalkeepers:
Nathan Smith (second year)
Teddy Sharman-Lowe
Defenders:
Rueben Lal (second year)
Cael McDonnell (second year)
Luke Redfern
Thierry Latty-Fairweather
Tom Armitage (second year)
Ben McLean
Midfielders:
Ciaran Gilligan (second year)
Said Idouarab
Owen Hickson (second year)
Tyo Carter (second year)
Matty Richardson
Attackers:
Tom Hewlett (second year)
Yewo Nyirenda
Jack Holmes (second year)
Emmanuel Shittu (second year)