BURTON Albion Academy has signed up ten new scholars for the Professional Development Phase ahead of the 2020/21 season.
Tommy Hill, Braeden Noon-Brandy, Ben Radcliffe, Greg Lewis, Charlie Williams, Jakub Niemczyk, Callum Niven, Max Raine, James Matthews and Huw Emery (left to right in the image) have all signed scholarship forms for the new season, joining existing players heading into the second year of their scholarship in the U18s team.
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.
Head of Academy Dan Robinson said: “We’re really looking forward to seeing how the new crop of lads develop once again this year.
“It’s a strange but exciting time for the Academy, as everyone is itching to get back out on the grass and to get playing again.
“We’ve seen Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Tom Armitage, Tom Hewlett and Ciaran Gilligan all make the step up from having scholarships to gaining professional contracts this summer, which is another great example for the new players coming in to see that the pathway is there.
“There’s some really talented players in the new crop of scholars and it’s now their time to make the most of their opportunity.”
Manager Jake Buxton has also had an opportunity to speak to the new scholars. He said: “I’ve spoken to the new lads since they signed their forms and explained that I know what it’s like to be in their shoes during this stage of their lives.
“It’s not always going to be easy for them and it’s key that they make sure they come back with a good amount of fitness under their belts after a long time off regular training.
“They’re talented players and I’ve spoken to Dan Robinson about each one of them. I’m excited to see how they all progress at this football club.”
FIRST-YEAR SCHOLARS (from left in picture):
Tommy Hill
Tommy is a skillful midfield player who predominantly plays out wide but can also play through the centre. He has been with the Brewers for the past seven seasons.
Braeden Noon-Brandy
A quick and powerful striker from Nottingham, who has come through the ranks at Notts County and Stoke City.
Ben Radcliffe
An aerially strong centre back who also possesses a good range of passing. He joined the Brewers four seasons ago having played for Derby County.
Greg Lewis
Greg has been with Burton Albion for the past two seasons after joining from Birmingham City. A goalkeeper who can be called upon to make big saves during games.
Charlie Williams
Charlie spent seven years with Aston Villa before joining the Brewers less than one season ago. An exciting attacking midfielder that likes to chip in with both assists and goals.
Jakub Niemczyk
A hardworking wide man that likes to get in one-on-one positions, Jakub has been with the academy for the past seven seasons. His ability has also caught the eye of his native Poland, after being invited to train with the international setup in Warsaw last year.
Callum Niven
A Burton-born striker, who joined the academy last February from local grassroots football. The pacey frontman has also represented Staffordshire at county level.
Max Raine
An attacking left back who joined the Brewers from Stoke City two seasons ago. Max has plenty of pace to allow him to get up and down the pitch and prides himself on his leadership qualities.
James Matthews
Atherstone born James joined the club from Birmingham City two seasons ago. He is technical centre midfield player that has a good range of long passing.
Huw Emery
Huw is a ball playing centre back that has good communication skills on the pitch. A local lad from Burton upon Trent, that likes to get forward and attack set-pieces whenever possible.