Boro announce new Academy intake

Last updated : 19 May 2010 By Northern Echo

Jake Fowler, who can play as a striker or in wide midfield, and centre-back Adam Jackson head a list of school-leavers who will join up with Boro's Academy from July 1.

Also joining Boro's acclaimed Academy are Curtis Edwards who was on standby for the England Under-17 squad last season together with Lewis Galpin, Michael Roberts, Jake McCormick, Lewis Sirrell, Matthew Waters, Wilson Kneeshaw, Jarrett Rivers and Adam Reach.

Boro's Academy Director David Parnaby said: "The offer of a scholarship with Middlesbrough Football Club is a real career opportunity for these lads.

"The transition from schoolboy to full-time employee is something that will test them all but all our staff will support them.

"We view it as very much a partnership between player, parent and club to ensure they have the best possible chance of realising their potential.

"I would personally like to wish them all every success in overcoming the challenges they all face as they look to secure careers in the game."

Jackson, who attends Darlington's Longfield Comprehensive School, was a member of the England Under-16 side that won this year's Victory Shield, while Sunderland-born Fowler has represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 levels.

Both players are rated as "outstanding prospects" by Curtis Fleming and Paul Jenkins, the Academy coaches who have worked with them closely for the past year.

Edwards, whose brother Kieran is starting the third year of his scholarship with Boro, is a skilful midfielder with a good range of passing. He attends Trinity Catholic College, formerly St David's School in Middlesbrough.

Hebburn-born Galpin is a quick and agile defender, who has played in every position across the back four, while McCormick, from York, is a tough-tackling midfield anchorman.

Joining Boro from Thornaby Community School, Sirrell is a tall left-sided midfielder he is already 6 feet 2 inches who is a great crosser of the ball and packs a tremendous shot.

Darlington-born Kneeshaw is a nimble player with an eye for goal, who has played in several positions, particularly on the wide right and in central midfield.

Tough-tackling midfield anchorman McCormick, who has shown excellent endurance levels, is from York.

Rivers, who attends Spennymoor School, is an energetic midfielder with bags of endurance, good dribbling skills and an eye for goal.

Target man centre-forward Waters, from Thornaby, not only scores goals but is technically good and holds the ball up well. A pupil at Conyers School in Yarm, he joined Boro's Academy only a year ago after being spotted playing for local side TIBS.

Both Roberts and Reach are joining Boro for the first time in July. Versatile Roberts, from Chester-le-Street, joins the Academy after successful trials, having previously been with Sunderland, where he showed he could play anywhere in the back four or midfield.

Reach, a quick and tall left winger, has been recruited from Gateshead College, having previously played for Durham County youths and Chester-le-Street-based Chester Town. A year older than his fellow recruits, he has also had spells with the academies at Newcastle United and Hartlepool.

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Source: Northern Echo

Source: Northern Echo