In recent weeks some of our academy players have followed in the footsteps of the first-team players by representing their country.
It is great to see so many of our academy players receiving recognition for their hard work and dedication in training, games, as well as the work they do outside of the club.
Parents and guardians have a huge part to play in the support they are giving our young players and as always we are extremely grateful for all that they are doing.
Huge credit must also go to the academy staff who always go above and beyond to give the players what they require to help scaffold the development of the individual and support them on the journey.
Brooklyn Leipus
Brooklyn has been ever present with Lithuania, representing a number of age groups in recent years. Most recently Brooklyn, who is a first-year scholar, represented Lithuania U17s in the UEFA qualifiers. Brooklyn is an attacking midfield player, who has been with Rovers since he was 13, likes to get on the ball and create goal-scoring opportunities.
Ollie Dewsbury
Ollie has been in the academy since he was 9 and has recently been offered a two-year scholarship with the club. He has represented Wales at both u15 and u16 age groups, scoring in the previous fixture against France. Last week Ollie was selected in the Wales u16 squad to participate in the famous Victory Shield competition. Ollie is a forward player who can play down the middle or out wide and likes to play on the shoulder making runs in behind the opposition's back line.
Excel Iwhiwhu
Excel is an exciting young player who in recent months was selected to represent England u15 on the regional talent Identification camp. Excel can play in central midfield or at centre back. He is strong and physical and enjoys carrying the ball out of defence into attacking areas to create overloads.
(Excel, Jacob and Henry pictured above)
Henry De-long
Henry is a physical defender who enjoys the 1v1 battle of stopping players from gaining goal-scoring opportunities by putting his body on the line, he possesses leadership qualities and enjoys organising in training and games. Henry in recent months was also selected to represent England u15 on the regional talent Identification camp and has previously represented Wales at the regional level.
Jacob Hammonds
Jacob is a central midfield player who is physical and energetic and has shown that he can be effective between the two 18-yard boxes in both attacking and defensive situations. Jacob in recent months was also selected to represent England u15 on the regional talent Identification camp.