Following in the footsteps of the likes of Harry Charlesworth, Jay Richardson and most recently Joshua Hebert, further to a thorough process which has taken place across recent weeks and months, the Dorking Wanderers Academy will welcome 14 scholarship students on the boys side of the post-16 education and football programme from next academic year.
Led by Academy Director Jordan Clark and supported by Professional Phase Lead Development Coaches Bobby-Joe Taylor, Charlie Dunne and Eric Benedetto, a selection of players concluding their youth football journey’s from English Football League clubs, plus a selection of exceptional talent from within the Dorking Wanderers Youth section, have been invited to be part of a process which included a designated ‘Exit Trial’ fixture taking place at Meadowbank Stadium on March 5th.
From that process, we are pleased to confirm that 14 scholarship students have been selected to join the programme from this September:
Deniel Ando, Nathaniel Golan, Aaron Goulbourne, George Grant, Noah Harris, Georgie Helder, Rafael Holobec, Rocco Langley, Kamil Marshall, Beaudie Reed, Beau Reive, Jayden Taylor, Filippo Terrasini and Ishmael Douglas-Warner
A number of the selected scholars may be recognisable to Wanderers supporters at this early stage, with U16s players Deniel Ando, George Grant, Noah Harris and Filippo Terrasini having all represented the Dorking Wanderers B team in recent weeks and months, Deniel scoring a stunning first goal for the B’s in the 2-0 home win against AFC Walcountians on April 4th at Meadowbank.
Goalkeeper Nathaniel Golan continues his journey with Dorking Wanderers having been previously awarded a scholarship within the Elite Youth Section of the football club at U14 level, and has excelled again this year not only with the U16s but in representing the Dorking Wanderers U18s in the FA Youth Cup competition. Playing in the fixtures away to both Wingate & Finchley (final preliminary round) and Cambridge City (first round proper), Nathaniel earned the club ‘Man of the Match’ award in the first fixture with an outstanding display including a crucial save in the decisive penalty shoot-out.
Alongside the more familiar faces, we look forward to welcoming players new to the club in Aaron, Georgie, Rafael, Rocco, Kamil, Beaudie, Beau, Jayden and Ismael with dedicated introductory posts across our social media channels in the upcoming weeks. Having previously represented and been part of such club’s as AFC Wimbledon, Cambridge City, Charlton Athletic, Fulham, Leyton Orient, Portsmouth and Swindon Town, we really look forward to welcoming the collective and seeing them continue to progress their football journeys in the months and years ahead as scholars.
We are really pleased to confirm that all scholars joining us next year will be introduced to supporters this weekend with a half-time lap of the pitch during the final scheduled home league game of the season against Bath City on Saturday April 18th.
During the official ‘Signing & Media Day’ which took place at Meadowbank over this past weekend, the Dorking Wanderers Media Team caught up with Academy Director Jordan Clark to discuss the scholarship recruitment and process so far, as well as highlight what the life of a scholar will look like as the academy continues to push forward: