Wellacre Students Score for Stoke City FC

Posted at 11:45 am on 10th September, 2020

Inspirational Football Footwork

Wellacre is proud of the achievements of Izac, Year 10, and Matthew, Year 11, who have enjoyed great success in football and have been recognised and rewarded for their talent and commitment with contracts for Stoke City FC Academy. 

Izac, Year 10

At the age of 4, Izac started playing football at Urmston Meadowside FC and then joined the Manchester United Developed Centre from aged 6 - 9 before moving to the Manchester City Development Centre. During this time he was spotted by Stoke City.

Izac signed his first contract with the Academy four years ago and has recently agreed a new two year contract to play with the Under 15s team. 

Prior to lockdown, Izac was on day release and spent Thursdays at the Academy, as well as training Tuesday evenings and Saturdays, and playing matches all over North and Central England on a Sunday.

During lockdown, Izac has taken part in Zoom strength and conditioning sessions, training huddle work and match analysis. He’s in touch with the Academy twice a week.  His next challenge over the summer will be the FA Playmaker’s Award, which is a coaching qualification.

Izac has shown great commitment to his football, the healthy lifestyle and weekends of football.  His dream is to be a professional footballer and play in the Premiership, or travel to America to play football. 

Matthew, Year 11

Matthew has played football locally since he was 7 years old, with Urmston Meadowside and Trafford FC, as well as training at Manchester United Development Centre.  

He was scouted a few times by Everton FC and other teams, and most recently was invited for a six week trial at Stoke City FC in October 2019.

After impressing the coaches and Director of the Academy, he was offered a two year contract after the first two weeks; this was a great achievement for Matthew as the Academy usually invests in much younger players. 

Matthew is committed to football and trained four times a week before lockdown with the Under 16s squad.   He has impressed the Academy coaches with not only his commitment, attitude and technical skills, but also his ability to analyse a game!

He dreams of playing professional football at a high level and is currently pursuing an opportunity for a Stoke City FC Academy scholarship.