It’s another fantastic season for United’s academy as all eight of next year’s first year scholars show close links to our under-16 age groups.
Youth development phase coach Chris Blake gives us some background on the successful youngsters:
Isaac Robinson – 16 – Goalkeeper
Isaac is a brave, bubbly and high energy goalkeeper who joined us at 15-years old. From day one he has proven to be an incredibly hard worker and loves to take on tough challenges. He has been a pleasure to work with and can always be found trying to rally the team in a positive and enthusiastic way.
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Keelan Leslie – 15 – Left Back
Although quiet, Keelan is a focused, determined and skilful player who does his talking on the pitch job and goes about his business very professionally. It’s because of this attitude and commitment to development that Keelan has earned himself a lot of playing time this season in the under-16 squad. He joined Carlisle United as an under-12 and over the last two and a half years has gone from strength to strength.
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Elliott Day – 16 – Centre Back
Elliot is strong and calm centre back who is willing to take on responsibility and has demonstrated strong leadership skills. He was found by our recruitment department at the beginning of pre-season having spent some time with Middlesbrough. Elliot committed to us following a successful trial in the first half of the season.
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Roan Steele – 16 – Right Back, Centre Back
Roan is versatile and athletic defensive player who has matured throughout the session. For all the Rory Delap fans he has a useful long throw but is also comfortable on the ball and willing to put in a strong challenge. Roan re-joined us from Carlisle City at 13-years old having spent some time in the Academy’s Foundation Phase previously.
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Adam Walton – 16 – Centre Midfield, Right Back, Centre Back
Over the course of the under-16 season Adam has proven to be a very versatile footballer. He has made the transition from the centre of defence to centre midfield or right back and has adapted to a variety of tactical challenges. Having joined the club as an 8-year old Adam is a willing leader and is more than happy to have tactical discussions with the coaching staff.
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Ryan Swailes – 15 – Centre Midfield
Ryan is a competitive midfielder who is always in the thick of the action. He is now beginning to develop a better appreciation for the tactical side of the game and as a result is becoming more regularly involved in the creation of goalscoring chances. Ryan joined us in the Foundation Phase having come from Carlisle City and can be found pre-game contributing heavily to team talks and pre-game plans!
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Lewis Rooks – 16 – Centre Midfield, Centre Forward
Lewis is an enthusiastic and physical footballer who rarely gives a defender a moments piece. Having joined Carlisle United at under-13 as a central midfield player, Lewis had played and developed a number of attacking roles for the club. He has been working very hard on his close control work and as a result has been involved in a lot of goalscoring opportunities.
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Lewis Bell – 16 – Winger
Since joining Carlisle United at 8-years old Lewis has been the type of player who has let his football do the talking. He is a quick, agile and well-balanced attacker who plays mainly on the wings, but can play number 10 or centre forward if required. During the under-16 season Lewis has been working hard to develop the defensive side of his game.
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Chris Blake said: “This represents another excellent year for the players and the staff in the schoolboy programme.
“I am immensely proud of what all of these lads have achieved to date and would like to thank the academy staff and parents / guardians who put their time and commitment in to helping these boys progress, develop and flourish.”