It’s been another successful season for United’s under-16 age group with five players making it through to the under-18 two-year scholarship programme.
Three players have also been recruited from outside the county, and Academy Manager Simon Friel said: "We are pleased to have completed our recruitment process for next years Youth Team Scholars.
"As an Academy we are happy to have offered scholarships to a number of our Academy players whilst recruiting three players who we feel will add even more quality to the group. It’s the next step in these players footballing journey and they have worked hard and fully deserve the opportunity to represent Carlisle United Football Club as Youth Team players.
"Credit must go to all the Academy staff involved in this process and the players development over the years and I have no doubt that they will be very proud of the boys’ achievements thus far. I’m excited to see how this cohort of players develop and mature further as they progress over the next two seasons."
The players are:
Thomas Randall - goalkeeper
Thomas has progressed through the Academy and this scholarship is the result of his hard work, dedication, and commitment. Thomas is a good shot stopper and displays good bravery in 1v1 situations and when coming for crosses. He has a great attitude, listens well and is really open to learning and taking on information. He has taken opportunities to be involved with the Youth Team on a number of occasions already, in training and in match days and has blended in seamlessly and is unfazed, which is another good attribute he possesses.
Mason Fleming - defender
Mason has progressed through the Academy and accepted a Scholarship for next Season. Mason is a strong and robust centre back who enjoys defending especially in 1v1 positions and likes to play out when he can. He has a calm personality and this transfers onto the pitch with composure when on the ball. Unfortunately, Mason has sustained an injury but will be back for the start of pre-season. We look forward to seeing how Mason continues to develop over his two-year scholarship.
Trent Chapman - midfielder
Trent has been through the academy system and has accepted a scholarship for next season. Trent is a winger who enjoys attacking the opposition defenders especially in 1v1 situations. He is direct when dribbling with the ball and can create goal scoring opportunities. Trent has scored several goals this season and will look to further add to this side of his game next season in the EFL youth Alliance league.
Bobby Skinner - midfielder
Bobby is a local Carlisle lad who has progressed through the Academy and has accepted a scholarship for next season. Bobby is a strong, robust and physical midfielder who enjoys breaking play up and maintaining possession for his team. He has good range of passing and technical ability to get himself out of tight situations and looks to create goalscoring situations for his teammates from the midfield area. His return from a serious injury has shown his strong resilience which he can bring into next season.
Dan Hopper - midfielder
Dan is another Carlisle lad who has accepted a Scholarship for next Season. Dan was recruited into the Academy as an U15 and has continued to develop and push on. Dan is a midfielder he looks to drive his team forward with strong runs on the ball and combine with team mates. Dan has good natural ability on the ball and can influence and impact games positively. He has a quiet but assured manner when on the pitch. We look forward to seeing how Dan contributes to the Youth team next season.
Will Nicholson - defender
Will had been in on trial from Gateshead Football Club for the backend of the U16 season. Over this time, he impressed with his physical attributes coupled with his work ethic off the ball and ability to influence the game positively on the ball. He comes in as a left back, he defends well when 1v1 and also looks to join in on attacks putting in quality crosses for his teammates. Will is a confident individual and good character who has settled into the group well. We look forward to seeing Will continue to develop at the club.
James Murray - midfielder
James has accepted a scholar for next season having been recruited from Sheffield United Football Club. James has impressed with his high energy approach to training and matches. He wins possession back for his team well by breaking up play and has the ability to break down the opposition through positive runs and passes combining with his teammates. James is a composed player on the ball but also has an edge to his game which enables him to be brave both on and off the ball impacting matches positively. James has featured in some Youth team games so far since signing and we look forward to see how he develops further and progresses as a player.
Freddie O'Donoghue - forward
Freddie has accepted a scholarship for next season at the club. Freddie is from the Isle of Man and is looking forward to the next two years as a Youth team scholar for Carlisle United Football Club. Freddie is a pacey and lively forward who has an eye for goal. He possesses good movement to not only get beyond the defensive line but also find pockets of space to drop in and receive the ball and drive forward at his opponent. He has the ability to beat his opponent in 1v1 situations and also combine with team mates in order to create goalscoring opportunities. When in front of goal Freddie has good composure and has scored several goals. He will be looking to bring this form into his next two years a scholar.