Carlisle United would like to congratulate the following U16 players who have signed scholarships at Brunton Park for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons.
Sam Worth - goalkeeper
Sam was recruited into the Academy at Under 15. He is a technically good goalkeeper, a confident individual and commands his area well. It has been pleasing to see Sam already involved in some goalkeeping sessions with the first-team. He takes real pride in keeping the ball out of his net and is looking forward to becoming full-time and working with our goalkeeping department on a daily basis.
William Hatton - right back
William was recruited into the Academy at Under 16. He was identified playing for Cleveland Schools FA. He is a very athletic right back, who enjoys getting into attacking areas and helping create goals. A very humble and hard-working character, who enjoys all aspects of the Academy. We are very excited to see William's development when he begins full-time training this summer.
Olly Penney - centre back
Olly joined the Academy at the age of 8. He is a dominant centre-back who has a good level of skill both in & out of possession. He has featured heavily for the Under 18's already, playing in this season's FA Youth Cup games against Altrincham and Barnsley. A local lad, Carlisle United fan and one who takes real pride in everything that he does.
Alex McDonough - centre back
Alex was recruited into the Academy at Under 16. He has previously had a spell with Newcastle United. A competitive, dominant centre-back who demonstrates calmness in possession. Alex has already had a taste of youth team football, where he has shown he is up to the challenge. He has a fantastic attitude towards learning and a work ethic which is infectious.
Tai Bell - centre midfielder/right back
Tai joined the Academy at the age of 10. He is a competitive, athletic and aggressive midfield player, who brings energy and a real desire to win. He is a box-to-box midfield player who enjoys the physical side of the game. Tai has already had numerous appearances for the Youth Team this season, including the FA Youth Cup games against Altrincham and Plymouth.
William Rafferty - winger
William joined the Academy at the age of 8. A local lad, Carlisle United fan and a player with good technical ability. William has already played on Brunton Park, scoring a great goal in the Under 15 Floodlit Cup game v Crewe. A talented player with good ability in the final third to create and score goals.
Reuben Towers - winger
Reuben joined the Academy at the age of 14. Previously with Middlesbrough FC, he is a direct player who loves being on the ball and running at defenders. He is the type of player who will get fans out of their seat - a great range of tricks, exciting when running with the ball and has scored a good number of goals this season.
Zac Tonge - midfielder
Zac was recruited into the Academy at Under 16. He was identified playing for Cleveland Schools FA. He is an attacking midfield player who has an eye for goal. He enjoys joining in attacking play but is also competitive and effective out of possession. We look forward to Zac joining us full-time this summer.
Amaru Smith- Winger
Amaru joined the Academy aged 12. A west-cumbrian based player who is exciting to watch, Amaru loves running with the ball, dribbling past defenders and creating and scoring scores. Another wide player who has the ability to get fans out of their seats with his direct, positive play.
Academy manager Steven Rudd said: "Well done to all of the above players who have been offered and accepted their scholarships for next season. We are very excited to see them all join us full-time in the summer and look forward to seeing how the players progress over the next two seasons.
"I would like to thank all the Academy staff who have worked with the players across the different age groups. Seeing players progress through the system gives us all great satisfaction as we look to produce the next Gabe Breeze, Jack Ellis, Jarrad Branthwaite and Taylor Charters.
"A final thank you must go to the parents and families of the players. Without them, this success isn't possible. The commitment they all put in, the time and effort to get players to training and fixtures and the support/encouragement they give the boys to be the best they possibly can be is invaluable. We really appreciate their support."
