FIRST TEAM DEALS FOR THREE ACADEMY PLAYERS
Academy talents George Whitefield, Jayden Boulton and Olly Box have all signed first team deals ahead of the 23/24 season.
All three were regulars for Dartford in the senior cup competitions last season, with George Whitefield going on to make a full league debut in the final game of the season against Hampton and Richmond.
Dowse: “I’m delighted to be able sign George Whitefield, Olly Box and Jayden Boulton within the first team next season. This is another great achievement for the Dartford FC Academy where the boys have really progressed over the last 2 years. It is also an outstanding advert for our Youth Pathway as a whole, as George is an example of starting at Dartford FC in the U7’s and playing for every age group up.
Tony Burman, Academy manager Ben Greenhalgh and his team of coaches Elliott, Leo and Sam have done an amazing job these last 2 years bringing these young lads through to reach a standard that is good enough to be a part of our first team. It was great to give George his league debut against Hampton & Richmond Borough, Olly & Jayden have both been involved in cup games too last season and now all 3 of them will be looking to progress and emulate the likes of Sam Oduadu and Marvin Herschel in getting first team games under their belts as that is what the academy is here for.”
Academy manager Ben Greenhalgh has played a crucial role in the development of the three players and he was very proud to see them signed to first team deals.
“It’s brilliant to see more academy players being rewarded with a chance and it’s a credit to all do these players down to the amount of extra work and effort they have put in throughout the last two years. It’s even more impressive that they are getting this opportunity with still one more year with us at the academy so we’re really looking forward to seeing how all of them progress and help them every step of the way.
It’s been brilliant to seen the opportunity Dowse has handed last year’s academy players and has had no second thoughts into playing them in competitive fixtures so it’s been a much easier process within the academy when the first team have a manager who is willing to give players a chance, prime example is Sam Odaudu who obviously has come through the system and possibly been one of the most outstanding players in the first team this season.
George has taken a great step this year and I’m sure with his attitude he will stand out in the sessions throughout pre season and hopefully continue to progress as he has done this year.
Jayden is another who will work very hard for his spot in any team and I’m sure he’ll be one to look out for in the future in the Dartford shirt running down the wing putting in plenty of quality deliveries.
Finally, Olly has been our player of the season this year and really excelled at academy level each game week in week out and has also gained valuable first team experience with Corinthians last season scoring seven goals with them.
It’s an exciting time for the football club and the academy and it’s all been a breath of fresh air. I’m sure all of the Dartford fans will also be really excited to see more from these players and hopefully many more to come each season!!”
We wish George, Jayden and Olly all the best for the coming season!
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