23rd May 2019

Versatile midfielder John, who was also recently called up to a Wales Under-19 training camp, spent the majority of the second half of the campaign training exclusively with the first-team and was named amongst the substitutes in Sky Bet League Two on two occasions. 

Lively winger Shako enjoyed a similar training experience whilst impressing for the under-18s in a season which saw them record their highest placed finish since the Academy restarted four years ago, with both now offered senior deals.

With Gabby Rogers and Daniel Ojo transitioning from the under-18s to turn professional during the 2018/19 campaign and a further four making the senior matchday squad, the pathway between the Academy and the first-team has continued to grow stronger.

John Shako.jpg

Above: Alex John (left) and Nestor Shako (right) offered professional contracts

Looking to follow a similar path, five current under-16s have been offered scholarships at Huish Park with a further four offered deals following trials, which will be officially announced at the start of July.

Those who accept will join Kacper Kowalczyk, George Calverley, Declan Rose, Tai Fleming, Tyrique Clarke, Daniel Neild, Archie Sturdy and Devon Arnold – who in January became the youngest player to represent YTFC in the EFL – in the under-18s squad.

However, the rest of the current second years have all been released as we look to progress the younger age groups and welcome the new intake.

Youngsters Tommy Scott, Lewis Dix, Harry Haughton, Tom Hayes, Neville Nzembela and Hong Wan will all move on this summer to hopefully pursue careers elsewhere.

We wish all of the above the very best for the future and thank them for their efforts and commitment during their time at Huish Park. 

Professional terms offered:
Alex John, Nestor Shako.

Scholars entering second-year:
Kacper Kowalczyk, George Calverley, Declan Rose, Tai Fleming, Tyrique Clarke, Daniel Neild, Archie Sturdy, Devon Arnold.

Current second-year scholars released:
Tommy Scott, Lewis Dix, Harry Haughton, Tom Hayes, Neville Nzembela, Hong Wan.