Watford FC is delighted to announce the latest crop of youngsters to have been handed scholarships. For the next two seasons, the players will spend time on a development programme that will see them gain nationally recognised qualifications through an extensive and important football and education programme.
Under the expert guidance and tutelage of Academy Director Richard Johnson and Head of Technical Development Jimmy Gilligan, the young Hornets will develop while working towards the goal of earning a professional contract.
Of the new scholars, Johnson, a former Hornets player himself, said: “We’re really excited about the new first-year scholars that we have on board. We had a welcome barbecue at the training ground where they signed all their registration papers. We had a little chat with them and got to meet the families.
“It’s always exciting times when you get a new cohort of scholars coming through and I’m excited to see how this group develops.
“At the end of last season we had quite of few of them playing in the Under-18s and they made a huge difference to that group. They are all great lads and they have the ability or they wouldn’t be here. Now it’s about watching them develop and seeing how they flourish in full-time football.
“It’s always a big challenge coming through the schoolboy programme into the full-time environment because the demands are a lot higher, but this group have a great attitude, great character and I’m sure we will see a lot of good football and a lot of success this coming season.”
Below is a list of the new scholars who will be setting their sights on playing at Vicarage Road in the future.
Name: Michael Adu-Poku
Position: Forward
Date of birth: September 23, 2005
Joined: September 6, 2018
Having risen through the ranks since joining in 2018, Adu-Poku featured sporadically for the Under-18s last season. This season he will aim to secure a regular position in the side.
Name: Roraigh Browne
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of birth: September 12, 2005
Joined: June 20, 2019
A dynamic shot-stopper, Browne is another player who was promoted to the Under-18s at the end of last season. He will be hoping to secure a permanent spot between the sticks.
Name: Aaron Burton
Position: Defender
Date of birth: September 24, 2005
Joined: March 7, 2018
A promising young defender, Burton will have two years in the scholarship programme to continue developing his tough-tackling, yet creative playing style.
Name: Ben Casey
Position: Defender
Date of birth: September 29, 2005
Joined: November 30, 2017
Having previously played at Fulham and Arsenal, Casey is well-versed in the academy set-up. After making multiple appearances for the Under-18s at the end of last season, he will be hoping to continue his development.
Name: Albert Eames
Position: Defender
Date of birth: September 20, 2005
Joined: July 1, 2014
Having joined the club at nine years old, Eames has continued to work his way up the youth system at Vicarage Road and will be hoping to take his chance as a newly-announced scholar.
Name: Yianni Goulandris
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: August 3, 2006
Joined: March 31, 2022
Despite being one of the younger scholars, Goulandris will be pushing hard for a place in the older age categories. The 15-year-old originally featured for RC Lens London before making the move to Watford.
Name: Alfie King
Position: Defender / Midfielder
Date of birth: April 4, 2006
Joined: September 24, 2014
A promising, versatile talent, King featured for the Under-18s during spells last season. With the confirmation of his scholarship, King will be hoping to continue his development with the squad.
Name: Josh Mullins
Position: Defender
Date of birth: November 16, 2005
Joined: July 1, 2014
The Watford-born defender was another player to feature in the Under-18s during the previous campaign. Joining in 2014 at nine years old, Mullins has risen through the Hornets’ youth system and will be hoping to make his mark during his scholarship.
Name: Gabriel Ortelli
Position: Goalkeeper
Date of birth: June 19, 2006
Joined: January 2, 2019
A fast and sharp goalkeeper, Ortelli joined the Hornets over three years ago and has gone from strength to strength since his arrival. He will be hoping to maintain his momentum entering his first season as a scholar.
Name: Prince Sikiru
Position: Midfielder / Forward
Date of birth: April 10, 2006
Joined: February 7, 2017
Featuring for the Under-18s last season, the versatile 16-year-old will be hoping to further his progress this season as a first-year scholar.
Name: Jack Taylor
Position: Midfielder
Date of birth: September 8, 2005
Joined: August 6, 2018
A former Tottenham and West Ham United academy star, Taylor is an experienced young player. After playing for the Under-18s during early 2022, Taylor will be looking to secure a spot in the side.
