Source: Northern_Echo
Boro announce new Academy intake
TWO England youth internationals are among Middlesbrough's new intake of 11 Academy scholars.[LNB] Jake Fowler, who can play as a striker or in wide midfield, and centre-back Adam Jackson head a list of school-leavers who will join up with Boro's Academy from July 1.[LNB] Also joining Boro's acclaimed Academy are Curtis Edwards who was on standby for the England Under-17 squad last season together with Lewis Galpin, Michael Roberts, Jake McCormick, Lewis Sirrell, Matthew Waters, Wilson Kneeshaw, Jarrett Rivers and Adam Reach.[LNB] Boro's Academy Director David Parnaby said: "The offer of a scholarship with Middlesbrough Football Club is a real career opportunity for these lads.[LNB] "The transition from schoolboy to full-time employee is something that will test them all but all our staff will support them.[LNB] "We view it as very much a partnership between player, parent and club to ensure they have the best possible chance of realising their potential.[LNB] "I would personally like to wish them all every success in overcoming the challenges they all face as they look to secure careers in the game."[LNB] Jackson, who attends Darlington's Longfield Comprehensive School, was a member of the England Under-16 side that won this year's Victory Shield, while Sunderland-born Fowler has represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 levels.[LNB] Both players are rated as "outstanding prospects" by Curtis Fleming and Paul Jenkins, the Academy coaches who have worked with them closely for the past year.[LNB] Edwards, whose brother Kieran is starting the third year of his scholarship with Boro, is a skilful midfielder with a good range of passing. He attends Trinity Catholic College, formerly St David's School in Middlesbrough.[LNB] Hebburn-born Galpin is a quick and agile defender, who has played in every position across the back four, while McCormick, from York, is a tough-tackling midfield anchorman.[LNB] Joining Boro from Thornaby Community School, Sirrell is a tall left-sided midfielder he is already 6 feet 2 inches who is a great crosser of the ball and packs a tremendous shot.[LNB] Darlington-born Kneeshaw is a nimble player with an eye for goal, who has played in several positions, particularly on the wide right and in central midfield.[LNB] Tough-tackling midfield anchorman McCormick, who has shown excellent endurance levels, is from York.[LNB] Rivers, who attends Spennymoor School, is an energetic midfielder with bags of endurance, good dribbling skills and an eye for goal.[LNB] Target man centre-forward Waters, from Thornaby, not only scores goals but is technically good and holds the ball up well. A pupil at Conyers School in Yarm, he joined Boro's Academy only a year ago after being spotted playing for local side TIBS.[LNB] Both Roberts and Reach are joining Boro for the first time in July. Versatile Roberts, from Chester-le-Street, joins the Academy after successful trials, having previously been with Sunderland, where he showed he could play anywhere in the back four or midfield.[LNB] Reach, a quick and tall left winger, has been recruited from Gateshead College, having previously played for Durham County youths and Chester-le-Street-based Chester Town. A year older than his fellow recruits, he has also had spells with the academies at Newcastle United and Hartlepool.[LNB] ** READ MORE MIDDLESBROUGH NEWS IN TOMORROW'S NORTHERN ECHO **[LNB]
