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Football success for Berkhamsted students
Alfie Jones (above, centre), Year 11, continued to make encouraging progress with MK Dons as their Under 15s academy goal keeper last year with hopes high that he might earn a full time playing apprentice contract at the end of next season. Alfie won a number of plaudits for his displays during the 2015/16 campaign.
The team play around the country every week throughout the season and had some impressive performances against teams such as QPR, Spurs, Leicester City, Newport, and Norwich. As a climax to the season, they had a challenging cluster of high profile fixtures with away victories against Chelsea, Manchester Utd and finally took on the mighty Barcelona at home at Stadium MK in front of a crowd of over 4000 gaining a 3-0 win, with Alfie being awarded Man of the Match.
“I came back from quite a serious injury at the beginning of the season, having been out for a number of months. Luckily, I’ve had a great season and I’m working very hard to earn another two year contract which will take me full time next year. At the moment, I spend roughly 25 hours a week at the club, with one weekday and then after school and at weekends. I also go to a strength and fitness trainer and a specialist coach every week– fitting in homework and revision around this is difficult but the school have been great and very supportive. Competition at MK Dons is tough and there are no guarantees but we have a great set of players and it is very exciting to be part of,” says Alfie.
Although Alfie has enjoyed a lot of attention in and around the game this year, he remains 100% focused on keeping his feet firmly on the ground whilst attempting to keep the ball firmly out of the net!
Henry Wise (above), who leaves Berkhamsted after completing his GCSEs, is one step ahead after being offered a professional contract at Derby County for next season. We wish Henry, who will continue his education at Loughborough College, all the very best as his pursues his dreams of a career in professional football.
Sam Spencer (above and far right in the back row in team photo below), Year 11, was selected for the ISFA academy festival at Oakham in August among UK’s top young players.
The three day event consisted of training and matches involving players who are currently in football academies.Sam played every minute of every match firstly against Rotherham Academy then Bradford and finally Leyton Orient Academy.
