Academy Manager Michael Hamilton has provided an update on what’s been happening during the month of September.
We are delighted to announce the signing of Sean Sankanu, who joins us on a two-year scholarship following a successful trial.
The six foot two centre-back was previously part of Barnet’s academy set-up before it closed and has since been in the grassroots scene developing before starting his trial with us where he showcased some very commanding performances.
We’d like to welcome Sean to the Wimbledon family. It’s an opportunity he thoroughly deserves. He has performed really well in the games he has played - which has included playing against step three senior sides.
He has worked hard towards achieving the development points he has been given by Simon Clark (U18s Head Coach) and has immersed himself within the group. He is a player who could have a really exciting future here at the club if he maximises this opportunity.
London Cup
This season we have entered our Under-17s into the inaugural U17s London Cup, ‘managed’ by West Ham United.
The competition starts off with two groups of five teams, with the top two teams from each group qualifying to play a semi-final, then a final. In our group we’ve been drawn with Luton Town, Arsenal, Stevenage Borough and Millwall.
We opened up our campaign with a convincing 3-0 home win against Stevenage Borough, with our next game at the end of October coming at home against Luton.
You Never Forget Your First
It was brilliant to see Kwaku Frimpong score his first senior goal for the club after netting in the 3-2 victory over Crawley Town in the Papa John’s Trophy.
What’s better (and it’s a message to every one) is the story behind his journey. This is a player who joined us from grassroots football having spent a few years out of the academy system, following his release by Crystal Palace.
He spent the first part of last season on loan at Leatherhead, where he experienced five managers in six months and was told multiple times that he wouldn’t be featuring (similar to Isaac Ogundere). Each time he rolled his sleeves up, battled back, and fought his way back into the side, letting his football do the talking.
I always say there is no such thing as a bad loan, because even when it doesn’t go to plan on the pitch, it’s the other parts of being a ‘footballer’ that can be experienced and learned from.
What he probably didn’t realise was that he was building up resilience and mental skills that has made him the player he is now, attributes that we in the youth section try to replicate.
