7 players from Doncaster Rovers Academy recently signed their first professional contract with the club, in the hope of becoming the next 'Made In Doncaster' stars.
Reece Fielding, Louis Jones, Tyler Walker, Will Longbottom, Lloyd Henderson, Joshua Barker and Matthew Gains last week signed their first professional contract with Doncaster Rovers and made the move up from Rovers Under 16 Academy to the Under 18's, on a two year scholarship with the club.The 7 scholars will be on a two year scholarship at Rovers, as well as receiving a full education programme along the way.
The ultimate aim for the youngsters is to impress first team manager Paul Dickov during their two years and gain a first team contract, hopefully following this years Made In Doncaster graduates Paul McKay, Jack McKay and Liam Mandeville.
Reece Fielding: Joined DRFC Academy in 2008
Louis Jones: Joined DRFC Academy in 2011
Tyler Walker: Joined DRFC Academy in 2008
Will Longbottom: Joined DRFC Academy in 2010
Lloyd Henderson: Joined DRFC Academy in 2012
Joshua Barker: Joined DRFC Academy in 2009
Matthew Gains: Joined DRFC Academy via Football League exit trials after being released by Notts County
In the last three years Doncater Rovers Academy has produced 11 players who have made the step up to first team level, making appearances in both the Championship and League One. (Liam Wakefield, Harry Middleton, Alex Peterson, James Husband, Billy Whitehouse, Mitchell Lund, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Askins, Paul McKay, Jack McKay and Liam Mandeville).
Critical to the development of Doncaster Rovers Academy is the Rovers Alliance.
The Rovers Alliance is an exclusive members club for Rovers fans, which raises vital funds for the clubs Youth Development to contribute towards the future of Doncaster Rovers, as well as giving members a closer link to the club and the chance to win cash prizes and money can't buy experiences.
How has the Alliance helped?
Doncaster Rovers have a Youth Alliance Cup winning Youth Team that produced first team players such as Liam Wakefield, Harry Middleton, Alex Peterson and James Husband, who last year made the move to Championship side Middlesbrough. At 18 years of age, James Husband became the second youngest player to ever captain the Doncaster Rovers first team.
Last years League One campaign also saw youngsters such as Billy Whitehouse, Mitchell Lund, Paul McKay, Jack McKay and Liam Mandeville make first team appearances.
None of this would be possible without over £75,000 of invested members fees. Every penny raised is invested into the youth structure at the club to help develop 'Made In Doncaster' players of the future and nurture local talent. It's a win-win situation, with the club generating valuable funds and members receiving some fantastic prizes!
What are the benefits?
- 5% discount on your Doncaster Rovers season ticket.
- 2 pairs of free tickets to a Rovers home game.
- 10% discount on Corporate Hospitality packages.
- Priority ticketing and the opportunity to attend exclusive events.
- Youth Team updates and free entry to Doncaster Rovers Central League fixtures.
For more information on the Rovers Alliance and how to support the future of Doncaster Rovers, please call 01302 764664 or email roversalliance@doncasterroversfc.co.uk