As the Academy feature this week, we are focusing on a new scholar for the Under-18s Will Johnson who joined the Cods this summer and will feature in the Under-18s for the 2021/22 season.
The young defender, who classes himself as a traditional style player, has experience at Academy, County, and District football having played in multiple divisions already in his short career.
Darlington was his latest club but before that, he played for three Sunday League teams, winning county trophies and featuring in the first-team for Norton & Stockton Ancients, who play in the Wearside League.
Johnson has footballing pedigree in his family as his father, Alan, was a professional footballer himself having started his career back in 1989 with Wigan Athletic. He would go on to make 180 appearances over five years for them, scoring 13 goals from the back. He also played for both Lincoln City and Rochdale later in his career, which ended in 2000.
On moving to the club and the atmosphere since, Will said: "Since I’ve been here, the lads have been so open, helpful, and friendly so I feel it’s going to be good, especially because we all stay in the same place, so it makes for a good team environment.
“Even if we aren’t the strongest team, we will be able to pull through it. The chemistry is there, and everyone is prepared to fight for each other. I feel like I’ve been here for years.”
From Eaglescliffe in County Durham, Will chose to join Fleetwood for many reasons including the education on offer at the club, which he stated was very important for him: “I can focus on my education here as I am able to study for a Maths A-Level, which is important to me because I’ll always have something to fall back on if I don’t make it pro.”
Will is part of Simon Wiles’ Under-18s for the 2021/22 season. Get down to Poolfoot Farm and support the team during their Youth Alliance campaign throughout the season!