“I’ve always wanted to be a footballer and that dream hasn’t changed.”
Through The Albion Foundation’s Football Development Pathway, 16-year-old Blake has been given the opportunity to fulfil that wish.
Just eight years ago, Blake walked into one of the Foundation’s Player Development Centre sessions, and he hasn’t looked back since – fulfilling every step of the pathway.
“I very first came across Blake when he was at Redhill Player Development Centre at the age of about six or seven,” Head of Football Sam Whitmore said. “He was a great young person to work with and always loved getting involved in the session.
“He progressed each week and attended regularly, standing out with his technical ability too. From there we looked to push him into the Player Development Academy where he went from strength to strength at.
“It is very rewarding to see a player go through the whole pathway. Knowing that we have had a huge impact and influence on the journey, shows the coaches and myself exactly why we do the job.”
Blake’s determination has been a deciding factor in his journey, with his ambitions and pride fuelled by his desire to be playing at the best of his abilities.
“I want to push myself to play at the highest level of football that I can achieve,” Blake admitted. “I started The Albion Foundation Player Development sessions when I was eight, I then signed for Wolves, however, I came back into the Albion Foundation programme at under 11s.
“This has included time on trial with the Albion Academy team, PDA, Talent ID and other similar sessions at different times. I’ve always been technically strong but the Foundation has helped me develop my all round game to make me a much stronger footballer.
“Personally, I’ve made some great friends from being part of the teams at the Foundation, I have also got some really good relationships with coaches who have helped me along my journey.”
Head of Football Sam has overseen the majority of Blake’s development in his role, and while Blake showed early signs of footballing promise early on - it’s been his off-the-field skills that Sam's been most proud to see develop.
“Blake has definitely developed as both a player and a person,” Sam said. “He has learnt a lot technically but also shows great character on the pitch.
“He is unique and is a flair player with off the cuff moments that keep opposition players guessing. As a person, he has started to come out of his shell.
“When he was younger, he was a very shy and quiet player but last year having worked with him closer again he was talkative and a leader within the group to demand quality of those around him. He has always been a polite and kind young person that is respectful to others around him.
“It has been great to see him now have other exit routes into non-league football playing floodlit football at U18s level, which again showcases the connections and relationships that can be built through the system.
“I hope that Blake continues to come out of his shell and becomes confident socially in the new settings that he is going into. It’ll be fantastic to see him gain independence at college, where he’ll learn how to deal with various social backgrounds, discipline to get to college and training on time too.”
For Blake, he’s won awards at each Midlands Junior Premier League age group that he’s played in, and will now move into the Foundation’s Post-16 pathway while continuing his playing career.
“I’m very proud,” Blake said. “I’ve now won every award available so to have the full set made be feel proud that players, parents and manager at different stages of my football have all acknowledged my performances and ability.
“I love football so intend to join the post-16 programme, continuing youth floodlights football and also looking at under 21’s or men’s football.”
To explore The Albion Foundation's Football Development Pathway and to sign your child up for an available session, please click HERE.
