Mon 07 Jul - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 4mins
The Derby County Academy has welcomed 10 new first-year scholars ahead of the 2025/26 season.
A new crop of youngsters have joined the Under-18 squad, who will compete in the Premier League - North as well as several cup competitions. They will be managed by Lead Under-18 Coach Bradley Johnson in his first season in charge of the side, having previously assisted Danny Maye prior to him stepping up to the role of Senior Professional Development Phase Coach.
The scholars were welcomed to the club at their Induction Evening at Pride Park Stadium at the end of June, with the players attending alongside their families.
As well as a welcome speech from Johnson, attendees also heard from Men's Head Coach John Eustace, Academy Manager Matt Hale and former scholars in the Academy in Adisa Osayande and Luke Banks.
Introducing the Rams’ new first-year scholars...
A right-sided attacking player who arrived as an Under-15 from Gedling Southbank Football Club, Blake played a part in the outstanding Floodlit Cup run during the 2023/24 season. He went on to make his Under-21s debut last term and he scored the winner in a 2-1 Central League victory over Salford City B.
Clarke - a right-footed wide player - was born and raised in Chesterfield and joined the club as an Under-12 from Sheffield Wednesday. Along with Blake, he also played a key role in the Under-15s’ run to the Floodlit Cup final and is known as a player who can contribute with goals and assists.
Central defender Crolla joined the club from Manchester City in the summer, where he spent a number of years having previously moved to City from Accrington Stanley in the Foundation Phase and progressed through the age groups in recent seasons. He also qualifies for St. Kitts and Nevis as well as England.
Dzialuk is described as a brave and athletic goalkeeper and he has signed his scholarship just three months after starting his journey at the Academy through the Goalkeeper Development Centre. A stopper of Polish heritage, he joined from Birmingham club CS Colts.
A right-footed attacker, Gill has risen through the ranks after joining the Pre-Academy from AS Plant Youth Football Club in Mansfield and he represents the club alongside his older brother, Tristan. Another Floodlit Cup finalist, he appeared for both the Under-18s and Under-21s last season.
Griffiths - a native of Stockport - joined the club from Manchester City as an Under-17 and is described as an attacking player who thrives in one-on-one situations. He caught the eye after finding the net against the Rams on several occasions, and he made his Under-18s debut against his former club last term.
Defender Marriott has also risen from the Pre-Academy after starting his footballing journey in Leicestershire with FC Burbage. The club’s reigning Academy Player of the Season, he is a versatile operator who was a key player in the Floodlit Cup campaign and has already featured regularly for the Under-18s and Under-21s.
Smith - born in Chesterfield - joined the Pre-Academy from Young Owls and was the club’s top scorer during the run to the Floodlit Cup final, scoring two hat-tricks during the knockout phase. A technical and versatile left-footed midfielder, he has featured several times for the Under-18s and Under-21s already.
Stokes is also from Chesterfield and he is the fifth member of this season’s group to progress from the Pre-Academy to sign a scholarship. Born into a family of Derby County supporters, Stokes can operate at left-back or in midfield and has already appeared for the Under-18s and Under-21s, after featuring in every single Floodlit Cup fixture.
Originally a wide attacking player from Nottingham, Thomas has made the transition to full-back after initially joining the Academy at Under-12 level. He is described as an athletically strong player who can handle the ball well in tight areas and he was a key contributor during the Floodlit Cup run.
The second-year scholars are: Charles Ebuka Agbawodikeizu, Rio Canoville, Braidy Connell-Webster, Sean Corry, AJ Doyle, Alfie Friars, Khace Gordon, Israel Green, Dantel Hodges, Marley Mintus, Harvey Rees, James Ward.
The Under-18s’ 2025/26 fixtures will be confirmed and communicated in due course.
