ACADEMY PLAYERS
GOALKEEPERS
dylan kirk
Age: 16
Height: 5’8
Weight: 65kg
Position: Goalkeeper
Dylan started playing football at the age of 12 as part of his school team. Aged 15, Dylan moved onto Buxton EDS where he played for two years. In 2020/21, Dylan joined the Buxton FC Academy.
james turner
Age: 16
Height: 6ft
Weight: 60kg
Position: Goalkeeper
James started with the Buxton Junior Football Club Under 11s as their first team keeper in 2015, at the age of nine. In the past two years, James has made excellent progress, not just in his skill, but also in his confidence and maturity. Proving this, by winning the club title of 'Most Improved Player' in 2018.
With Buxton Junior Football Club, James has won many titles including both cup and league battles. In recent years, his team moved to the Premiere division of the Stockport Metro League to give his team a challenge – earning an impressive mid-table position in their first season.
Additionally, James has trained with Stockport County FC (Outfield) and is part of a weekly six-a-side team in Leisure Leagues. As a keeper, James regularly trains with Barry Gordine (Ex- Reading Goalkeeper Coach) as well as with Nigel Keough and Luke Stow in the Elite Development Centre every week.
More recently, James has been playing and training with the Buxton Reserves squad and, training alongside Tommy Taylor and Grant Shenton.
will palmer
Weight: 75kg
Height: 5’10
"Palmer" has played previously for Matlock Town Academy, Hilton Harriers FC, Chesterfield FC Development as well as Normanton All-Stars - where he has developed his key attributes of aerial ability, distribution, communication and shot-stopping.
Since signing for Buxton FC Academy in 2019 ‘Palmer’ feels that he has developed in various aspects of his game including distribution (specifically playing out from the back) a style that, as a sweeper-keeper, he prefers.
His consistency has proven to be an imperative contribution to the team in games.
DEFENDERS
adam twigg
Age: 16
Height: 6’2
Weight:62kg
Position: Centre back
Adam started playing football for Buxton JFC Braves when he was 7 years old and continued to play for them until the 19/20 season. Before the team moved into the Stockport metro league, they played in the Rowsley and District league and won many league titles during that time.
When Adam was 11, he attended Derby tips training at Whaley bridge and was selected to trial for Derby academy at Moore farm, where he played a number of games for the academy side. Adam's highlight was playing for Derby against Nottingham Forest, where he scored 2 goals!
aiden (aj) Theyer
Age: 16
Height: 5’11
Weight: 66kg
Position: Right Back or Centre Back
AJ began playing football for his local team, Chapel Town Football Club, at the age of 6. During his time at Chapel Town, he was scouted for Port Vale Football Club. At the age of 10, he was scouted for Chesterfield Football Club and he joined their development before later moving to Sheffield Wednesday FC development – where he stayed for the duration of his school years.
Recently, Aiden also had the opportunity to join Sheffield United FC elite development and had offers from both Sheffield clubs to progress with them after finishing school.
Aiden signed for Sheffield United Junior Blades in the Sheffield & District League at U13. For the last couple of years, Aidan has captained the Blades side, winning the A division title for two consecutive years, in addition to the league cup.
Byron Masterson
Age: 16
Height: 5’11
Weight: 66kg
Position: Right Back
Byron began playing football at the age of 8, participating in school matches and summer sports clubs. Byron took a short break from football to pursue his previously unrecognised talent in running. For two years, Byron held a place in the East Midlands Running club, competing against some of the UK’s top runners. Rediscovering his love for football at age 14, Byron joined the Buxton Communities football team before beginning training with Stockport County. It was here that Byron made significant progress and refined his skills, which later enabled him to train with Buxton FC players, at the Silverlands Football ground.
charlie little
Age: 17
Weight: 66kg
Height: 5’10
Position: Centre back
From the ages of 7 – 10, Charlie was part of the Sheffield Wednesday academy before representing the Sheffield Schoolboys in U13’s and U14's football. Later, Charlie played for Chesterfield Town U15’s in a Saturday league: winning the league as well as two cups in the same season.
Additionally, from U8’s – U16s Charlie played for A division team, Brunsmeer Athletic, in the Sheffield and District Junior Sunday league.
curtis nkoy
Age: 17
Height: 5'8
Weight: 68KG
Position: Centre Midfield/Right Back
French player Curtis has been playing football for 12 years. Whilst living in Paris, Curtis played for 7 years with Paris Saint-Germain, before joining one of the most prestigious clubs in the region: The Racing Colombes 92 where he played from 2015 - 2020.
Dan howarth
Age: 18
Weight: 77 kg
Height: 6’3
Dan is a right-footed defender who is versatile in positions at the back.
Dan has played as a centre back and left-back for Buxton under 16’s and then progressed to be being a defender for Buxton academy in the under 19’s league. Dan is a player full of power and pace who loves to attack as a defender and to overlap wingers when playing full back.
Dan has had experience with local teams in Buxton and has played for school teams since the age of 7 through to the age of 16: winning many tournaments and competitions. Dan also has had experience with the Stockport community trust foundation football team where he played a year and a half as a striker, scoring many goals in different games against teams around the High Peak.
Harvey roy
Age: 17
Weight: 66kg
Height: 5’10
Position: Centre back
Harvey began playing for chapel town at the age of 9, where he played for 5 years before the team folded. In this time, he had helped them to win 3 leagues and 2 cups. He then had a season at Chinley Town, where he developed his football over the next year. At 14 years-old, Harvey played for Chesterfield FC Development.
After this, he then played for Buxton Braves for 2 years when in his first season, the team came second in the league and won the cup competition.
In this season, Harvey was awarded Manager's Player of the Season for his performance.
During his time at school, Harvey played for Chapel-en-le-Frith High School Team and last year, had trials at Sheffield United FC before joining Buxton FC Academy in 2020.
Lilyan-estephe Samba
Age: 17
Height: 6’3
Weight: 90 kg
Position: Centre back
Samba started playing in a Sunday league in France, his home country. A couple of years later, having moved to England, he joined Sunday League team Wilmslow Town where he played for 2 years. During the 2019/2020 season, Samba has had the opportunity to play in the FA Youth Cup qualifying rounds as part of the Buxton FC Academy team and has recently had the opportunity to participate in a trial game against Stoke City U18s as well as playing for the Buxton FC Reserves. He has also had the experience of trialling at Macclesfield town and the opportunity to have had a 2 day trial at Aston Villa FC as an U16.
Matt Frewer
Age: 16
Height: 5' 9
Position: Left-back
Having played for both Leek Town FC youth teams from the age of 8, Matt was invited to join England u16 deaf team at the age of 12. He has also played at Stockport County academy, from the ages of 12-16, whilst also captaining his school team from year 7 through to year 11.
In addition to his offer from Buxton FC Academy, Matt was also invited to play for Stockport County and Macclesfield Town. In addition to his involvement with the academy, Matty has played regularly for Buxton reserves this season.
Matty O'keefe
Age: 17
Height: 5’10
Position: Left back/wingback
Matty is a left-footed defender who was proud to be selected as an Under 16 FA Schoolboy, representing Wirral. He started playing football at the age of 8, and from the ages of 10-15, he played for Flint Academy in Wales, reaching the North Wales Academy Cup and the North Wales Super 6 final - as well as being league winners and NEWFA cup finalist with Flint Town.
During his time at Flint, Matty also had two trials for Everton at ages 11 and 12, and a 3-month trial for Accrington Stanley.
Matty then left Flint Academy to make his move back to English football, enjoying a brief stint with Rochdale U18 EDS based in Hyde, before joining Buxton FC where he plays for the Academy and has represented Buxton reserves.
monty green
Weight: 65kg
height: 5’11
Age: 16
Monty first started playing football with his local Nottingham team, Beeston Centurions before moving to Darley Dale and later, Bakewell Town. Monty currently plays for Rowsley 86.
Owen Hopkinson
Age: 16
Height: 6’0
Weight: 65kg
Position: Centre Back/Right Back
Owen started playing football at the age of for Chapel Town Juniors U9’s, competing in the Stockport Metro League, where he played for three years. Owen then played for Buxton Braves U12’s and U13’s, winning the Rowsley league once. Having moved to play for Chinley JFC under 14’s for a year to play in the Stockport Metro, Owen then returned to Buxton Braves: Captaining the team for the U15’s and U16’s captaining the team.
He then passed through the trials at Buxton FC and to become part of the academy squad.
Rupert 'roo' Green
Age: 17
Position: Left Wing
Roo began his career, aged 15, for Bakewell Town FC where he played 2 seasons before joining Buxton FC's academy in the 19/20 season. For the last two years, he has also been a part of the Rowsley 86 Men's team.
Tom Ibbeson
Age17
Height 6'0
78kg 6ft tall
Tom is a young centre back who started playing at the age of 5: beginning at a local level before moving to Leeds. Aged 10 he relocated to Hope Valley, where he was selected by Rotherham whilst playing there. He now plays for Bamford men’s team on a Saturday and Buxton Academy during the week.
wiktor kala
Height: 5'9
Weight: 75kg
Position: right-back/ right-wing
As his father had done as a child, Wiktor began playing football as a young boy with his Dad. At the age of 14, he began playing football for his school football team where his potential was spotted by a representative of Buxton u16's. Wiktor joined the team at 16 and progressed to play for the Buxton U18's where he remains a valued member of the team. Wiktor says that eventually joining the Academy team was "a great feeling" as it was something to which he had always aspired. He had previously played with some of his academy teammates at Stockport.
MIDFIELDERS
adam webster-henderson
Height:5’7
Weight: 64kg
Position: Centre Midfield
From the age of 7, Adam has played at different clubs in Buxton.
He also spent a couple of seasons playing for Chapel-en-le-Frith’s U12’s at the age of 10 before returning to Buxton. Here, he won
multiple league titles and two cups before joining the Buxton FC Academy in 2020/2021.
antonio quintero
Age: 16
Height: 5’10
Weight: 73kg
Position: centre attacking midfield/striker
Having moved from Spain to the UK at the age of 11, Antonio joined his local team where he played for 4 years. In this time, Antonio contributed to two league wins and has also had trials for Derby and Burton. Additionally, he has played with Derby Schools (Derby Boys) until joining Buxton FC Academy.
BEN GREATOREX
Age: 16
Height: 5’11
Weight: 65 kg
Position: Centre Midfield
Experience and previous clubs:
Ben has over 8 years’ experience playing football for his local club, Matlock Town.
Beginning his football career as a centre-back for Matlock Spartans U8’s 5-a-side football, and later progressing as a Striker in U10’s football – scoring 12 goals in his first season and earning the Golden Boot. Ben continued to play as a Striker but adapted well to any position in the absence of his teammates – showing potential as both a fullback and centre-half.
In the 2017/18 season, Ben began to play in central midfield which played to his strengths and allowed him to excel. He later went on to win the Derwent Valley cup, contributing a goal in the win. Following his success in that season, Ben also won the Derwent Valley league in a playoff game and has continued to play throughout the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons for Matlock before joining the Buxton FC Academy.
cameron (cam) wallace
Age: 17
Height: 5'9
Weight: 60kg
Position: Centre Midfielder
Last season (2019/2020), Cam joined the Buxton Football Club Academy, having trialled for Derby County at the age of 11 and progressing through the Buxton junior team from under 11's to the under 18's.
This year, Cam has started in the FA youth cup and signed papers with Buxton’s First team.
casper nicholson
Age: 18 (28/09/2002)
Height: 6’2
Weight: 78.5kg
Position: Centre Back
Casper has experience playing competitively for a wealth of different clubs as a centre midfielder.
Before joining the Leeds EDPS programme, he was scouted by professional clubs from the age of 8-16, including Chesterfield FC, Sheffield United and Derby County. Casper captained every team for which he played, winning league titles in every team he played, with only one exception. Casper attributes his ability to remain focussed under pressure to playing in cup finals in every season.
After leaving Sheffield United Development at 16, he went to train with Matlock Town Reserves where he trained with experienced players some of whom have since gone onto to sign professional contracts – allowing Casper to witness first-hand, the calibre and dedication of a players who progress to sign professional contracts. As part of a progressive youth system, Casper has gained a sound understanding of how to play to philosophy which has which has helped him to understand what is demanded from him as a player and grow toward this.
Leeds EPDS later recruited Casper and converted him to a centre back. Casper was at Leeds United FC for the 2019/20 season. After a successful season, Casper sought to maximise his progression, and signed papers with Buxton FC’s first team, also joining their youth academy and reserve sides in a full-time programme.
EWAN CATT
Age: 17
Position: Striker, central attacking midfielder
Ewan has recently joined Buxton FC, playing in the second year academy squad, reserve team and has made his first team debut in the 7-0 FA Cup win against Belper Town.
He has played at many different youth levels in the past, including grassroots and professional academy football.
Not only has he played football across England but had the opportunity to play football abroad.
hayden Brownsword
Age: 17
Weight: 58KG
Height: 5'5
Position: RB and CM
Hayden started playing football at the age of four. He developed his football skills at Marple Bridge as a centre back. At the age of 12, he undertook trials at Manchester City which lasted 10 weeks.
Receiving offers from Macclesfield and Stockport Football College, Hayden accepted an offer at Buxton FC Academy where he plays right back, a new position which he enjoys. Hayden also plays for his local team Whaley Bridge U18 as a centre back.
joey hollamby
Height: 5’9
Weight: 55kg
Position: CM/CAM
Joey started playing football at the age of 5 when he joined Buxton Braves. Joey played with Buxton Braves for two seasons, where he was scouted for Chesterfield Town FC. Playing two seasons for Chesterfield as part of their development programme allowed Joey to further develop his skills and in his first league, he helped his team to win the league!
As Joey grew older, he gained experience with several different teams. He had seasons at both Marple FC and CS City, where he played in two different leagues at against players and competed against some very competent players who also had the advantage of age.
After this, Joey moved to AFC Dronfield. In this season, the team won the league and came runners up in the Manchester Cup. During this time, Joey trained with Sheffield United Development Squad where they spotted his potential. Joey began training with a team two years' older than he was and gained a wealth of experience from being a part of this squad - despite being too young to play alongside them.
At the age of 14, Joey played for Manchester vipers, where they played in the East Manchester League. In his final years before joining Buxton FC Academy, Joey was scouted for Stockport County U16s where he played from the age of 14 under Alan Lord, who used to be part of the first-team staff and soon became an inspiration for Joey in his footballing career.
Jack young
Age: 16
Position: Centre Midfield
Weight: 69kg
Height: 5’10
Jack started playing football at the age of 10 with the local team, Darley Dale. Jack then moved to play for Chesterfield Junior Blues for one season, before joining Matlock town where he has played for the last three years. In that time Jack had trialled for Burton Albion and now plays for the Buxton FC Academy as well as the Buxton FC reserves.
joe houghton
Age: 19
Height: 5’10
Weight: 65KG
Position: Centre midfield/ Right back
Joe has played football since the age of 6 years old - starting at his local team, Hasland CFC. As a right-footed player who is disciplined and versatile, Joe played for the Buxton U19s last year and is now playing for both Buxton Reserves and Staveley Miners Reserves this season. Joe was previously at Matlock Town Academy before a move to Buxton FC.
jonathen 'johnny' carroll
Height: 6'0
Weight: 67kg
Position: CAM, Right Wing, Right Back
Johnny has been playing football for his whole life! Beginning with Charlton Juniors up until the age of 8, Jonny later transferred to local team Chippy Swifts Sunday league who play in the West Oxfordshire District Youth League, when he moved with his family to Chipping Norton (Oxfordshire).
Here, he helped the team win the U15 League title which the first ever won by the club - scoring 15 goals in 17 games! During his time with The Swifts, he was privileged to be awarded Manager's Player, as well as Supporter's player of the season. In the current U16 season, Johnny has already scored 14 goals in 10 games.
Johnny has also played for his school team since joining secondary school and has just progressed into the senior team. In addition to scoring goals, Johnny's key strengths are passing accuracy, teamwork, work-rate and being very vocal. In the past 2 summers, he has supported the Swifts Saturday football skills, helping lead the 5-10-year-olds.
Having waited over a year to join, Johnny is now a part of the Buxton FC Academy squad.
Kane Jackson
Kane has played for Buxton Braves from U8s, through to U16s: winning both leagues and cups during his time with the team.
Kane has also been part of the Stockport Community Trust Foundation, Goalz, for 3 years and remains involved. Representing his school, Kane has played in friendlies, as well as competing in tournaments. He has previously trialled for Burnley and Stockport County.
He has played friendlies for his school each year and competed in tournaments. Kane has previously been to trials with Burnley and Stockport county, having been scouted at UK Football Trials. Having had offers from Macclesfield Town and Stockport County, Kane decided to Join Buxton FC Academy and is now a Buxton FC reserves player.
lewis speakman
Age: 16
Height: 5’8’’
Weight: 60kg
Lewis started playing football when he was 11 years old, for Chinley Juniors in a right-wing position. He had trained for a full year previous, waiting for a place to become available in the area. He then moved on to Whaley Bridge FC after 2 years and plays a combination of right-wing and centre midfield roles. He also plays for Chapel-en-le-Frith school team and attends regular training sessions for Buxton FC as well as playing in several games against development teams for Buxton FC.
luca hopkin-clark
Age: 17
Weight: 68kg
Height: 6'0
Position: CAM
Luca started playing football at under 8s for Tideswell FC, where emained part of the team until U14s. At the ages of 11 and 12, Luca was also scouted, and later successfully trialled for Sheffield United - playing with them for two years. At under 15s and 16s, Luca played for Bakewell FC - winning many leagues during this time, such as the Derwent valley league.
This year Luca was invited to trial for Buxton FC Academy and is now playing in the 2020/21 season for Buxton U19s.
FORWARDS
billy slattery
Age: 17
Height: 6’3
Weight: 79kg
Position: Striker
Billy has played most of his footballing career at his local team, Tideswell United FC. Starting from the Under 8s all the way up to Under 18's, Billy has won leagues and cups in nearly every year group in both the Derwent Valley and the North Derbyshire League respectively, before joining Buxton Academy for the 2019/20 season.
Having passed through the Buxton FC trials in 2019, Billy is now part of the 2nd Year Academy squad.
dylan bayes
Age: 16
Position: Winger
Weight: 72kg
Height: 6ft
Dylan began playing for Darley Dale under 7s-8s, where he was scouted by Chesterfield, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield United. From under 9s to 14s, Dylan played for Chesterfield FC’s academy, whilst also having a short spell at Rotherham Academy and later, joining Qualitas in the Junior Premier League where he played for 2 years.
Dylan joined Buxton academy for the start of the 2020/21 season, during this time he was on the bench for the first team in the FA Cup in the 7-0 win against Belper.
Harry Brookes
Age: 16
Weight: 72KG
Height: 6'0
Position: ST/RW
Harry started playing at local club Tideswell FC, in the Derwent Valley League, at U8s where he stayed until U12. At 11 years old, Harry was scouted for Sheffield Wednesday at a Sheffield Wednesday holiday camp. Harry returned to the Derwent Valley league at U14 when playing for Calver FC – winning awards such as Player of The Season, and Top Goal Scorer before trialling for Buxton FC Academy.
Having been selected during the trial process, Harry will now be playing for Buxton Academy U19’s for the 2020/21 season.
jack dillingham
Age: 18
Weight: 62KG
Height: 5'8
Position: Centre Attacking Midfielder/Striker
Jack’s love for football began at the age of four. After playing for Chesterfield Town FC for four years, Jack was scouted to play for Sheffield United FC Academy where he spent the following three years developing and expanding his football skills.
At the age of 12, Jack spent a few months playing for the Derby County FC Academy Development Squad. Since then, he has been in and out of many grass root clubs. In 2019, Jack was asked to join the Tupton Hall School football squad. Competing against some of the best schools in Derbyshire as well as other schools in the country, they later received the Derbyshire County Futsal Champions title.
Jack’s most recent achievements include playing for Buxton FC Reserves and signing onto the Buxton FC First Team.
john ojewumi
Age:17
Height:5'10
Position: Winger/Striker
Experience and Previous Clubs:
John started playing football when he was 10 years old for his local club Ashwood in Dublin, joining Boot Road Celtic two years later. When John was aged 13, he joined Liffey valley rangers where he scored a hat-trick every week! He also went to the Kenndey Cup tournament where he scored two goals, sparking interest from clubs such as Preston, Derby and Tottenham FC. He went on to sign for UCD in the SSE Airtricity League for two years before moving to England in July 2018. He trailed at Charlton FC but, unfortunately, missed out on a scholarship opportunity. John joined Buxton FC in 2019, and while waiting for international clearance, participated in friendly games and additional training sessions to develop the physical & technical aspect of his game. Now his clearance is complete John has made an excellent start to the 20/21 season, scoring 2 goals in 3 games in the league.
markuss prodnieks
Age: 17
Height: 5'8
Weight: 67kg
Position: LW RW LB
Markuss began playing football in Year 3, training in Burton’s Development then progressing onto Whinshill where he stayed from 2016 to 2018 season. He was team Captain and won ‘Players’ Player’ award both seasons, joining Tutbury for the 2018-2019 season where he scored 14 goals with 16 assists from Centre Midfield, reaching the Staffordshire Cup Final in the 2019-20 season.
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owen berry
Age: 17
Height: 5’8
Weight: 65kg
Position: striker/winger
Owen started playing football in 2014 at ten-years-old, for Buxton Braves. Here, he played with the team for 6 years: winning two league titles, two cup trophies and Player of The Season in the U15 season.
Owen now plays for the Buxton FC academy.
theo lees
Age: 16
Height: 5' 11"
Nationality: British
Position: Left Wing / Striker
Theo began playing football for his local U7’s team, Whaley Bridge Juniors FC. Since, he has been scouted and had trial periods with numerous academies including Manchester City, Everton, Derby County, Port Vale and Chesterfield. Theo has now joined the Buxton FC Academy.
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