Open trials prove successful for Academy...
Rotherham United Academy’s open trials have again proved successful with two young hopefuls joining the Millers.Led by Lead Foundation Phase Coach Jake Henry, the most recent session were again attended in big numbers resulting in the Millers adding some new faces to their ranks.
The club were delighted to sign an under 10 prospect Christovie Kondolo who, along with his family, were given a grand tour around the AESSEAL New York Stadium last week.
“Christovie is local Rotherham lad who came through the open trials,” Jake told the Millers’ official matchday programme.
“It was great to show him around the stadium, and he even commented that he could see his house from the third floor.
“He has come from a local club who we have good links with. Their club secretary Scott Concannon is one of our pre-Academy coaches so his help was greatly appreciated.”
On the same day an under 9 prospect Emilian Mazur also put pen-to-paper with the Millers.
Emilian was spotted by the Millers after taking part in the Community Sports Trust’s Future Stars scheme, and is a further example of the close relationship between the Millers’ Academy and the Trust.
“Emilian has signed at the under 9 level after coming through the Future Stars programme run by Adam Pilgim at the Trust,” Jake added.
“Adam is also one of our Academy coaches too which is another example of how we work hand-in-hand with Trust.
“Through the work that Jamie Noble and his team do we have a link where we can bring players into our Academy structure, which is fantastic for us.”
Jake also confirmed that there are plans in place for more opportunities for talented local players, with the next batch of Open Trials set for the summer.
“We successfully held trials for age groups 8 to 11 earlier in the season, and are looking to continue this twice a year,” he explained.
“It showcases local talent that we may not have had the opportunity to go and see, and gives boys who are not in the Academy programmes the chance to shine.”