Exeter City is thrilled to announce the seven players that have signed scholarships for the new season.
Seven new faces have signed their first-year scholarships to join Nicky Ajose's U18 side ahead of the new season, all seven have come directly from our Academy Schoolboy programme. They are:
Jude Horn – Jude is from Exeter and has been at the Academy since the under-8 level. Jude is an energetic full back with a great engine and is a player who likes to dominate 1-v-1 situations.
Callum Graham – Callum is from Weston-Super-Mare and has been at the club since under-9 level. Callum is a technical, left footed wide player and has a good understanding of the game.
Luke Hodgetts – Luke is a combative central midfield player, with excellent receiving skills. Originally from Somerset, Luke has been at the club since under-14s level.
Harry Crees – Harry is a central midfield player and has been at the Academy since under-9s level. Local to Exeter, Harry is also capable of playing at centre back due to his physical capabilities and is a technical player with a very good range of passing.
Aidan Bown – Aidan is a player local to Exeter and has been at the club since under-8s level. Aidan is a technically gifted midfielder, who excels at manipulating the ball and dictating the game.
Jack Anthony – Jack is a physical centre back who stands at 6’2 and is comfortable in possession. From Somerset, Jack has been at the Academy since under-14s level and has been a captain at the younger age groups.
Liam Cartwright – Liam is from Torquay and had a breakout year with the under-18s in 2023/24, playing well above his age group. Liam is a centre back but has shown he is very comfortable playing all across the back line.
Academy Director Arran Pugh said: "This season, all seven of the incoming scholars have come directly from our Academy Schoolboy programme. This demonstrates the quality and potential of players that we have in this particular age group, with four of the lads starting all the way back in our pre-academy.
"It should also provide continuity and alignment with the culture and standards of the Club, which will benefit the group both on and off the pitch.
"Many of the boys will still be moving in with host families, as the group is made up of young men from across the South West. The 2-year scholarship is designed to support and develop the boys with their academic studies and personal growth alongside their football progression, and living away from home for the first time will be a big part of this for some of the group.
'Many of the boys had experience playing in the U18 side last season, whilst still in their U16 year and we feel it is important to provide similar opportunities this season to any young players that are ready and will benefit from the increased challenge."