It was a memorable evening for Cambridge United on Tuesday with eight either current or former apprentices involved in the matchday squad for their EFL Trophy second-round tie at Cheltenham Town.
Academy Manager Dom Knighton told LFE: “It was a proud night for our academy with nine players who have developed through our programme/continue to do so involved. Liam Bennett, the most senior of academy graduates has close to 100 appearances, whilst Louis Chadwick, Brandon Njoku, and Amaru Kaunda have all completed their scholarships recently. Peter Holmes, George Munday, and Dempsey Crace are current apprentices, while 15-year-old schoolboy Daniel Nneji, who is yet to begin his scholarship with us, travelled with the squad. It’s a testament to the environment created within our academy and another experience that will benefit our players moving forward.”
Head of Education Harsh Joshi added: “I’m buzzing for all of them, especially Peter, George, and Dempsey who are still current apprentices. Peter came on for his debut in the 77th minute and when he came in this morning he was absolutely buzzing too. He came into education after a late night travelling back from Cheltenham so it’s great to see that he sees the importance of his education. In terms of Dempsey, he’s a first-year apprentice so it’s a great experience for him to go and travel with the squad and get that exposure. I see them from the education side of things but when I see them out flourishing on the pitch it’s fantastic.”
Peter Holmes (above) discussed his debut with LFE. “I’ve been on the bench five or six times and last night I was really hoping to get on the pitch and was buzzing to in the end. I think because I’d been on the bench a few times before I didn’t feel overwhelmed and felt ready. Obviously travelling back and not getting home till two in the morning and coming in for education this morning was hard, but I wouldn’t miss it for the world as I came on and made my debut.”
