First-year scholar Kieran Sadlier was delighted to net his first goal at development squad level and is now setting his sights on a regular starting place for the youth team
The Republic of Ireland Under-18 international midfielder came off the bench to complete the scoring in last Thursday's 5-1 victory at Grays Athletic with a smartly-taken last-minute volley. He followed that up with a double last night in an impressive 5-1 win against Great Wakering.
The 16-year-old is also relishing life as a full-time scholar after living in the Academy House on part-time day-release during the previous two seasons.
"It was good. I enjoyed it a lot," Sadlier told whufc.com. "Pre-season is going well. We started off with quite a lot of running but it's become easier and I'm loving it.
"It was a bit weird getting used to being a full-time scholar at the start, but as time has gone on I've got comfortable with it. It's what I love, so it's easy!
"Some of us have not really played together. I hadn't really played with any of the lads who played at Grays before, but we gelled well and looked good together.
Sadlier believes, with the influx of ten talented first-year scholars this summer, the club's youth team could enjoy a superb season in the FA Premier Academy League.
"We have got a great group of players and everyone gets on well together and plays well together, so we're looking good."
Individually, the teenager is also looking forward to further involvement at international level with Ireland at Under-18 level, with a view to starring in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers for Estonia 2012.
"Not a lot happens at Under-18 level but hopefully I can impress and get myself into the Under-19s this season. I want to push on at club level too and if I can impress in the development squad so hopefully there will be a place for me there."