EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: LEIGHTON (SOUTHAMPTON FC U10)

by Niall Marr February 9, 2023

Leighton joined New Forest Football Academy in 2017, when he was just 4 years old beginning his journey with our Saturday Soccer School. Leighton regularly attended our Holiday Football Courses and despite being one of the youngest players, he continued to impress at every session - he was even lucky enough to be coached by Eddie Beach (Chelsea FC) during his brief coaching career! It wasn't long before Leighton joined our Academy when he was an Under-5, where he trained up with our Under-6 Elite Development Centre. Leighton soon caught the eye of the Southampton FC and AFC Bournemouth Scouts, where he was invited to train at the highest level of their academy for his age groups. After 3 seasons in Premier League Pre-Academies, Leighton put pen to paper with Southampton FC Academy when he was U9 and has since been going from strength to strength. Some of you may have spotted Leighton on CBBC in the Football Academy Documentary!

Leighton is one of many players, that has completed our full pathway from Saturday Soccer School, Holiday Football Courses and Academy Development Centres before progressing into Professional Academy Football! We are so proud of Leighton and all his achievements, we feel so lucky to have played a part in his football journey!

Watch Leighton's interview here - https://fb.watch/iAFVJuVx-3/