Cambridge United are delighted to announce that 10 young players have signed their full scholarships with the Academy…
Zak Massoud, Jamie Murefu, MacDonald Murefu, Jordan Yakubu, Lohgan McDougald, Freddie Jolland, Daniel Ndeda, Daniel Efobi, Adewale Komolafe and Daniel Herd have all been inducted into the Academy Scholarship Programme at the Club’s Training Ground facility.
Our players and parents received presentations from Academy Manager Dom Knighton, U18s Head Coach Liam O’Neil, Head of Education Harsh Joshi and League Football Education (LFE) Support Manager Gavin Willacy, on what life as a full-time Scholar will entail, the expected standards and the education programme they will receive.
All players who are moving into accommodation also met Player Care Manager, Callum Langley as well as their new host families. Every player had the opportunity to spend time with all Academy departments, and took part in a Q&A session with First Year Scholars, Dempsy Crace and Jahrel McKoy.
Academy Manager Dom Knighton said, “It was a special evening to celebrate our young players, thank the families for their unwavering commitment to the programme thus far and induct them into their Scholarship Programme.
“It was also a great opportunity to provide an informative evening on what day to day life looks like as a Scholar here at Cambridge United Football Club.
“Each and every player will have their sights set on forging a career as a professional player and we continue to evolve and develop our programme to help support each individual fulfil their potential.
“However, we strongly believe that our Scholarship Programme at Cambridge Untied can open up a varied number of pathways both within the sports industry and beyond.”
Get to know our new scholars below!
Zak Massoud
Born In Romford, Zak joined our Academy in his U16 year after an impressive trial period. A big personality in the group, Zak has had a lot of exposure to U18s football this season and he will be looking forward to carrying this positive momentum into the new season.
Jamie Murefu
Jamie has been ever present in the U18s this season performing consistently well at left-back. Harlow born; Jamie joined the Academy from Ryan FC at U13s alongside his twin, Macdonald.
Macdonald Murefu
Alongside brother Jamie, Macdonald joined our Academy at U13s. An exciting attacking player who can play both wide, or centrally. Macdonald will be looking to have a big influence on the youth team initially next season.
Jordan Yakubu
A strong Central Defender who joined our Academy programme as an U16 after an impressive trial period. Jordan has demonstrated both sides of his game this season both in and out of possession, as well as a strong resilience.
Lohan McDougald
Local boy, Lohan was born in Huntingdon and joined our Academy from Godmanchester Rovers at U13. Another skilful, attacking player with a clever footballing brain, Lohan will be aiming to build on his positive performances going into the new season.
Freddie Jolland
Freddie rejoined our Academy at U16 from Norwich City. Freddie left us at U11, before rejoining this season after a successful trial period. Freddie is a tenacious central midfielder with a relentless work ethic and strong technical ability.
Daniel Ndeda
Colchester born, Daniel joined our Academy at U15. Daniel has the youngest training age of the group, having taken up the sport very late. A left sided attacking player who possesses strong technical and physical capabilities.
Daniel Efobi
Daniel was born in London and joined our Academy at U15 from West Ham United. Daniel has a real eye for goal and is a ruthless finisher who also got on the score sheet in the FA Youth Cup this season.
Adewale Komolafe
Adewale joined our Academy at U13 level. An athletic central midfielder with a very strong work ethic, who has demonstrated the ability to both create with a good passing range and destroy from the middle of the pitch.
Dan Herd
Dan was born in Cambridge and joined our Academy at U12. Another big personality in the group who possesses a lot of leadership qualities. Dan has the ability to perform in a number of positions but is most effective as a central midfielder currently.
On behalf of everyone at Cambridge United, welcome to all our new Scholars!