Following his move into professional football, we caught up with second year student Morgan Williams to find out his thoughts on the last two years and what the future holds for the young defender.
“I’m buzzing with signing my first professional contract with such a big club like Coventry City who give great opportunities to young players. My initial aim is to work hard and first of all play consistently in the U23s and then progress from there”
Morgan joined the NPL Football Academy (NPLFA) at Mickleover Sports in September 2016 after a few years out of regular football having been released from the professional game.
“I was at Nottingham Forest and was released at U14/U15. I didn’t know what to do after that and then I went to college for a year but did not like it. My friend Finley Davies was at Mickleover Sports and I wanted to get back into football so I went down to the pre-season trials, really enjoyed it and it kinda went from there and I haven’t looked back”
It’s been a successful two years for Morgan in the programme. He was named in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 team of the years, finishing runner up to Aron McGrath in the ‘Player of the Year’ last season and was also selected twice in the inter-league squads against Port Vale and Wigan Athletic.
“My highlight and best moments within the NPLFA is definitely being able to play with such a great bunch of lads and win the double the first year and then get close to doing it the second year whilst being captain for my second year is definitely the best honour i had.
“To be able to lift two trophies in my first year and to score the winning goal in the grand final was something else and then to lead my side out on the Bet365 Stadium was also a pleasure”
As he now embarks on his new chapter in his life, the 18 year-old would do it all again!
“I would definitely recommend the NPLFA to everyone I know as it took me from where I was, not knowing what I was going to do in my life to being able to come to Mickleover Sports and change it around. I can honestly say it’s been the most exciting and best two years of my life so far. Waking up knowing you’ve got football is something else, if you know you want to be a footballer and are serious and motivated to be one, this course is definitely the best way to go with all the opportunities you get. For me I think my John and Andy got the best out of us and that is why we were able to win our division, then the Grand Final and also reach the NPLFA Cup final at a Premier League stadium”
Morgan became the 22nd NPLFA football graduate when he made his senior debut in April 2017 and has now become the fourth professional graduate and a NPLFA spokesman was delighted at the news.
“We are very proud to hear that Morgan has progressed to Coventry City. He has been a great student over the last two years and has been a pleasure to work with. Having seen his ability and the maturity he shows – which is way beyond his years – first hand, we just know he will be a success in the Football League. Good luck Morgan and we will be watching you closely in the future.”
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