In Depth With: James Leverton

The 20-year-old goalkeeper is a former youth team apprentice at Doncaster Rover, and will provide competition with now-teammate Tom Jackson for the upcoming 2020/21 season in between the sticks.

He gained experience and goalkeeping skills and abilities from the academy set-ups at Barnsley, Manchester United and Derby County, before completing is scholarship at Doncaster.

“It was a mixed bag at Donny as my first year I was performing well and I got super fit,” Leverton said, reflecting on his time at Rovers.

“Then as soon as I broke into the youth team I had a serious injury that took eight months to recover and by the time I recovered it was too late. It was half way through my second year and I couldn’t get back to playing my best so I didn’t get a pro deal.

“But overall, the lads and staff were all great lads. So as daft as it sounds, I really enjoyed it at Donny.”

The Rotherham-born youngster is also a winner of the Blades Cup with Derby County against Liverpool on Sandy Lane in the youth set-up, and has also featured at Belper Town before joining Hallam FC.

“I enjoyed it at Hallam,” he said.

“No doubt the team had underperformed, but from an individual point of view I felt I had a decent season.

“Also getting to play against my boyhood team Sheffield United in pre-season in front of a thousand fans is always class.”

Alongside his football career, Leverton also owns Premier Goalkeeping, coaching for all ages and abilities. In the short time running, the business has already had one goalkeeper signed to an academy, and another who has trialed at a local Centre Of Excellence.

“I set up Premier Goalkeeping to help improve young talented goalkeepers in my local area,” Leverton explained.

“It’s been great to see the improvement they have shown and it’s great to do something I love. I hope to see it grow in the coming years. If you’re reading and know anyone who wants GK training, feel free to contact me."

Leverton now links up with Gainsborough after impressing manager Curtis Woodhouse during pre-season.

On the step up to the Northern Premier League Premier Division, he added: “I feel I’m still getting used to the step up. The lads at Gainsborough are a class above. The pace of training and games is a lot higher but I feel I’m doing my best and starting to get used to it.

“I mean for me to sign for Gainsborough is an achievement in itself. I’m really enjoying being in and around it.

"I’m looking forward to the season and hopefully getting a few opportunities to prove myself at this level. Jacko is a top lad and top goalkeeper, it’s great to train with him as I feel we both push each other and can see us both improving each week. It will be a challenge to the shirt but I’m up for the fight.

“My only personal goal is when I get the chance to take it with both hands. If not, I’m sure the gaffer will let me gain experience on loan.”