Teen on trial to be fourth graduate

By David Watters

Proud coaches at Mickleover Sports and the Northern Premier League Football Academy are backing Morgan Williams to become their latest star graduate to the professional game.

Currently in his second year at the NPLFA, the 18-year-old central defender has been on trial at Championship giants Sheffield United since last week after being invited to showcase his talents at Brammall Lane.

The teenager, who is bidding to become the NPLFA's fourth graduate to the pro game, made his first team debut in the EVO-STIK League's top flight for Sports back in April before earning his big break by becoming an ever-present in John McGrath’s squad ever since.

Morgan found success in his first year after being named in the NPLFA's Team of the Year and Inter-League representative squad – his highlights including scoring the winning goal in the league-wide academy's 'grand final' to ensure the students stars at Sports celebrated their third consecutive NPLFA championship.

Williams, pictured signing his first contract for Sports in December after his success at the Dom Amott Arena, was congratulated by the NPLFA on Tuesday after impressing for United's U23s in a 3-2 win over Bolton Wanderers with a commanding performance against older players and experienced professionals.

An NPLFA spokesman said: "We are delighted to hear that Mickleover Sports student Morgan Williams is currently on trial at Championship club Sheffield United. On behalf of everyone at the NPL Academy we would like to congratulate Morgan and wish him the best of luck."

The NPLFA was founded with the backing of the Football Association at five pilot clubs in September 2014 to provide career pathways into the football industry with youngsters studying on two year BTEC courses while being trained on a daily basis by UEFA qualified coaches and competing in the NPL Youth League and national competitions like the FA Youth Cup.

Still the only league-wide academy in English football combining sport with education and now expanded to 12 members clubs, the NPLFA is offering its fourth intake of students this season the chance to continue their education to degree level after teaming up with Loughborough College last summer to launch a new higher education partnership.

To see the NPLFA's latest promotional videos and success stories as well information on trials for next season's intake, follow on Twitter at @NPLFA or visit: www.nplfa.co.uk.

Images courtesy of nplfa.co.uk & @MickleoverSFC/Twitter

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