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Reds in the Community are delighted to have secured the signing of 10 experienced players for the Shadow Scholarship programme’s 2019/20 season.

The group, who will all be aged 16 for the beginning of the 2019/20 campaign, have all joined from professional academies across Yorkshire.

Robbie Wood and George Parr will join RitC’s groundbreaking education and football programme from the Reds’ Academy, the latter being named in the Academy team of the season for 2016/17.

Kai Phillip, Jaice Meehan, Ciaran Lloyd Fleming, Dante Newell, Ethan Cocker, Solomon Brown and Saidi Ceesay have all plied their trade at clubs across West Yorkshire including Bradford City, Huddersfield Town and Leeds United whilst Dante was previously on the books at reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

Alongside training daily and representing Barnsley FC against other professional football clubs, all of the youngsters will study sport with Reds in the Community’s equally impressive education setup.

The inaugural year of the Shadow Scholarship programme has already proved to be a success both on and off the pitch.

Reds in the Community’s U19’s squad has reached the National Football Youth League Cup final and has also been on a tour of Barcelona, something which is set to be repeated in the 2019/20 season.

Defender Callum Walmsley signed a full scholar with the Barnsley FC Academy earlier this year whilst Dom Claxton, Jack Tinker and the Reds’ coaching staff have all represented the NFYL’s national All-Star team.

Head coach Mark Tinker was delighted to have acquired the signatures of some of the best local players ahead of the upcoming campaign.

He said: “We have had a very successful first season of the Shadow Scholarship programme. I’m delighted that we have signed these 10 fantastic and exciting players ahead of next season. We have adopted a set philosophy and entertaining style of play throughout this season and I’m looking forward to seeing how this new batch of talented and hungry lads push on with us in the coming years. This is just the first batch of exciting players that will be joining our programme for next year. Securing the best local talent in addition to the quality group of players we currently have at Oakwell will continue to put us at the forefront of player development in Yorkshire.”

Keep an eye on Reds in the Community’s social media channels and website for more signings for the Shadow Scholarship programme.

If you are aged 16-19 and interested in studying with the Reds, click HERE for more information on the available courses.

Alternatively, email Education Officer [email protected] or ring 01226 211333.