TWO former Jersey Football Association Centre of Excellence footballers have signed six-week Academy forms for FA Cup holders Portsmouth.
The pair were spotted playing in the Island in the English Schools’ FA’s Under-14 Isle of Wight Festival last April and last weekend winger Nick Carpenter and defender Matthew Rondel played in Portsmouth’s 1-0 Premier League U15 Academy win at Cobham against Chelsea with Carpenter scoring the goal.
‘The boys did okay in the context of the game,’ said Pompey academy scouting representative David Hurst.
Festival Under Premier League rules all trialists have to sign a six-week contract and during that period we will assess players at least a couple of times.
‘I spotted them playing in the Isle of Wight tournament; they are young lads and we’ll look at them again, either in another Academy game or at and under-15 Festival that is being arranged by several clubs towards the end of next month.’
• Picture: Matthew Rondel pictured with Sid Guy Memorial Award at the JFA Centre of Excellence last March
