Two former academy players make first team EFL Trophy debuts

Two weeks ago, former Academy players Louis Lloyd and Ben Thompson made their first competitive starts for Shrewsbury Town and Fleetwood Town respectively.

Louis started for Shrewsbury Town at home to Wolves in the EFL Trophy in which Lloyd also grabbed his first professional goal for the side.

Ben Thompson came off the bench on the same evening for Fleetwood town against Barrow in the same competition with Fleetwood also claiming an impressive 3-1 victory.

Louis joined Shrewsbury Town from The Nomads as an U16 and is now in his second year on a scholarship and hoping to get his first professional contract in the coming year. An ever-present for the youth team, a talented striker with a great eye for goal and it's great to see him doing so well at the Football League club.

Ben Thompson was with The Nomads Academy from our Mini Phase to U15 before he was taken by Bury FC. When Bury went out of the football league, he secured a move to Fleetwood Town on a two year scholarship and is into his first professional deal this season.

Director of Football Jay Catton commented; "Following in the footsteps of former academy player Rhys Healey and former first team player Priestley Farquahason it is amazing to see four former Nomads players having played in the Football League and Premier League.

An incredible achievement by all of the players and they are fantastic role models for all of our current players within the Academy setup of what can be achieved.

A huge well done to both Ben and Louis from all at The Nomads on what was no doubt a proud evening for both players and families.

A special mention as always goes to all Nomads Academy coaches from the Mini and Youth phases who worked with both players over recent years in aiding their development with special mention to former Academy coaches Dale Johnson and Gavin Bennett along with current staff Matt Griffiths, Anthony Weaver and Iain Bennett who all worked specifically with players over the years."

Date Published: Thursday, 28th October, 2021 - 3:45pm by Nik Mesney