Everton u18s lost 3-1 to Newcastle just days after winning the mini derby against Liverpool.
The match was notable for left winger Kean Wren scoring his fourth goal in three games for the u18s, but also the appearance of several of Everton’s next generation of scholars.
Everton are without a handful of senior u18 players including centre half Reuben Gokah and standout Malik Olayiwola, who are still on England u17 duty for their European Championships qualification triple-header in Scotland. It means the club has dipped into its under age groups to pad out the squad for the tricky trip to Newcastle.
Despite defeat Everton did give 15 minutes to midfielder Francis Boggan, who at just 14 is still two years away from even earning a scholarship with the club – although he has been offered an ‘early scholarship’ when he comes of age. The talented youngster has been part of England u15 squads already and despite his young age is now an Everton u18 appearance-maker.
Boggan was not the only youngster to be handed minutes in the groundbreaking game. Defender Harlow McEveley, son of former Scotland international Jay, started the game at centre half at the age of just 15. Fellow 15-year-olds including left back Harvey Billington, Harry Brookes and Welsh youth midfielder Dafi-Tomos Pemberton were also included in the squad.
Pemberton is one of two players in the Everton academy setup who joined the club from Welsh side Penycae. Aled Thomas is now an established member of the u21 setup and is thriving as a left back and a centre half in the older age group.
Remarkably, the quartet of players who joined the squad are not the only youngsters making waves at Everton. Jon Nsangou, currently away with the England u16s, has already make his u21 debut at the age of 15, while Jake Doughty was also included in the England u16 setup.
Braiden Graham at 17 is currently playing for the u21 side along with Justin Clarke, who at 16 also appeared for the first team in a pre season friendly against Accrington Stanley this summer.
It means Everton have a host of under 16 players who are being moved rapidly through the academy structure in what seems like a new strategy from the club. Many have signed pre-scholarship deals, while Everton have been proactive in signing the more promising players to pro contracts when they turn 17, as was the case with Ray Robert last month.