Dual roles mean double the determination for Kidderminster Harriers Academy’s Jaiden
Not only is Jaiden White stepping up for the Kidderminster Harriers Academy’s first team, he’s also aiming to be on a national college football team competing in Rome.
The 16-year-old from Wolverhampton made it through the England Colleges Football Association (ECFA) trials in November and could be part of the 18-strong team competing in the international Roma Caput Mundi tournament next month.
Jaiden is a sports student on a football academy programme delivered by Stourbridge College in conjunction with Kidderminster Harriers FC.
“Going to Italy as one of the best college players in the country would be amazing,” he said. “I was in a two-day training camp with the ECFA team in December and we gelled together really well. Hopefully that’s a good sign that we’ll do well in our international fixtures, which will start soon.”
After recently making his National League North first team debut against Spennymoor Town, the attacker is equally optimistic about the Harriers Academy first team’s prospects for 2019.
“The team had a good run in the FA Youth Cup, making it through five rounds,” continued Jaiden. “This gives me and the others confidence for the rest of the season.
“I’ve had some good opportunities to show what I can do. I’ve already been named on the first team’s squad three times this year. Making my debut has been amazing.”
He added: “Being part of two teams with different approaches to competing and improving is good for me. It’s another way for me to get the best out of myself. I’m ready to go much further.”
Before joining the Harriers Academy in September, Jaiden was part of the youth academies at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City.
“Jaiden’s an exciting talent with lots to offer,” Club Chairman, Colin Gordon added. His achievements so far prove how he is benefitting from the Academy’s support. And the fact that he’s keen to improve means we expect to see a lot more from him this season.”
Trials for the Kidderminster Harriers Academy September 2019 programmes are taking place on Monday 18 February. Click – here to register
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