From Sutton College to the Blues – college footballer goes pro

A student footballer has hit the big time after signing a one-year contract with Birmingham City Football Club as a defender.

Remeao Hutton scored his big break while playing for Hednesford Town FC’s Academy, a training programme delivered by Sutton Coldfield College.

“I want to keep getting better as a player,” said the 18-year-old, also from Sutton Coldfield. “12 months from now I want to have made it on to the first team’s bench and shown everyone what I can do.”

Remeao completed a sports performance and excellence course at the college and was part of Hednesford Town FC Academy’s First Team. He also played for the college’s men’s football team where he helped to win the Association of Colleges (AoC) national knockout cup.

“I first came across Remeao when he was four-years-old,” said his college coach, Nick Heath. “Even then his determination to be a successful footballer shone through. It’s rare to come across someone so driven and focused. He constantly asks questions about training methods and how he can improve his performance.

“Everyone at the college wishes him well. His success is all the more special to us as he came through an Academy programme we had developed.”

It was during a FA Youth Cup game involving Hednesford Town Academy and Tamworth Football Club Academy that Remeao was first talent spotted by the club.

“I completed a trial for them in March and haven’t been away from the club since,” continued Remeao. “In April I came on as a sub in an under-23s game against Bristol City and felt really comfortable playing at this level. Signing a contract is an amazing step up and so is the time I’ve spent at the training ground.

“The college has fully backed me through all this. They set up flexible lessons so I could commit to training sessions and keep up with coursework.

“There’s so much more I still want to do,” he added. “Fitness is a big part of my plans. I go to the gym every day on top of going to training. It’s my way of making sure I achieve all my ambitions.”

Richard Beale, Blues’ Senior Professional Development Coach commented: “Remeao came in on trial and impressed us in the games he played and in training. We like his attitude and determination to improve and be the best he can be.

“His contract was deserved and we look forward to helping him to continue to develop.”

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