17-year-old Sam Tyler made his debut for the first team this past Saturday, despite taking an early lead, a red card for Jake Wright meant the Red Badgers played over an hour with ten men but Tyler between the sticks helped earned the side a point as the game finished 1-1. After the match Sam was awarded man of the match chosen by match day sponsor The Football Yard.

Roll forward three days later and Sam is in the headlines again after saving a penalty in the twelve minute to keep the score at 0-0 and provide a platform for the First Team to go on and pick up their first win of the season.

We spoke to Sam and this is what he had to say “ I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be given my senior leauge debut it was a proud moment for me and my family after all the work I’d put in upto this point. Going into the first game I was definitely nervous but everyone around the club including players and staff were really helpful and to be named man of the match at the end of the game definitely made it a game to remember for me.”

“Having top quality role models around me such as willow and sax has been really beneficial for me and with the help of them two have really helped me take my game to the next level and got me to where I am today. Combined with the advice and support from Lewis and John in the academy has also really helped me on my pathway from the academy to men’s football.”

“Going forward this season my targets are to keep playing men’s football whether it be at Eastwood or elsewhere on loan whilst maintaining my number 1 spot within the academy and doing as well as possible in the League and FA Youth Cup this year.”