The trio all played a big role in the clubs FA Youth Cup success at the beginning of the season, when the club reached the 2nd Round of the competition for just the second time.

Nephew of the former Celtic and Nottingham Forest Midfielder Kris Commons, Finnley Commons scored the second goal in the 2-0 win over Alfreton Town during that FA Youth Cup run and has chipped in with a few goals for the first team as well. After making his debut last April as a 63rd minute substitute in the 2-1 away win against Sleaford Town, Commo has gone on to make 14 senior appearances, appearances that has seen him score on the opening day win against Harrowby United, the fourth goal in the 4-2 win over Newark Town and the only goal in the Notts Senior Cup defeat against Basford United. The attack minded midfielder also leads the way for goals for the Under 21’s with his tally including an impressive hat trick against Matlock Town.

After signing Finn said: “ I’m really pleased to sign a contract with Eastwood, this has given me much more confidence for the remainder of the season and going into next season. I’m looking forward to the challenge that is up ahead and hopefully break into the squad more next season, it’s been a really good year for me so far being around the squad with such experienced players such as OC, Tez, Wrighty, Westy and Watty who have all played in the football league and have helped develop my game with there experience this season. “

“Having gaffas like DT and Bally and a chairman like Woody who has put a clear pathway from the academy right to the first team and is a credit to the club and proves that Eastwood is a club that’s moving forward and it’s a pleasure for me to be part of.”

The managers commented: “Finn is a very exciting player to watch and can flip a game on its head. His feet are lightening quick and he has an unpredictability to his game that frightens the life out of defenders. His directness and relentless running, makes him a real threat, and he has shown that since being around the first team and has scored a couple of important goals for us this year. He is the type of player that entertains you as a manager when you watch him play and we cannot wait to watch him develop into a really important part of our future plans.”

Following his release from Notts County Alfie Flynn joined our academy in August 2024 and has been a standout performer, picking up numerous man of the match awards alongside getting called up to the Future Lions Representative squad. The Academy captain has lead his team to a potential second placed finish in their league and regularly features for the Under 21’s. Flynny has made three appearances for the First Team since debuting in September.

Speaking with Alfie he said: “I’m thrilled to have signed a contract with Eastwood, during my time at the academy I have had opportunities to train with the first team and I have really enjoyed that and it has helped me improve as a player and a person.
I am looking forward to be apart of the club’s journey throughout the next season and hopefully cement my place as a regular starter. Id like to thank everyone involved at Eastwood for helping me progress through out my journey and I look forward to getting started next season.”

Thomas and Ball added: “Alfie is calm on the ball and is very happy in possession in difficult areas of the pitch. He has a laidback nature during the game, but when defending One v One is aggressive and it is rare we have seen an attacker get the better of him. He is deceptively quick across the ground and has a maturity in the information he gives when playing. He has all of the tools to go on and have a very successful career in the game, as a club we are exciting to be a part of his journey.”

Finally Woodward who has been at the Football Club since he was thirteen and has been around the first team set up since he was fifteen, making almost 20 appearances this season, playing over 400 minutes. The central midfielder has been given capacity of the Under 21’s and has played every minute of the sides last eight fixtures. Like Alfie, Toby has also been called up to the Future Lions Representative squad where he will represent Eastwood alongside the best fourteen or so players from around the Midlands.

Toby had this to say: “I’m so happy to have signed a contract with Eastwood CFC.
After getting a chance to play at 16 for the first team in a pre season friendly my next focus was always to get myself more established within the first team. I’ve been at the club since I was 13 years old and now at the academy. Eastwood is a great club and I love it here. My next goal is to keep working hard and trying to nail down a starting place for next season.
Finally i’d like to thank everyone at Eastwood that’s helped me with my journey so far and I look forward to what the future brings.”

The management duo added: “Toby looks after the ball very well, has the ability to control the tempo of the game and his decision making is beyond his years. He was a player who stood out to us very early on in our time at Eastwood, but in all honesty, has developed quicker than we could have imagined since being around the first team. The offer of a contract is nothing more than he deserves.”

Furthermore speaking about all three players the gaffers added: “ We are absolutely delighted that Finn, Toby and Alfie have committed to the club for the next 2 years.
We have had Toby and Finn training with us since the age of 15 and the progress they have made in such a short space of time has been remarkable. We set out a plan for them both to be involved with us this season but to go out and get men’s football experience which they have done but we believe they are ready - the same goes for Alfie who joined the club through the Academy in September 2024 but from watching games, speaking to Lewis (Academy Manager) and feedback from his loan spells it’s too easy for him.
The biggest compliment I can give them is we are no weaker whenever they play and all of the lads respect and believe in them.”

“The plan for us has always been to build a pathway from the junior section/Academy to the first team and these 3 have earnt their deals we are proud of all three of them and excited to see them develop into established first team players.”

“Me and Bally would also like to thank their parents for trusting us with them this season - Congratulations again to all 3 of the lads.”

All three lads could feature in the First Team’s visit to Newark & Sherwood United this Saturday in another huge League clash as the Red Badgers push for promotion.