Year 10 pupil signed by Crystal Palace Academy

Hugo B, a Year 10 pupil at Berkhamsted School, has been signed by Crystal Palace Academy. Hugo has been playing football since he was four years old and played for Wycombe Wanderers until last year when he joined Hertfordshire’s Pro Sports Academy (PSA).

While playing on PSA’s showcase team, Hugo was scouted for Crystal Palace. Without any training, he was asked to play on Crystal Palace’s showcase team before being invited to trial for the Academy. The trial process can take up to 8 weeks, but Hugo was so impressive that they decided to sign him after just 4 weeks.

For Hugo, this was a fantastic opportunity. “I was relieved when I got it,” he said. “I really wanted to be a signed player.”

Crystal Palace Academy is a prestigious football Club which has produced famous players such as Kenny Sansom, Vince Hilaire and England Football Manager Gareth Southgate. It achieved Category 1 status in 2020 – the highest category possible for academies in the country.

Hugo is grateful to Berkhamsted’s Sports department for helping him balance his school work with his football commitments. “Mr Campbell really helped lighten the load,” he said.

Crystal Palace Academy are now in the Cup Quarter Finals, and Hugo played in their recent game against Ipswich which they won 4-2. We are so proud of Hugo’s dedication to Aim High with Integrity in his football career and look forward to seeing what he does next!