Hatters announce seven new U18s scholars

Jonas Kalonda is part of the club's U18s side

The new boys were part of a 14-strong Hatters squad who flew out to Italy early this morning to continue their preparations ahead of the 2018-19 season, as led by coach Inigo Idiakez, they will be staying at a training camp in Borgo Valsugana until Sunday, July 15.

The latest recruits include James Holden, a Harpenden-based goalkeeper signed recently from Stevenage and was previously with Wingate & Finchley, plus full back Avan Jones, who joined the academy at the age of seven.

Midfielder Lewis Swindells and striker Josh Boorn, both from Hemel Hempstead and have been with the club since the age of 13 are out there, as is midfielder Jonas Kalonda, the Stopsley schoolboy joining as an U8 in 2009.

Finally, Lower Stondon-based midfielder Sam Beckwith, who has been with the academy since U8s is on the plane, along with left back Ricco Grecco from Aylesbury, who arrived as an U14.

Academy & development manager Andy Awford said: “For the new boys, the hard work starts here.

“Last week we welcomed them into the club, together with their parents, to go through every detail of what’s expected of them as they progress from U16s to first-year scholars, and they get to have the official picture taken of them signing their forms.

“This club has a history of youth players progressing into the first team, but they know this is where the graft starts and they have to apply themselves on and off the pitch.

“They had most of last week getting used to life at The Brache on a daily basis, and this couple of weeks away will really help them get to know the second years, who are looking to continue the great end they had to last season.”

When out in Italy, the young Hatters will be playing three matches as well as taking Italian lessons, hiking, bike riding, lake swimming, visiting Venice on a day trip and going on other educational outings.

Awford added: “It’s much more than just football training camp for the lads.

“They are there to get fit and play some football, of course, but it’s a terrific chance for them to bond as a group and gain some life experiences they wouldn’t get being at home.”