COLCHESTER United have snapped up promising young left-back Makhaya James on a two-year scholarship deal.
The talented 16-year-old has flourished as part of the Kinetic Academy for 14 to 19 year-olds and is the 58th player from the programme to sign for a professional club.
He gained experienced of playing men's football last season when playing for Southern Counties East League premier division side Glebe FC.
Now he is set to link up with Colchester's academy at Florence Park, as he looks to seize his chance at a professional club.
Adam Flemming: “𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙝𝙖𝙮𝙖 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝…” https://t.co/lRmzAD74j6#KineticAcademy #ColU #CUFC pic.twitter.com/vFb2qOTEbx
— Kinetic Foundation (@Kinetic_Coach) June 18, 2022
Head of Kinetic Academy Coaching Eddie Munnelly said: "Right from the get go on our Project United Tour in Bath we could see that Makhaya possessed the right character to pursue a career in football.
"A powerful left back who is strong in the tackle and has a willingness to get forward and serve balls into the box is something that most clubs would be looking for so it came as no surprise that he has already been snapped up.
"He had strong performances for Kinetic against Southampton, QPR & Bristol City along with experiencing men's football for Glebe FC whilst still only a Year 11 student at school.
"I wish Makhaya all the best, excited to see this young man grow and develop!"
Eddie Munnelly, Head of Kinetic Academy Coaching: “𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙝𝙖𝙮𝙖 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙩𝙤𝙣, 𝙌𝙋𝙍 & 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙡 𝘾𝙞𝙩𝙮…” https://t.co/lRmzAD7C8E#KineticAcademy #ColU #CUFC pic.twitter.com/0E88iSsXcL
— Kinetic Foundation (@Kinetic_Coach) June 18, 2022
The Kinetic Academy's mission is to support and help young people aged between 14 and 19 years old.
They do so through providing support and activities which develop their skills, capacity and capabilities, enabling them to participate in and integrate into society as independent, mature and responsible individuals.
Kinetic coach Adam Fleming said: "Makhaya is a lovely kid and so humble.
"He always leaves everything on the pitch whether it's training or a match.
"He's tenacious and has bags of energy to burn up and down that left flank.
"He was on the bench with me for Glebe's first team a number of times and managed to make his debut not too long ago.
"I'm buzzing he's put pen to paper, he deserves it and I'm glad I can say I worked with him for a season!"
𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙂𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙪𝙚⚽️
— OYS Sports Management (@SportsOys) June 18, 2022
Makhaya James made his first team debut last season as a 16 y/o for non-league Glebe FC.
Despite interest from club’s higher up the football pyramid @ColU_Official reputation for playing youngsters was key. #TeamOYS pic.twitter.com/xROtEXC4Dm
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