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 for PSA, Hugo was scouted for Crystal Palace. He was then asked to play for Crystal Palace’s showcase team before being invited for a trial with the Academy. His initial trial period was for 8 weeks, but Hugo was so impressive 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 and Mr Butcher really helped lighten the load,” he said.
Crystal Palace Academy are now in the Floodlit Shield 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!