These players have been recognised by Spa Manager Quentin Townsend after some excellent contributions to the Under 18's in the Midland Floodlit Youth League South, where Spa sit 5th in the table, with games in hand, having lost just once all season.

The Saltmen Manager spoke to dsfc.news about the signings and the pathway created;

"I’m delighted to announce that we have now registered eight of our Floodlit team players with the first team, giving them the opportunity to be involved in the senior squad should the need arise over the coming weeks and months.

This is a reward for the hard work they’ve put in already this season and a reflection of the progress they’re making. We’ve already seen Ed Bridge step up and make an impact, and I hope that serves as motivation for the other lads to see that there is a genuine opportunity for them to follow the same path.

For me, it’s really important that we don’t just talk about having a pathway from youth football into the first team — we actually provide one. That’s something I’ve always been passionate about, and I want our young players to know that if they work hard, show the right attitude and continue to develop, opportunities will be there for them.

The lads will continue to train and play their Floodlit fixtures as normal, but from this point onwards, we’ll be keeping a close eye on their development and progress, with the possibility of bringing them into the first-team environment when required.

A big welcome aboard to all the boys. Keep working hard, keep improving, and take pride in the opportunity you’ve earned. We’re looking forward to seeing how you develop over the coming months."

We'd like to introduce you to the following players, who whilst still playing for the Under 18's in the mid-week competition, will also be available for selection for the first team:

George Cooper - Goalkeeper
Played for Droitwich MJPL at Under 15 (where ge won the County Cup in 2024/25) and Under 16 age groups and now with the Under 18’s.
He started his Droitwich journey as a centre back, but as a natural shot stopper with great hand/eye coordination, superb distribution and good feet,
George is now Manager Richard Bennett's first choice in goal and is the vice-captain of the Under 18’s. He is a consistent, confident player.

Sam Bennett – Centre Back/Midfield
Sam is the Captain of the Under 18's side and has represented Droitwich at every age group from Under 5 to under 16’s.
He can play in numerous positions but has cemented himself as a centre back over the past 12 months.
A natural leader and voice on the pitch, he is strong in the air with great distribution, loves a battle and has an eye for goal too.

Dylan Jennings – Full Back/Winger
Dylan is incredibly versatile, can play in numerous positions but has cemented himself as a full back in the Under 18’s.
Strong in the tackle and eye for goal, Dylan has very quick feet and likes to turn defenders ‘inside out’, one of his main attributes is his tenacity.

Edward Bridge – Centre Forward
Played at Droitwich MJPL at under 15 and 16 age groups and now with the Under 18’s.
He can play in several attacking positions but has looked most comfortable as a centre forward.
Ed is quick, skillful, good in the air, physical and a great finisher. But his all-round play has improved year on year.

George Clarke – Centre Back
‘Big Clarkey’ joined the Under 18’s in pre-season. He loves a battle and reads the game well.
A ball playing ‘no-nonsense’ centre back that also likes to attack.
He has a great left foot, that brings natural balance to the defence.
He's played 7 years with Droitwich Spa, 2 years at Evesham United, and 3 years with our neighbours Westbury Celtic.

Louie Ostermeyer-Smith – Centre Midfield
Louie joined the Under 18's this season.
He's a typical all-round centre midfielder; a traditional box to box player, loves a tackle and being on the front foot.
Two footed with an excellent range of passing, and impressive vision.
He likes the ball in congested areas and is confident in his ability.
Previously played for Solihull Moors for 4 seasons before joining Spa.

Finlay Kiernan - Midfield
Joined the Under 18’s in preseason.
A calm and collected midfielder who just loves a battle.
He's naturally defensive minded but likes to start up play and make things happen.
He drives the team forward and covers every blade of grass.
Finlay played for Spa until Under-11's before playing for Kidderminster Harriers in the MJPL for 4 years.
At Under-15 he joined Worcester City in the MJPL and Floodlit last season, before joining the young Saltmen in the summer.

Tom Rebbeck – Centre Forward
Tom joined the Under 18’s in pre-season.
He is quick, skillful, good in the air, and is a strong finisher.
A physical player who doesn’t give defenders an inch, and also likes to defend from the front.
Played in the MJPL with Worcester City, and last year was at Malvern Town Under-18's in the Midland Floodlit Youth League South.

A big welcome to all of the Under 18's to the first team squad; we look forward to seeing you all on the pitch for the Saltmen very soon!

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