AFC Totton
JOSH JEFFRIES - YOUNG STAGS KEEPER SIGNS FOR THE SAINTS
AFC Totton CEO, Steve Brookwell with Josh Jeffries and Southampton's Academy Director of Football Matt Hale at Southampton FC's Staplewood complex.
Young goalkeeping prospect Josh Jeffries has left AFC Totton to sign for Southampton FC.
The 16-year-old, 6’3” shot-stopper made his Stags debut as a second-half substitute against Durley in the Southampton Senior Cup in January. He also played for Totton’s U18s and featured on the bench for the first team on several occasions.
As a youngster, Josh enjoyed success with Botley Village in Tyro football and won several league titles with Wildern Secondary School in Hedge End. As a Year 8 student, he was selected to represent Southampton Schoolboys.
During a trial match with Southampton U18s at AFC Totton’s Snows Stadium in February, Josh impressed the Premier League club’s scouts enough to take him on an extended trial period, prior to offering him a full-time scholarship.
“It’s been surreal,” he said. “After joining Totton, the directors and management decided to put my name forward to Southampton. I played in a game against West Brom at Staplewood and trained with the first team, including some sessions with Willy Caballero which was a great experience.”
Josh’s deal requires him to continue his BTEC Sports Level 3 course through online learning, which he’ll be able to pursue to a higher academic level after the summer, with two days a week devoted to studying.
“It would be a dream to play for the Southampton first team, but my ambition is to progress and play professionally at the highest level I possibly can,” the young keeper reflected.
“Coming to Totton provided me with the spotlight to get noticed by Saints, so I’m grateful for everything the people at this club have done for me.”
The move comes just a month after midfielder Jordan Ngalo left the Snows Stadium to sign a professional contract with Vanarama National League club Aldershot Town. Having previously been at Weymouth, the 21-year-old dropped down two divisions to join AFC Totton last summer.
A string of impressive performances during the first half of the season persuaded the Shots to offer him a chance in the professional game, prompting a deal that could benefit Totton financially through a potential sell-on fee and pre-season friendlies.
“While we aim to take this football club forward in its own right, we have to run it sustainably,” said Sam Davies, Director of Football at AFC Totton. “Nurturing young talent and helping players who have come down the football pyramid to find their way back up the divisions is also fundamental to what we’re about, as part of our strategy for longer-term progression. We’re delighted to help young players like Jordan and Josh make their way in the game and we wish them every success.”
Southampton’s Academy Director Matt Hale described the move as a “great story” for a young Saints fan, as he explained how Jeffries made a positive impression to earn his deal with his boyhood club.
“Josh has settled in really well and provided healthy competition to the professional development phase goalkeeping group,” said Hale. “It’s a great story for a young Saints fan to earn a full-time contract with his boyhood club. Good luck to him and together we hope to maximise his potential.
“We have enjoyed a strong and productive relationship with AFC Totton over the last few years with facilities and friendly games being the bedrock of our agreement. Player recruitment, movement and loan opportunities are potential future parts of our relationship with Totton and wider community clubs with whom we are looking to forge greater links.”
By Ben Rochey-Adams
Photos: Craig Hobbs Photography
