Bath College footballer picked for three-month Bristol City trial

Bath College footballer Saikou Janneh has been offered a three-month trial with Bristol City after impressing talent scouts.

The 16-year-old is a first year student at Bath College who came to England from Gambia, West Africa, three years ago.

Talent scouts spotted Saikou after he scored five goals in one game for the Bath City Football Academy.

The Bath City Football Academy gives young footballers the chance to play at Twerton Park in the South West Youth Counties League and study at Bath College.

Saikou was offered a week trial at Bristol City and performed well, leading to an extension to his trial for a further three months.

The teenager said: “I was really pleased when they said I could keep playing for them. Hopefully this will continue – my family are really proud of me.

“I have always played football, I played football in Gambia, but at Bath College I’m learning about things like tactics and how to control the ball.

“I have made good friends and the teachers are good as well. They’ve given me the chance to do this trial by rearranging my timetable.”

Saikou is studying sport and public services on Bath College’s vocational access programme (VAP) designed to help students progress to a level 1 or level 2 course.

He has been working hard at the college to improve his English, to help him in lessons and with assessment work.

Sports lecturer Paul Blenkinsopp said: “We have been able to move some lessons and develop a bespoke timetable to support Saikou’s footballing commitments.

“He will continue to study at the college and train with the Bath City Football Academy. We hope that it does lead to something more for Saikou.

“He is a very grounded individual and is always looking to improve. His commitment and determination is an example to all aspiring footballers.”

James Moon, VAP lecturer at Bath College, said: “Saikou has come from an environment where if you want to earn anything, you have work hard for it.

“He has a great opportunity and I believe that with the support from his family, college staff and his coach Billy Clark, Saikou will continue to work hard, learn and develop into an exciting prospect.”

If you’re interested in joining the Bath City Football Academy in September 2017 and would like to receive information about trials click here and fill out the form.