Current academy student Tommy Northwood breaks into the Needham Market First Team squad after a successful loan to step 4 Coggeshall Town FC in 2021.
Northwood went on loan to the Essex side during the 2021/22 preseason and made a handful of appearances for the team before gaining a place with the Marketmen first team in November.
Tommy said: “It was a fantastic experience to be on loan at Coggeshall as I knew this opportunity would also further my development and help me achieve my overall goal of making the first team squad at Needham.”
“Stepping foot on the pitch for the first time as a Needham player was an unreal feeling. The hard work I put in both on and off the pitch had paid off. The boys at Needham were really welcoming and great to play with. I look forward to continuing my development with them and learning from both experienced players and management.”
Robert Peace, Operations & Academy Director said: “Tommy has shown a very good progression during his time within the academy. Tommy played in our EJA youth teams and had very promising potential as he was selected for Wales national camps as a youth player. He showed his ability with our reserves and continued to progress while on loan with Coggeshall Town. I am pleased to see him take his opportunity with our first team and continue to develop playing at step 3.”