A TALENTED Lambeth-bred footballer who trained at Afewee Academy in Brixton has signed for Premier League juggernauts Manchester United.
Joshua Bohui, a 17-year-old winger who featured in England’s under-17 squad, has been added to the Red Devils’ under-19 side currently managed by former United star Nicky Butt.
Bohui spent two years playing for the youth squad of the West London Championship side Brentford. His former mentor Steadman Scott, who founded Afewee, has hailed his success.
“It’s great to see another one of our former players making their mark and it’s really good for our young people to witness this.
“I first came across Josh when I met his mother at the Rec. She was looking for a sports programme for Josh to take part in. He was only seven years old at the time.
“Josh is an inspiration to many of our kids here and a role model in the community. We’re glad to see him progress.”
“From a young age I knew I wanted to be a professional footballer. I’ve been progressing really well at the moment”, says Bohui in a video interview conducted by the Brixton Rec User Group.
“I used to come the Rec with my Dad I remember going into the gym one time and I saw Steadman. I was watching him lead a training session and he invited me to join in. Steadman kept on encouraging me throughout my journey.
Former Afewee members include Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne and Millwall Lionesses striker Rinsola Babajide.
In the next decade Academy coaches hope to see more their young trainees achieving success at higher levels within the game.
“I’m happy we have players like Joshua or Rinsola (an England Under-19 striker) breaking through and we hope to see more of our young people do the same”, says Scott.
“We hope to put photos up in the Rec of Josh and our other former members who have made that step up to the next level, whether they are playing or coaching.
‘We have so many primary school kids who use the Rec and some come to our training sessions.
“We want to inspire as many kids as we can so it would be great to see pictures of the former players and coaches who passed through our training put up around the centre.”
