The Hornets unveil their newest batch of Academy scouts

Watford have revealed 11 young players who have received their Academy scholarships ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Over the next two seasons, each player will be given the chance to develop both on and off the pitch, gaining nationally recognized qualifications that will help them on their journey through life and football.

Scholars will be guided and assisted by the expertise of Academy Director Richard Johnson and Head of Technical Development Jimmy Gilligan.

Both players began their careers under Watford’s greatest manager, Graham Taylor, and no doubt much of what they learned from him will inform their understanding of how they try to develop these top-flight prospects. team of the future.

On the pitch, the young players will be mentored by Academy staff and coaches, not least Under-18 head coach Matt Bevans and his assistant Lloyd Doyley – two players whose playing careers began on the same scholarship at Watford.

The young Hornets will work, learn and grow over the next two years, hoping to follow in the footsteps of recent scholars like Ryan Andrews, Tobi Adeyemo, Jack Grieves, Zavier Massiah-Edwards and Albert Eames, while also earning a professional contract. as opportunities within the first team.

There may be one or two familiar names in this latest crop of youngsters – Jael Norville is the son of former Watford striker Jason, who made 14 appearances for the Hornets between 2001 and 2003 before spells for Barnet, Woking and AFC Wimbledon.

And defender Raul Vancea made his Under-21 debut at Vicarage Road in April, aged just 15.

The full list of the Academy’s new scholarship holders is:

Name: Tobi Akinyimika

Position: Midfielder

Date of birth: September 1, 2007

Registered: January 8, 2024

Name: Zack Braverman

Position: Goalkeeper

Date of birth: October 8, 2007

Registered: March 1, 2024

Name: Tony Cowie

Position: Extreme

Date of birth: October 27, 2007

Joined: May 31, 2016

Name: Marats Galajevs

Position: Attacking midfielder

Date of birth: December 13, 2007

Joined: May 26, 2016

Name: Jai-Dea Moulton

Position: Midfielder

Date of birth: January 29, 2008

Joined: September 13, 2017

Name: Tyler Notley

Position: Defender

Date of birth: December 15, 2007

Joined: October 27, 2016

Name: Jael Norville

Position: Striker

Date of birth: February 25, 2008

Registered: March 7, 2023

Name: Jonny Scriven

Position: Defender

Date of birth: March 7, 2008

Joined: May 31, 2016

Name: Kymani Smith Daley

Position: Extreme

Date of birth: June 20, 2008

Registered: September 6, 2019

Name: Sebastian Thrussell

Position: Goalkeeper

Date of birth: February 8, 2008

Registered: May 7, 2021

Name: Raul Vancea

Position: Defender

Date of birth: April 19, 2008

Registered: May 7, 2021