Kentish Football 
Dover Athletic has a real belief in its youth system, says Academy manager Michael Sandmann
The highly-rated youngster has experience of Blue Square Bet South football, having played for Eastbourne Borough and Welling United in the past two seasons.
Walker made his professional debut for Brighton on the last day of the 2009-10 season in a 1–0 victory over Yeovil Town.
He will compete with Lee Hook for the No 1 jersey at Crabble next season.
Forster told www.doverathletic.com: "Mitch is a fantastic prospect who has a maturity beyond his years, a goalkeeper with huge presence who has featured in League One with Brighton & Hove Albion.
"We have worked hard for his signature as he turned down a professional club in order to sign for Dover Athletic, which shows the quality of players we are now trying to attract here."
This signing means Whites' boss is close to completing the defensive part of his squad. Of the 12 players currently signed on contract, two are goalkeepers and six are defenders.
Forster moved to bolster the squad's midfield last weekend with the capture of Steven Thomson from St Mirren.
Forster said: "I am delighted get Thommo down here at Crabble, especially as his signature was being chased by a number of other clubs both in our league and above.
"He is an experienced professional who is still hungry for success and will bring a level of experience that at times we missed last season, especially during the key run in."
Dover Athletic are pleased to announce the graduation of Tom Axford from Whites' Academy to the first team squad.
The young prospect has today signed a one year contract, joining fellow Academy graduates Lloyd Harrington and Sean Raggett in Forster's squad for next season.
Axford featured in midfield for the first team last season in the Kent Senior Cup and has recently been capped by England Schoolboys, playing at right back.
Michael Sandmann, Academy manager said: “It has been an excellent season for us with Sean Raggett, Tom Axford and Lloyd Harrington being offered first team contracts by Nicky Forster for next season.
“I have been extremely pleased with the progression of the players and it shows that the Academy does work. For me it's all about producing players to play in the first team and I hope with more experience the three of them can become regulars in seasons to come.
“I was proud to watch Lloyd play the last few games for the first team and he showed what potential he has. It's also a pleasure to see the players develop in the two years of having them and watch them reach their end goal with us.
“This year we have also had Tom and Lloyd represent England at schoolboy level. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience, proudly representing the Abbey School and Dover Athletic.
“To get three players in one year progress into the first team is outstanding and testament to the players' hard work every day in training.
“I was also pleased to see eight other Academy players represent Dover Athletic in the Kent Senior Cup. I thank Nicky Forster and Steve Brown for giving the players the opportunity; it shows the club has a real belief in its youth system.
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“Dover Athletic is attracting the best players in the youth teams and Academy. We are looking forward to working with these players and hopefully more and more of them will progress into the first team.
Meanwhile, midfielder Glen Southam has decided not to renew his contract and has signed for fellow Blue Square Bet South club Eastleigh. The former Barnet player spent a year at Crabble.
Forster added: "Glen leaves with our best wishes. He will be remembered for his wholehearted performances on the pitch and professionalism off it during his time at the club.”
Article courtesy of www.doverathletic.com
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