Tunbridge Wells sign sixteen-year-old wonderkid

Monday 16th November 2009

TUNBRIDGE WELLS are delighted to announce the signing of Ryan Waterman, 16, who becomes the first player to step into the first team squad from a promising crop of U16s youth team players.

The first team manager of the Bulmers Cider Kent League club, Martin Larkin, was brimming with enthusiasm as Waterman put pen to paper at the weekend.

“Ryan is an exceptional talent and we are very pleased with his progress so far,” Larkin told www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk earlier today.

“This is a reward for the performances he has put in during youth team games and during the first team training sessions where he has impressed the entire coaching staff and all of the players.

“Ryan is getting to the age where exposure to adult football will benefit his progress. We won’t be silly with him putting him straight into games, but we will be using him in games where the situation of the match allows.

“Ryan is a great credit to both his parents and the coaching team that have helped him progress at the club over the last four years.”

For the past 18-months, select members of the U15s and now the U16s have been training with the first team (Ryan among them) to help their game mature, as well as gaining match-day experience sitting on the bench as an un-named sub to give them a general sense of what is involved in senior football.

Having turned 16, though, Ryan is now eligible to be more directly involved on match days.

Commenting on signing first team forms, Waterman added, “I very much appreciate the support Tunbridge Wells has given me over the last two to three years.

“I am proud and privileged to be signing for the senior squad, and I would like to thank Martin and the rest of the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to train with the first team squad. The players have made me and my team mates welcome at every session we have attended.

“I would also like to thank Darrell Cousins and the U16 coaches for all the support and encouragement they have given me. I will keep working hard and hope to progress over the next few years.”

Ryan was picked for the Kent U16 Youth League Representative side earlier in the season - earning a commendation for his attitude throughout the selection trials.

U16 coach Darrell Cousins, understandably proud to see the progress of his protégé recollected, “Ryan joined me four years ago when I was in charge of Foresters FC. He came in from Pembury, and although stepping up a level, right from the start from the heart of the midfield Ryan just kept putting in excellent performances.

“His passing and work-rate went up a notch, as well as his ability to analyse his own game to see where he could improve. Something about him just stood out.

“Our first season as Tunbridge Wells’ U14s side in the Kent Youth League was a step up for all, but Ryan seemed to relish the challenge and showed signs of maturity that made his all-round game come together.

“Ryan has also matured as a person since then, recognizing the need for extra fitness, and taking it on himself to do extra running at night to achieve this.

“His understanding of the game was the part that improved the most over the years I’ve worked with him. Training a few times with the first team was of great value for him as he regularly attended the first team and reserve team home and away games.

“Ryan has progressed because he wants to learn, he loves his football - and is totally committed.

“It’s been an honour to coach him over the years, and I hope others can see what can be achieved when you are as committed as he is. He thoroughly deserves his chance with the first team squad now.”

Article courtesy of www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk