The last year has been a memorable one for Sunderland’s academy as Lynden Gooch became the latest youngster to make his Premier League debut.
Handed a starting place in the Black Cats curtain-raiser at Manchester City last weekend, Gooch’s involvement saw him become the sixth player to rise through the youth ranks before making his senior bow in the Premier League.
While the American receives deserved plaudits for his tireless efforts at the Etihad, notable mentions should be reserved for the nine other academy starlets who were involved in the club’s intense first team pre-season.
In the second addition of 'The Beginning', Sam Lightle speaks to first-year scholar Jack Diamond about starting off his journey as a full-time professional in the hope of emulating Elliot Embleton and Joel Asoro’s recent successes.
Ten young guns were given the chance to impress in the first-team environment as the Lads were pushed to the limits ahead of the new season.
Most notably though second-year scholars Embleton and Asoro were given a chance to impress as David Moyes’ side took on German giants Borussia Dortmund in their pre-season finale.
Up against a star-studded Dortmund outfit which included world cup winners Andre Schurrle and Mario Gotze as well as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Embleton and Asoro pitted their wits against some of Europe’s best players.
And while that may seem a complete world away for the young winger, ‘hard work and strong determination’ are two things Diamond has highlighted as key to any kind of success.
“I started playing football pretty similar to most lads my age,” he said. “I used to play with my friends and then as I got a bit older I wanted to join a club and play matches.
“I enjoy improving and trying to better myself. I wanted to become a professional footballer and now I’ve got the chance to do so it’s great and I love it.
“It’s amazing to come to the academy every day because it’s where dreams are made, but that’s all down to hard work people put in.
“I do what I love every day and being at an age group where I’m so close the first team just makes you want to work hard and get there,” he continued.
“I was playing with Joel and Elliot last season and for them to be in and around there it’s a great motivation to one day reach the levels they have.
“It takes a lot of hard work and determination but all the coaches at the club are great and I know they will help me improve.”
