Lee Connelly is relishing life in Sunderland’s youth team after moving from Scottish club Queen’s Park.
The 16-year-old began life at the Academy of Light last week as he enrolled on the first year of his scholarship programme, along with eight other new players.
Jack Connolly, Benjamin Mbunga-Kimpioka and Jacob Young have joined Connelly through door at the AoL this summer, while Jack Diamond, Jake Hackett, Jordan Hickey, Fergus McAughtrie and Anthony Patterson have moved into Elliott Dickman's side from the under-16s.
Speaking to safc.com the Scottish midfielder shared his delight to sign for Sunderland, and revealed how he is settling after moving from his homeland.
“It is a massive achievement for myself and it’s one I wasn’t really expecting,” he said. “Sunderland is such a big club so I’m just delighted to have had the chance to sign for them.
“It has been a big change because when I was at Queen’s Park we used to train three nights a week, so to move here and train full-time as well as living in digs is difficult but it’s definitely worth it.”
He continued: “I suppose I just had a little bit of luck, managed to play well and then to get offered a contract at Sunderland was just unbelievable.
“I’ve settled well and since we started I have found out a lot about the club which is great, but for now it’s just important to work hard and show what I can do.”
