CARDIFF CITY ACADEMY SIGN 'EXCEPTIONAL' YOUNGSTER

Cardiff City have signed a 12 year old Latvian on a 2 year deal for the academy.

Interesting story about the talented youngster is that he lives in Swansea and was spotted whilst playing for Pontardawe FC in the Swansea Valley.

The Man Utd scout covering West Wales was looking at player but were too slow as City snapped him up.

Days after signing forms with Cardiff City, Swansea City visited his Father but was told he had signed forms with the Bluebirds.

I spoke to one of our scouts last night and asked him about the boy, he said that is Anjey (hope i spelt his name right), I was told a few days ago that he is exceptional. The scout said that he is that good and more, he signed for City 6-8 weeks ago and if he develops as hoped then we have a real talent within our academy, the lad plays middle of midfield and is not the biggest build but apparently he has got talent by the bundle.

Another coach who had Aaron Ramsey in his academy team, claims at his age he is showing more promise and ability than Aaron had at that age.

City staff pick the father and son up by car for training sessions, as the father doesn't drive nor can he speak a word of English but Anjey is schooled here and his English is very good.

Will be a few years before we start hearing anything of note about the boy but going on texts and a phone call, it sounds very much like Cardiff City have managed to bag an absolute gem, I haven't heard this particular scout talk so highly of a young player in the number of years I have known him.

Great news!!

It would be great to see at least half of the squad one day being from our academy. It can be done if the club focuses on youth development!

No pressure then Carl

Seriously, I love news like this. Integrating talent into our academy is more exiting than signing already developed big name players for me. Because the sky's the limit in regard to potential. Where as we could never sign the next Aaron Ramsey if he were already a realised professional.

Oh hold on...

Mats!

If this kid is going to school in South Wales then has the potential to be a Welsh international too.

No pressure then Carl

Seriously, I love news like this. Integrating talent into our academy is more exiting than signing already developed big name players for me. Because the sky's the limit in regard to potential. Where as we could never sign the next Aaron Ramsey if he were already a realised professional.

Oh hold on...

Mats!

If this kid is going to school in South Wales then has the potential to be a Welsh international too.

To be honest, I thought shall or shan't I post this, it is good positive news but in the back of my mind there was doubt by singling the lad out for such praise (not from me of course, I mean discussing him publicly) could be pressure in itself.

But the news is such positive and the lad must have an immense amount of talent to be spoken of by coaches who have coaches players such as Ramsey deserves recognition.

I really do hope that through our academy we keep producing talent that can and will play first team football and hopefully that will be in the top flight with Cardiff City.

Kids are the future of Cardiff City

No pressure then Carl

Seriously, I love news like this. Integrating talent into our academy is more exiting than signing already developed big name players for me. Because the sky's the limit in regard to potential. Where as we could never sign the next Aaron Ramsey if he were already a realised professional.

Oh hold on...

Mats!

If this kid is going to school in South Wales then has the potential to be a Welsh international too.

To be honest, I thought shall or shan't I post this, it is good positive news but in the back of my mind there was doubt by singling the lad out for such praise (not from me of course, I mean discussing him publicly) could be pressure in itself.

But the news is such positive and the lad must have an immense amount of talent to be spoken of by coaches who have coaches players such as Ramsey deserves recognition.

I really do hope that through our academy we keep producing talent that can and will play first team football and hopefully that will be in the top flight with Cardiff City.

I wouldn't worry about it Carl. Ultimately if he is a class above other kids of his age group then a confidence will come that will overcome any outside pressure/expectation. If anything you've created a bit of interest in our academy which is a good thing.

One thing the club should be highly commended for is them chucking academy football on youtube which I think is an excellent move. On the one hand it has generated a growing interest in watching CCFC youth games. But it also serves as a stepping stone for our young players to get used to playing for an audience. The pressure of performing in front of a 30000 crowd for the first time can break a young players confidence, so any baby steps that can be given before that moment is obviously helpful. Which is why your OP is a good thing.

Strangely enough I work with the manager of Pontardawe, will have to have a word with him on Monday!

This boy could go all the way Swansea really messed up on this one he even had a trial with them

A brilliant 12 year old does'nt neccesarily make a good 18 year old, a few years ago there was a brilliant 12 year old snapped up by Swansea before Cardiff could get him & he was way ahead of any kid in speed & strength & was even tipped on here to be a future Welsh international, stopped growing at 16 & the pace & strength that was once exceptional was no longer working, kids had caught him up, got released by Swansea & is now just another player in the Welsh league.

I would hold on a little with all the exitment. I'm sure he is a talented kid but my son played in the side that beat Pontardawe Academy U12 last year and apparently this young lad played. If I'm honest. I don't remember him but there are lots of very talented kids I have seen this season, so I'm sure the future is looking good. Definitely a shift in participation numbers over rugby now in my opinion.

The more local players that make it, the better for City in my opinion