MIDFIELDER Josh Bernard is about to start out as a professional footballer at Plymouth Argyle but his path to get there has been far from a conventional one.
Most young pros at EFL clubs are graduates of their academies, but for Bernard it was different. He even ended up working on a building site for a couple of months. That was until he joined the Argyle Community Trust's football development and education programme for 16 to 18-year-olds, and it was not long before his progress on the pitch was recognised by a call-up to the academy.
After being part of the Argyle under-18s squad which topped both the EFL Youth Alliance South West Division and Merit League One last season, Bernard was rewarded for his efforts by being offered a professional contract to complete a rapid rise for him.
Bernard told Herald Sport: "It's everything I have ever wanted really. It's what every little boy dreams of. I can't wait to get going, I'm really excited. I had a trial (for the academy) when I was about 14 and didn't get in so I just kept playing DJM youth football for Parkway until I was about 16. I was a little bit lost and didn't know where to go.
"I went to the building site for about two months and then after that I took a bit of a jump and went to the community programme. I kept playing my football and four months in I got a bit of a chance with the academy and have never looked back since then."
Denne historien er fra June 20, 2024-utgaven av The Herald.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 20, 2024-utgaven av The Herald.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Hall hoping for an early Christmas gift for Parkway
PLYMOUTH Parkway play host to title-chasers Gloucester City in the Southern League Premier Division at Bolitho Park tomorrow in need of the points to pull away from relegation danger.
I've gone from this kid with a dream to singing for the Pope
SCOTTISH SINGER EMELI SANDÉ REFLECTS ON RECONNECTING WITH HER ROOTS AND TAKING CONTROL OF HER MUSIC THROUGH STARTING HER OWN LABEL.
Hospice funding help is welcomed
HOSPICES in England have welcomed a multimillion funding boost but the Government has been accused of “giving with one hand and taking with the other” amid costs caused by a national insurance rise.
Starmer backs Siddiq
SIR Keir Starmer has backed Tulip Siddiq, Downing Street indicated, after the Treasury minister was named in an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh.
'Uncertainty' is cause of rate freeze
THE Bank of England has held interest rates at 4.75% due to \"heightened uncertainty in the economy\" following the UK Budget and US presidential election.
Inquest told student on charge took his own life
PHILOSOPHY UNDERGRADUATE FACED AN ALLEGATION OF RAPE
Salon shortlisted again for top gong
NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR SECOND YEAR
Dad sets himself a chilly challenge
A PLYMOUTH dad has set himself a freezing challenge for the whole of December, in an effort to raise as much cash as possible for the charity who helped his son when he was diagnosed with cancer.
Teachers follow pupils in tribute
A PLYMOUTH primary school has paid tribute to a Christmas classic for a second time after a great result back in 2020 when the pupils recreated the well-known East 17 track.
New police head 'the man to turn the force around'
THE man appointed to head Devon and Cornwall police while two chief constables remain suspended could help the force come out of special measures, according to the region’s police and crime commissioner.
