Watford have unveiled 11 young players who have received their Academy scholarships ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Over the next two seasons each player will be given the chance to develop both on and off the pitch, gaining nationally-recognised qualifications that will help them on their journey throughout life and football.

The scholars will be guided and helped by the expertise of Academy Director Richard Johnson and Head of Technical Development Jimmy Gilligan.

Both players began their careers under the leadership of Watford’s greatest-ever manager Graham Taylor, and no doubt much of what they learned from him will help frame how they attempt to develop these potential first-team players of the future.

On the pitch the young players will be guided by the staff and coaches within the Academy, not least Under-18s lead coach Matt Bevans and his assistant Lloyd Doyley - two players whose playing careers started with the same scholarship at Watford.

The young Hornets will work, learn and grow over the next two years, hoping to follow in the footsteps of recent scholars such as Ryan Andrews, Tobi Adeyemo, Jack Grieves, Zavier Massiah-Edwards and Albert Eames by earning a professional contract, as well as opportunities within the first-team.

There may well be one or two familiar names in this latest crop of youngsters – Jael Norville is the son former Watford striker Jason, who made 14 appearances for the Hornets between 2001 and 2003 before going on to play for Barnet, Woking and AFC Wimbledon.

And defender Raul Vancea made his debut for the Under-21s at Vicarage Road in April when still only 15 years old.

The full list of new Academy scholars is:

Name: Tobi Akinyimika

Position: Midfielder

Date of birth: September 1, 2007

Joined: January 8, 2024

 

Name: Zack Braverman

Position: Goalkeeper

Date of birth: October 8, 2007

Joined: March 1, 2024

 

Name: Tony Cowie

Position: Winger

Date of birth: October 27, 2007

Joined: May 31, 2016

 

Name: Marats Galajevs

Position: Attacking midfielder

Date of birth: December 13, 2007

Joined: May 26, 2016

 

Name: Jai-Dea Moulton

Position: Midfielder

Date of birth: January 29, 2008

Joined: September 13, 2017

 

Name: Tyler Notley

Position: Defender

Date of birth: December 15, 2007

Joined: October 27, 2016

 

Name: Jael Norville

Position: Forward

Date of birth: February 25, 2008

Joined: March 7, 2023

 

Name: Jonny Scriven

Position: Defender

Date of birth: March 7, 2008

Joined: May 31, 2016

 

Name: Kymani Smith Daley

Position: Winger

Date of birth: June 20, 2008

Joined: September 6, 2019

 

Name: Sebastian Thrussell

Position: Goalkeeper

Date of birth: February 8, 2008

Joined: May 7, 2021

 

Name: Raul Vancea

Position: Defender

Date of birth: April 19, 2008

Joined: May 7, 2021