Ebenezer Ameho is such an unassuming and quietly spoken 16-year-old, you’d be forgiven for forgetting the promising striker has already made his first team debut for Farsley Celtic.
Tuesday, 19 September 2023 will be forever etched into Ebenezer’s memory as he strode out to start for the Celts in an FA Cup replay in front of more than 1,300 – mainly hostile – fans at Scarborough Athletic. His debut came just a month after he had picked up his GCSE results from his school, Farnley Academy.
“I was over the moon to start, but too nervous before the game!” Ebenezer admits with a smile. “I texted my coach to ask him what to do and he told me to just do the basics well and I would be fine. Once I got into the warm up I became more confident and the senior players were supportive.”
He started as part of a front three with 17-year-old Joao Silva and was later joined by fellow Emerging Talent Squad players Will Morrisey and Tom Priestley-Standing. But a highlight for the young striker was being managed by Clayton Donaldson.
“After the match Clayton told me I had played well, but said I need to make more runs in behind and he said that he would teach me because I had a good future.
“I enjoyed the whole experience, you feel more professional playing in front of fans, but the Scarborough crowd didn’t bother me because you go into a bubble and don’t really hear them – but I’m always keen to prove the haters wrong, it motivates me!”
In a short time Ebenezer has become a mainstay of Farsley Celtic’s Emerging Talent Squad and is thoroughly enjoying his time at the new state of the art set-up, which is based in the sports hall.
His day starts at 6.30am with stretches and breakfast before getting to The Citadel for 8.50am. The group are then whisked off by minibus for daily training inWyke Sports Village before arriving back at the Farsley Celtic Sports Hub for lessons from 11.30am.
Ebenezer, who is looking to become a first team regular and cement his place in the squad, is studying sports coaching and development with the Emerging Talent Squad, which is an invitation-only full-time football programme for elite-level talents across West Yorkshire.
“I want some experience in coaching, as well as playing, because I want to help players to improve as people and as players,” the 16-year-old added. “As I have been growing up there were times when I needed help and support from my coaches, they have inspired me and so I want to inspire others.”
The young striker, who is in his first year, says he is impressed by the facilities at the club, highlighting the analysis room as his favourite part of the set up.
The Farsley Celtic Emerging Talent Squad coaching team all hold UEFA A or B license qualifications, and have a vast amount of experience in the professional and semi-pro game – as well as in professional academy environments.
The ETS take on the first team in a friendly at The Citadel on Saturday, 14 October 2023, 3pm kick off with free entry. The following Wednesday he will hope to be in FA Youth Cup action when The Celts entertain Wythenshawe at The Citadel on Wednesday 18 October, 8pm.
More information on Farsley Celtic’s Emerging Talent Squad can be found here.
