Wolves have welcomed 15 new full-time academy scholars to the club at an induction evening held at Molineux ahead of the 2026/27 season.
During the induction event last week, the players and their parents met with all the academy coaching and administration staff to hear about the full-time programme they will be following over the two years of their scholarship, with the ultimate aim of earning their first professional contract.
This year, all of the players signing their scholarships have progressed through the ranks at Compton Park, with some having been at the club since the pre-academy stage, while others have joined the set-up in recent years, showcasing the outstanding work from the academy’s staff at various levels to get the players to this point of their careers.
Jerome Abbey, Aaron Aneke, Dawood Asif, Tyler Coulson, Josiah Djokoto, Desmond Ekhosuehi, Max Hinks, Leon Huxley, Ricky Jackson, Junior Mathai, Shafaat Njuki, Saviour Nkume, Clive Oduor, Caden Pugh and Abdul Seidu have all put pen to paper on two-year scholarships.
Academy director, Jon Hunter-Barrett, said: “We’re delighted to welcome this new group of scholars and it’s another really exciting moment for everyone involved in the academy.
“For the players, it’s recognition of the hard work and commitment they’ve shown over a number of years, while for our staff it’s rewarding to see the boys’ development and progression get them to this stage.
“This group has come together through different pathways, with players who have been with us from a young age alongside others who have joined at various points through our recruitment process, helping strengthen the environment we’re creating and giving the players the opportunity to learn from one another every day.
“Signing a scholarship is an important milestone in any player’s career, but it’s only the beginning of the next chapter. The standards and expectations will increase from this moment, and the players understand they’ll need to embrace those challenges if they want to continue progressing towards the first-team.
“Our role within the academy here at Wolves is to provide the right balance of challenge and support, helping every player maximise their potential both on and off the pitch. If they remain humble and work hard every day, they’ll give themselves the best possible chance of enjoying a successful future in the game.”
Hunter-Barrett has given his take on Wolves’ latest group of 16-year-old prospects who have been enrolled as scholars ahead of the 2026/27 season:
Jerome Abbey
Position: Midfielder
“Jerome joined Wolves at under-7s from Randlay Colts and has progressed through every stage of our academy pathway. He’s an intelligent, competitive midfielder who can control the tempo of a game while also having the energy to play box-to-box. Technically very good and tactically aware, Jerome has developed into a player capable of influencing games in all phases, and his progress has deservedly been recognised with a Premier League debut. We’re looking forward to seeing him continue to build on that experience.”
Aaron Aneke
Position: Centre-back
“Aaron has progressed well throughout his time with the club having joined the academy at under-10s from New Park Village. He’s a centre-back who genuinely enjoys defending and takes real pride in that side of the game. Aaron also brings an infectious personality to the group and has become a really valued teammate.”
Dawood Asif
Position: Goalkeeper
“Dawood joined the academy at under-14s following his release from Aston Villa and has embraced the challenge brilliantly. As a goalkeeper, he’s impressed us with both his performances and his attitude to learning. He comes in every day wanting to improve and has settled into the academy environment exceptionally well.”
Tyler Coulson
Position: Striker
“Tyler has made a really positive start to life at the club since joining our under-16s from Walsall. A centre-forward who enjoys scoring goals, Tyler plays with real tenacity and determination. His hunger to improve has stood out from day one and we’re excited to support the next stage of his development.”
Josiah Djokoto
Position: Winger
“Josiah is an exciting wide player who loves taking on defenders and creating moments in one-v-one situations. He’s explosive with the ball at his feet, always looking to be positive in possession and make things happen for his team. Josiah has a great attitude towards learning, is well liked within the group and continues to develop every day.”
Desmond Ekhosuehi
Position: Right-back
“Desmond has developed into a physically strong and athletic right-back who enjoys both sides of the game. He’s confident in his defensive actions but is equally comfortable getting forward and contributing in the attacking phase. Desmond is a well-respected member of the group and has continued to show a real willingness to learn and develop his game.”
Max Hinks
Position: Right-back, right winger
“Max has impressed everyone with his attitude towards learning and developing since he joined us from Redditch United at under-13s. Comfortable at both right-back and right wing, his versatility is a real strength and he’s continued to improve throughout his time with the academy. He’s another player with an exciting future ahead of him.”
Leon Huxley
Position: Left-back
“Leon joined the academy at under-10s through our Emerging Talent Centre and has continued to develop well throughout his time with the club. A left-back with real quality on the ball, Leon is one of the younger players within his age group and continues to grow in every aspect of his game. He’s earned every opportunity through his attitude and willingness to learn.”
Ricky Jackson
Position: Forward
“Ricky has come all the way through the academy pathway after joining at under-7s from New Park Village. He’s an exciting attacking player who enjoys creating and scoring goals, but it’s his professionalism and desire to improve that stand out just as much. Ricky has a great mindset and continues to push his game forward.”
Junior Mathai
Position: Forward
“Junior is another player who joined Wolves Academy through our Emerging Talent Centre, coming into the under-14s, and immediately impressed us with his competitive mentality. He plays with real intensity, enjoys both attacking and defending, and always wants to make a difference for his teammates. His approach to training and matches has given him an excellent platform to keep progressing.”
Shafaat Njuki
Position: Winger
“Shafaat joined the academy at under-16s from Maine FC and has settled into the group extremely well. He’s an exciting winger who loves taking on defenders and creating opportunities in one-v-one situations. Shafaat has embraced the challenge of academy football and has all the attributes to continue progressing.”
Saviour Nkume
Position: Centre-back
“Saviour has been part of the academy since under-9s having joined from Black Country Cobras after spending time within our Emerging Talent Centre programme. He’s a tall, composed centre-back who is equally comfortable defending his own goal and building attacks from the back. Saviour is a calm and respected member of the group and continues to make excellent progress.”
Clive Oduor
Position: Forward
“Clive has brought real excitement to the group since joining from Bradford City at under-14s. He’s an attacking player who enjoys taking on defenders, creating chances and scoring goals. His confidence in possession makes him a player capable of changing games, and we’re looking forward to seeing him continue to develop.”
Caden Pugh
Position: Midfielder
“Caden joined Wolves from Bilbrook Juniors at under-14s and settled into the academy environment really quickly. An athletic player with an excellent attitude, he’s shown a real commitment to improving every day. His development has been really positive since arriving and we believe there’s plenty more to come from him.”
Abdul Seidu
Position: Centre-back
“Abdul also came into Wolves at under-14s, joining from Mass Elite Academy, and has made a positive impression since arriving. He’s a centre-back who enjoys the physical side of defending and approaches everything with a fantastic attitude. Abdul has shown a real willingness to learn and has developed well throughout his time with us.”
