Academy Graduate Joins Army

Tommy, who is 19, is a Salford lad through and through he has been a lifelong fan of Salford Red Devils! Growing up in weaste with the willows on his doorstep he always had a strong connection to the club and eventually named his rescue dog willow in remembrance of our former great Stadium!

Tommy grew up playing for the local amateur side Folly Lane, where current first team players Jack Wells & Kallum Watkins also started their Rugby League Careers! Once old enough Tommy joined our u16s rising stars programme and was a stand out performer, a small wirey half back was hard to handle. Following this Tommy played for the Salford Red Devil’s dual development academy where he played in a memorable 46-16 win over Wigan Warriors education academy at the AJ Bell Stadium!

More recently Tommy has switched local clubs to Bury Broncos where he plays for their open age side.

His friend Dan describes Tom as “a proper Salford rugby league lad along with his dad and brother!! “

Tommy has been working hard throughout the pandemic and has been recognized for local voluntary work within the community and more recently is working as a delivery driver for Tesco before leaving for the army on the 24th of January.

Tommy has always had an ambition to serve his queen and country and that dream will begin when he leaves on Sunday for his first British army training camp.

Danny Barton, Head of youth, spoke about the former development academy player’s next step “ I’m excited to hear about Tommy and the next chapter in his life. I’m sure Tommy has all the right attributes to succeed in his role joining the army, he is passionate, fearless and most importantly a really good lad to have around. I’m sure he will be successful within the Army set up and I wish him the best of luck”

Foundation Director, Neil Blackburn also added “ To hear about one of our Development Academy players progressing into one of the Armed Forces is amazing. This shows the exit routes available to individuals if they want to take a different path after the development academy. During his time at the academy Tommy was a great player on the pitch and a popular individual around the development academy set up. I have no doubts he will be a success and wish him the best of luck on his journey”

GOOD LUCK TOMMY������