Fleetwood Town invites 3 trialists from the Talent ID event in Guelph to England
Back in October, Guelph United and English League One side Fleetwood Town partnered up to organize a Talent Identification event in Guelph, at the end of which at least one young player would be invited to an all expenses paid 2-week training camp in England, at Fleetwood’s International Academy, with the chance to end up signing a professional contract.
We can now reveal the winners - plural, because the quality of the players taking part meant a single winner was not going to be enough.
“Genuinely surprised by the level of players at the Guelph Talent ID camp. It’s been a while since I’ve coached in Canada and the levels have seriously improved. The winners all displayed the attributes we, FTFC, look for: work rate, superb reaction to mistakes and a willingness to improve. We look forward to having the 3 winners with us and seeing where we can progress them to. Guelph is a club with great ambitions and real working class attitude. Exactly the same as FTFC and that’s why we’re keen to continue to work with the club.”
The three players chosen to attend the training camp at Fleetwood’s Academy in April 2024 are Aussie Hunt, Carter Robart and Nicholas Dunn.
Aussie Hunt, FTIFA’s top choice at the event, is still in 12th grade. He played for BVB Waterloo International Academy this year, and wants to enroll at the University of Guelph and play for the Gryphons next year.
Before then, however, he will have the chance to impress a professional side in England.
“It’s a great achievement, especially knowing how hard I’ve worked, day in and day out, just keep running, lifting, working on my technical ability, and seeing the hard work pay off, it feels nice”, says Hunt.
Despite his young age, Aussie doesn’t seem intimidated by what a training camp in England might mean.
“I expect very good competition. The English guys, they like to go hard, so I’m happy for that, happy to see the different environment over there”.
Carter Robart is a familiar name to anyone who has followed Guelph United this past season.
Carter has been our starting goalkeeper in all of the 21 matches from League1 Ontario’s 2023 season. He conceded only 23 goals, kept a total of 7 clean sheets, and ended up in the list of 5 finalists for League1’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
He now has the chance to show his talent in front of coaches from a professional club in England’s third tier.
“It’s a good opportunity for Canadians, especially as it’s not too common over here. But the game is growing, and it’s going to be a good experience”, said Carter.
Nicholas Dunn is also a name that should be familiar to Guelph United fans, as he has played an integral part to our U21 team winning the League1 Ontario championship this fall.
He has played 10 matches for our U21 team, 10 for our U19 team, and has also made his senior debut, in a spectacular 2023 season, and should be in line for a bigger senior squad role next year.
Until then, however, he’s also off to England.
“I’m super excited to get to see the level in England, compared to what we have here in Canada. I’m expecting it to be a lot better, but I’m up for the challenge and I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun”.
Guelph United would like to congratulate Aussie, Carter and Nick for being selected for this opportunity, and to wish them good luck in England.