Academy
Loan Round-Up | Seven scholars on work experience loans
Seven of our scholars have experienced loans in the men's game so far in the 2025/26 campaign.
Here's how they're getting on as of the end of September.
Jack Loughran - Shifnal Town
Jack has played all seven games as a right winger in August, starting six.
After opening his goalscoring account for the year - netting the only goal in a 1-0 win over Newcastle Town - and grabbing two assists in August, Jack notched a goal against Bootle and an assist against Carlton Town last month.
His manager is very impressed, picking out his hard work out of possession and the number of penalty box entries Jack is consistently racking up every game.
The versatile youngster has been described as a constant threat who is a workman when his side are without the ball. Furthermore, he's been utilised as the team's main outlet when possession turns over, which is a reflection on how well he's started his season.
So far, the only note Jack has been given is to work on his final product.
Karsten Cairns - Darlaston Town
Karsten featured in all six of Darlaston's games in August, starting four of them and contributing to one clean sheet.
He's maintained his fine form in September, starting two and making one substitute appearance as he helped his side to another clean sheet.
In his substitute appearance, Karsten came on in the first half to help steady the ship, which shows the trust his manager has in him.
His attitude and application have been key to his success. The men's game has been educational to Karsten, who has been dealing with big, physically aggressive strikers in his role at left centre-back.
Jay Snook - Kidsgrove Athletic
Jay started all seven games for Kidsgrove Athletic in August, netting and assisting already.
The striker opened his account in a 3-2 win over Chasetown with a well-taken finish. He also provided an assist in that game and was said to be reaping the rewards from taking on feedback, which is a credit to his attitude.
After picking up a shoulder injury at the end of August, Jay has managed his recovery well and featured as a substitute on two occasions in September.
His manager has praised his hard work and the rapid improvements he is making with his understanding of the game.
Reuben Falding - Newcastle Town
Reuben has had a positive start to life at Newcastle Town, featuring in all six games in August, starting five at right-back or right wing-back and contributing to one clean sheet.
Their head coach has been very impressed with his involvement so far, praising his aerial ability, attacking intent and consistency.
Reuben has been playing with Town's under-18s in September and has now joined Kidsgrove Athletic on loan.
Joe Morris - Kidsgrove Athletic
Joe began the season at Stourbridge, making his debut in the draw away at Quorn.
After limited minutes, the defender joined Kidsgrove Athletic for September and made his full debut against Runcorn Linnets.
He also featured for the under-18s on three occasions.
Unfortunately, Joe suffered an ACL injury in the last of those games and is now out for the rest of the season.
Shayne Byrne - Romulus
The young midfielder has made five appearances so far this season, including playing the full game against Lye Town in mid-August.
He debuted in a tough match, coming on as a sub when Romulus were already 5-0 down, although he carried out his role well.
Shayne has been vocal and looked particularly impressive out of possession. A slight hamstring injury means he hasn't featured as much as he would like.
Jeval Thompson-McKenzie - Shifnal Town
Jeval joined Shifnal at the start of September and has made one appearance so far due to injuries and being used as part of Town's under-17s and under-18s squads.
