Academy Trio Earn Third-Year Scholarships

Shrewsbury Town are delighted to confirm academy trio Jeval Thompson-McKenzie, Jay Snook and Reuben Falding have all been awarded third-year scholarships.

The talented trio joined Salop's academy at under-13 level and have enjoyed an impressive journey through the youth ranks.

During their time at the club, they have played a key role in one of the academy's most successful periods.

Last season, Shrewsbury made history by winning both the EFL Youth Alliance North West Division title and the overall Northern title.

Their list of achievements also includes lifting the under-17s Professional Development League Trophy, winning the under-16s league title and the under-15s Floodlit Cup.

Academy manager Charlie Musselwhite said: “Jeval, Jay and Reuben are three terrific young men who thoroughly deserve the opportunity to continue their development at Shrewsbury Town as they look to forge careers in the professional game.

"The Chairman, Liam (CEO Liam Dooley) and the Gaffer (Manager Gavin Cowan) have all shown a real commitment to giving young players opportunities, and this is another example of that.

“We're incredibly grateful for the way the Gaffer has integrated our academy players into the first-team environment, while the support from the Chairman and Liam behind the scenes has been invaluable.

"Everyone involved in the academy is immensely proud of the lads.

“They have conducted themselves brilliantly throughout their time with us and have developed into outstanding young men.

“Their achievements on the pitch speak for themselves, but seeing their growth as people has been even more rewarding.

“We believe they have the character and attitude to thrive in a professional environment.

"I'd also like to thank every member of staff, past and present, who has played a part in their journey.

“We'll continue to support them in the background, but it's now up to them to make the most of a fantastic opportunity and impress the first-team staff.

“The Gaffer and his coaching team have been outstanding in the way they've worked with Will Gray, Isaac England and our other academy graduates, so the pathway is there for these lads. Now it's up to them to grasp it with both hands.”

Manager Gavin Cowan said: “I came in towards the end of last season, so I've only played a small part in this – the real credit goes to our academy staff and the three lads who have earned the opportunity.

"I'm a big believer in creating opportunities, whether that's employing people in my businesses outside of football or in the football environment. I think it's important to give young people a chance when they've shown they deserve it, and these three certainly have.

"Throughout pre-season so far they've been excellent. Their attitude and application have been first class, and that's exactly what you want to see from young players coming into a first-team environment.

"They should be proud of what they've achieved, but this is only the start.

“I'm really looking forward to working with them and seeing how they continue to develop."