Norwich City Welcomes 10 New Scholars
Norwich City have confirmed 10 first-year scholars who will join the club's under-18s squad for the 2026/27 season.
The players began their scholarship journeys over the summer and will compete in the Under-18 Premier League South, the Under-18 Premier League Cup, and the FA Youth Cup.
Mixed Start for Under-18s Season
Norwich's under-18s have endured a mixed start to their new season, sitting 12th in the league table after victories over Chelsea on the opening day and West Ham United in their most recent away trip. However, they have also suffered significant defeats, including a 7-4 loss to Southampton and a 6-1 defeat to Spurs.
Profiles of the New Scholars
Ademidire Akarakiri, 16, has been with Norwich since under-14 level. The defender is most comfortable at centre-back but can also play at right-back.
Goalkeeper Lucas Alvarado joined from Manchester City this summer. The teenager, who has Guatemalan citizenship, has already featured on four occasions in Greg Crane's squad so far this season.
Rupert Askham has been at the club since under-13 level. The 16-year-old is an attack-minded full-back who uses his pace to support attacks from wide areas. His only under-18 appearance has come as a 45-minute cameo in a 4-0 win over West Ham last month.
Centre-back Bobby Crane joined Norwich as an under-15. His in-possession strengths have impressed, and he has immediately stepped into the backline at under-18s level, making three appearances, including one start.
Harry Darbyshire-Came is the second goalkeeper to have earned a scholarship, having joined City at under-15 level. His two appearances for the under-18s have come in their two most recent matches against Arsenal and West Ham, where he recorded a clean sheet.
Norwich added teenager Jack Duffy from Premier League side Crystal Palace this summer. The energetic midfielder has been ever-present for the under-18s, though he has started only two of his six appearances.
Henry Edwards joined City at under-16 level and has predominantly developed as a winger, although his appearances this season have come in a striker position. He recorded one assist in six matches, achieved in a 3-2 win away at Chelsea.
Aaron Goodson joined Norwich from Sky Bet League One side Cambridge United in October last year. Eligible for Jamaica, the 16-year-old also featured for the under-18s at the back end of last season.
Midfielder Ollie Roberson has been with Norwich since joining as an eight-year-old. The attacking midfielder has been among the leading players for minutes in the under-18s this season.
Forward Rio Smith-Roach has been part of Norwich's academy set-up since under-13 level and will be hoping to make his first appearance for Crane's side as the campaign progresses.
The scholars will continue their development at the City's Colney training base as part of the club's under-18s group, with opportunities to train with the under-21s and first team. Their season will include league fixtures, cup matches, and the FA Youth Cup.
For more details, visit The Pink'un.