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A young local footballer has become the latest recruit to the academy of Premier League club Fulham – after having played for one of Jersey’s most successful clubs since the age of five.
Jason Da Silva has worked his way up the ranks at St Paul’s Football Academy across various age groups and currently plays for the side's U14 and U15 teams.
Following successful trials, Da Silva is now set to join the West London club for the remainder of the season, following in the footsteps of other young local stars like Luke Harris and Callum Osmand.
These young stars came through the Jersey FA Performance Centre, which provides an advanced player pathway for young footballers with identified talent and potential.
Pictured: Jersey's Luke Harris made his first-team competitive debut last year.
St Paul’s president Paul Sowney said: “We are delighted for Jason and his family and look forward to following his career over the years as he transitions into the professional set up at Fulham.
“St Paul’s have always had the philosophy of player development from youth with the view to progressing players to the highest standard possible.
“It is testament to the volunteers, coaches and everyone involved with the club who given up their own time to ensure that these players are getting the opportunity to play the game we all love and enjoy.”
Da Silva, Harris and Osmand were all scouted by Fulham recruitment staff due to the club’s close relationship with the Jersey FA Performance Centre and St Paul’s Academy.
Looking ahead, the Jersey FA aims to strengthen its ties with other professional academies – including Chelsea, Southampton, and Plymouth Argyle – potentially opening doors for more aspiring young talents.
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