Joshua Bayne, a Year 11 student at Woodham Academy, has signed his first professional contract with Hartlepool United.  Joshua is a very talented footballer who has already had experience playing schoolboy football for both Sunderland AFC and Scotland during his time at Aycliffe Teenager Signs First Football Contract secondary school.  In addition to his prowess on the football field, Joshua has represented Woodham Academy in a range of other sports including athletics, handball and cross country.

His phenomenal service to sports at Woodham was recognised when he was awarded Young Performer of the Year at last years Woodham Sports Academy presentation.  A true all-rounder, Joshua has managed to combine his sporting achievements with continued academic success in all subjects.  It is a testament to his positive attitude and commitment to his studies that he is also on track to attain consistently excellent GCSE results this summer. The Hartlepool United elite phase coach, Anthony Sweeney, commented, “Since joining us in February, Joshua has hit the ground running.  He is not only someone with exceptional talent but also has a tremendous attitude.

Everyone at Hartlepool United is delighted that Joshua chose to sign after interest from a lot of other football league clubs”. Joshua follows a rich tradition of players from Woodham Academy who have gone on to play football at a professional level, following in the footsteps of  Jason Steele, Ross Turnbull, Darren Craddock, Christopher Mason and Lewis Wing.  Everyone at Woodham Academy would like to wish Joshua the greatest luck, not only in his professional sporting career but also in his academic studies.  He truly deserves every success.