Academy player released by Spurs vows to play at a ‘high level’

Former Tottenham Hotspur youngster Ben Watt has completed a move to Oxford City, the League One side have now confirmed.

The teenager primarily operates as an attacked minded full-back but has also filled in at centre-half on occasions.

Watt has been with the Tottenham Hotspur academy for the last ten years and has risen through the youth levels during that time whilst also represented England at the Under-16 level.

However, the defender was released by the North Londoners this year and has now decided to take a foray into League One to continue his progress as a player.

The teenager spoke to Oxford’s official website about embracing the challenge of joining the club’s academy and revealed his intention playing at a high level in the future.

He also spoke about his pride in playing one year up in the Spurs academy and representing England.

Watt is quoted as saying: “I started playing competitive games for Edmonton Rangers, but I was playing with boys who were a year older than me. I was scouted by a few clubs, but I chose to join Tottenham Academy because of its locality to me. In addition, my mum is an avid Tottenham supporter; I stayed there until the age of 16.

“I fell in love with the game because, from a very young age, I loved having a ball at my feet and was driven by the idea of getting better. Also, hopefully- one day having a career in the game.

“One of my major milestones was as making my debut for England U16s away against Croatia: we won 2-0. Another major milestone for me was being selected to play one year up for most of the season at Tottenham Academy. I featured and started in the Premier League tournaments.

“After 10 years at Tottenham, I was given notice of being released: I will use this as an opportunity to embrace this new challenge. I am most proud of making my third competitive appearance for England U16s.

“I’m most looking forward to returning to a regular training routine and my desired goals. I am prepared for the work I have to put in on and off the pitch. In the next few months, I’d like to be in and around the first team. By the end of my scholarship, I’d like to be playing first-team football.

“In the next five years, I would like to be playing regular first-team football at a high level. The only way I am going to make it happen is having the same passion and love for the game I have at this very moment time and have always had.”

Spurs Web Opinion

It is always a sad moment for a local boy like Watt who grew up supporting Spurs when he is released b the club. Hopefully, the lessons he has learned at the club’s academy under the likes of John McDermott will hold him good stead and he will go on to have a solid career in the game.

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