Florida move can be the start of helping me to achieve my dream goal, says Dover youngster Joshua Donnelly

DOVER ATHLETIC Academy player Joshua Donnelly has accepted a full scholarship to The Eastern Florida State University.

Donnelly who studies at The Abbey School in Faversham, will be studying Sports Coaching/Science at the Florida University whilst playing Football in the NCJ AA Division.



DREAM MOVE: Joshua Donnelly says he can't wait to play at a high level of football in Florida.
Photo: Dover Athletic FC

The University boasts excellent indoor and outdoor training facilities whilst accommodating 1000 supporters at each of their matches. All matches are televised and can be seen worldwide. JJ’s offer means he will not have to pay for tuition fees or living costs while he studies.

Mike Sandmann, Dover’s Academy manager said in a statement: “This is a fantastic opportunity for JJ and there is not a player who deserves it more than him.

“Throughout his two years with Dover Athletic Academy I have seen JJ develop as a player and a character. His work ethic is second to none, he always wants to improve and his desire for success has always been something that has really pleased me as his manager. To be offered a scholarship in America is a real achievement but to be offered a full scholarship with no fees is just testament to his hard work and constant willingness to improve as a player.

“I couldn’t be happier for him and will be looking forward to keeping tracks on his progress whilst he is away”.

Donnelly added: “I am really looking forward to going and having this once in a life time experience. I was looking forward to going to America in itself, but Florida makes it even better.

“I also can't wait to play at a high level of football with the best facilities; hopefully, this can be the start of helping me to achieve my dream goal”.

Chairman, Jim Parmenter added “It's fantastic to see the great work at the Academy providing such a wonderful opportunity and it demonstrates another example of how the club's work in the community and education is bearing fruit.”

Meanwhile, the Vanarama National League club have issued Chris Kinnear’s retained list.

The Whites finished in eighth-place in the Vanarama Conference in the season just finished and they reached the quarter-finals in The FA Trophy and lost to Premier League side Crystal Palace in The FA Cup Third Round.

The club confirm that Ricky Modeste, Richard Orlu, Stefan Payne, Andrew Rafferty, Sean Raggett, Tyrone Sterling and Tom Wynter are already under contract for next season.

Tom Murphy has had his contact exercised for a further year.

Liam Bellamy, Nicky Deverdic, Connor Essam, Sean Francis, James Poole and Mitch Walker have been offered terms for next season.

Kinnear remains in conversation with the remainder of the current squad with regards to planning for next season.

Kinnear has made one summer signing, bringing central defender Jamie Grimes, 24, to Crabble from Kidderminster Harriers.

Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com