Introducing the new Academy scholars for the 2025/26 season | OneFootball

As preparations ramp up for the 2025/26 season, Brentford welcomed 11 new scholars who have begun their journey in the professional development phase of academy football.

To mark this significant milestone, the club hosted its first scholar celebration event since the Academy relaunch at Gtech Community Stadium - an evening dedicated to recognising the players' achievements so far and the exciting chapter ahead.

Gary McDermott takes charge of the Under-18s for the upcoming season having joined the club 10 months ago as head coach of the Under-13s/14s.

As announced in May, he will now step into the new role, taking over from Jon-Paul Pittman, who held the role in the interim period following Lydia Bedford’s departure earlier in January.

10 of the new scholars have already represented the U18s, while all of them featured for the Under-17s.

Before being eligible to sign their first professional football contracts, all players in their U17s year must commence the season with a scholarship agreement.

Once the players had completed the required formalities, head of academy recruitment Michael Adesida provided an insight into the new group of scholars.

Jai Bansoodeb

Jai joined the Bees following a successful trial after spells with Chelsea and Sutton United. An attacking midfielder by trade, he is known for his technical quality, goalscoring instinct, and dynamic style of play. He is comfortable in possession and has the ability to orchestrate and control the tempo in midfield, making him a valuable creative presence in the final third.

Chris Cohalan

Chris progressed through the Brentford Community Sports Trust programme before earning his place in the Academy set-up. A committed individual, he is a box-to-box central midfielder with a strong work ethic. Chris brings energy and determination to the middle of the pitch, as well as consistently contributing at both ends of the field.

Micaiah Fanoiki

Micaiah joined the Academy at its relaunch, having previously spent time at Tottenham Hotspur. He had been involved with the Community Sports Trust prior to signing. An athletic and dynamic full-back, Micaiah is known for his pace, strength, and ability to cover ground. He regularly contributes at both ends of the pitch with his high intensity style.

Jovan Kasujja

Jovan signed for the Academy following a successful trial after leaving Norwich City. A quick and versatile attacker, he is capable of playing across the frontline but primarily operates as a centre-forward. Jovan is confident with both feet, has a natural eye for goal, and brings pace and directness in the final third.

Reuben Lawal

Reuben joined the Academy having been with Sheffield United and plays at left-back. He is a forward-thinking and dynamic full-back who brings pace and flair down the flank. An exciting addition to the group, Reuben offers attacking intent as well as defensive solidity.

Felix Lyon

Felix was part of the initial intake when the Academy relaunched, joining from grassroots football. A commanding goalkeeper, he has already featured for the U18s. Felix is known for his presence in the box and his sharp shot-stopping ability.

Layton Nicholls

Layton previously played for Liverpool and began his footballing journey as a centre-back during the foundation phase. He has since transitioned into being a goalkeeper, where he is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is developing into a reliable shot-stopper.

Nathaniel Ogungbemi

Nathaniel is a left-back who joined the Academy following a spell with Liverpool. He is strong in one-v-one defensive situations and brings composure and dynamism to the backline. He has already featured for the U18s and continues to show maturity beyond his years.

Josh Oladapo-Gamu

Josh is a commanding left-sided centre-back who has previously been part of both West Ham and Charlton Athletic’s academy systems. He is a dominant figure defensively, strong in the air, and composed in possession, making him a key presence in the backline.

Beau Redknapp

Beau joined the Academy at its relaunch following a successful trial, having previously played for Sutton. As a central midfielder, he brings calmness and intelligence to the middle of the park, with a good understanding of the game and strong technical ability.

Josh Zetter-Plummer

Josh signed for the Academy having previously been with Watford. A technically sound and forward-thinking right-back, he is confident in possession and enjoys contributing in attacking phases. Josh is a modern full-back who loves to get forward and support play in wide areas.

Congratulations to all the new scholars!