Former Brent Schools’ FA player Raheem Sterling is playing at the World Cup for England in Russia and the latest Brent player to turn professional hopes to one day win honours of his own. Elliot Bonds has just signed a professional contract with Dagenham & Redbridge which runs until 2020.
Elliot, whose family are originally from Kensal Rise, attended Oakington Manor School and like Raheem Sterling has represented Brent and Middlesex at various levels. While playing for Brent Schools’ FA, he was scouted the highly respected former West Ham player Eamonn Dolan and played for Reading FC. Later, he signed as a scholar for the Daggers.
Bonds was outstanding in the Daggers academy’s FA Youth Cup run last season. This led to him earning his debut in the first team against Torquay United and going on to make 5 first team appearances as one of the youngest ever players to represent the club.
A delighted Bonds said “To end the season playing in the first team for the last five games was a massive progression and I worked really hard for it. I am really looking forward to working with Peter Taylor.” Brent Schools’ FA chair Chris Ampofo commented: “I am absolutely delighted for Elliott and his family. He is very dedicated and determined. He has all of the attributes to succeed and as long as he is given the right support and continues to learn and improve he could go on to have a great career. Playing for Brent can be a pathway for talented players from the borough to move to a higher level.”
Watch this space for trial dates to play for Brent next season.