Two players from Barnet Football Club’s Academy have left to continue their development within European football’s elite.

The players, who were part of the Under-12s side, have joined Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in moves which highlight the outstanding work taking place throughout all levels of the Club. 

It would have been achievement enough to see one player join a club in the top tier of English football but to have two is simply exceptional. 

The moves demonstrate the quality of development offered by the Academy and show that the club is not only committed to building a successful first-team now but for many years to come.

Academy manager James Thorne said: “A lot of hard work goes on behind the scenes not just at our club but at many within the Football League.

“Within the Academy the staff work tirelessly to coach and develop young players at all ages and we are committed to producing home-grown players that will go on to represent the club at first-team level. Furthermore we have been 

delighted that in recent weeks several players have turned down moves to bigger Clubs in order to stay at Barnet.”

“On occasions like these, players depart before they can make an impact within the first team but it is a testament to the coaching staff that Premier League clubs continue to monitor the work taking place at The Hive.”

“We are absolutely committed to keeping our best players for as long as we possibly can and we hope the Academy and club can be a platform for many future first-team players and their careers.”

Only this season the likes of Iffy Allen, Jamal Lowe and George Sykes have progressed into the first-team and four home-grown players were in the squad for the 2-0 win over Southend United. 

Moreover, with international call ups for both George Sykes and Mauro Vilhete in the recent past and Elliot Johnson making the left back spot in the first team his own the future is looking bright for the young players at the Academy.

Barnet Football Club would like to wish the players the best of luck in the future and we will be monitoring their progress with great interest.