Sam Barrett_001

Player Profile- Sam Barratt

We managed to grab a few words with young player Sam Barratt of Maidenhead United who has his eyes on league football having made his way through...

Where did you start, what did you enjoy the most and who got you involved?
"Started playing for Woodley Zebras. My older brother played for them as well and Dad participated as a coach. I have always loved football from the moment I first remember I was obsessed with the game. I enjoyed just being outside, playing games and practicing. I loved seeing the progress in my own game - it made me feel proud of myself that I was achieving new things."

Where did football take you between 16 and 18 years old?
"I had come from playing Saturday and Sunday football with a very good Woodley Kestrels team winning county cups, and near enough every league we took part in. I joined Bracknell Youth team at 15 years old, once again following my brothers footsteps. He got to me to come along and I really began to excel in the game. Playing 5 games for the Youth side I was called up for the first team having just turned 16.

From 16-18 I played approximately 90 games for Bracknell town and also played for the county side. There was a lot of interest surrounding my name and I began to think seriously about trying to progress to the pro game. This thought process was really encouraged by my manager at the time (Steve Nebbet) and all the others based in the club.

I signed for Maidenhead United at 18."

What are your plans for the future?
"The only thing I want to do is pursue pro football as a career. Having trained with Crystal Palace U21s for a trial period and this summer at Bristol Rovers first team training full time for 2 weeks, I just want to make this dream a reality."

Who are the biggest influences on your career?
"My biggest influences are any footballer that has made it to the 'big leagues' from non-league football. Andre Gray, Dwight Gayle, Jamie Vardy etc. Its a big achievement progressing this way up through the leagues. So much hard work and determination."

Do you have any tips for youngsters who are playing in grassroots at the moment?
"Any tip for youngsters playing grassroots football is to just keep playing, go and practice in your own time. If you love the game you will find any way to play and try to progress. Just maintain your focus and enjoy what you do. The biggest tip is to find a club you will have a lot of game time. The most important thing for any kid is to be playing games, I cant even explain how much 90 odd games playing for Bracknell did. It took my game up so many levels."

If you haven't seen Sam in action take a look at this clip of his highlights https://youtu.be/bAGyMXMZrT4

We would like to thank Sam for his time and wish him well for the future!