Joe Miles has become the first player from our Elite U12s to be awarded a coveted Wanderers scholarship, worth over £2,000 a season.

“I’m really pleased Joe has committed to Dorking Wanderers and chosen to reject the approaches of a number of pro-academies,” said our Head of Elite Youth Development, Richard King.

“And I’m also delighted the club has underlined its desire to develop our own players by rewarding an under-12 player with a scholarship for the first time.

“Until now, scholarships have only been awarded to players from the under 16s. This shows how much we are developing and is the next step in our own progress towards reaching professional academy status. The future certainly looks bright!”

Joe, an attacking central midfielder with a superb range of passing and an eagle eye for goal, has excelled this season and regularly played for the under 13s.

“Joe is a winner, he’s determined to succeed and he’s a pleasure to coach,” added Richard.

“His game awareness and decision making are excellent, while his work rate and attitude are first class. There’s plenty of hard work ahead but we will do everything we can to maximise his potential.”

Joe joined us in 2022 and has been pivotal to his team’s outstanding performances in the Premier Elite division of the Surrey Youth League. Thanks to his scholarship, the 12 year old will now benefit from extra training, one-on-one coaching and close monitoring, personalized video analysis, complementary kit and subs – and even first-team mentoring!

“Joe is an outstanding prospect and we are really thrilled to be offering him this opportunity,” said first-team manager Marc White.

“Hopefully his example will inspire all our younger players and show them what they can achieve at our club. His generation represents our future and we want to do all we can to develop their skills and talent.”

Joe follows in the proud footsteps of past and current Wanderers’ scholars – including Dom Plank, who signed for Wolves, as well as Freddy Leather, Jay Richardson, James Laws and Harry Charlesworth, who are all members of the club’s current B Team squad.

Richard added: “Thanks must go to our Under-12s Coach, Sal Issa, for his hard work with Joe and the team, team sponsor Stott & May for giving us the funds to give the boys everything they need to succeed, & Marc, Kris & the senior committee for their ongoing support, and belief in what we’re doing.”

If you’d like to join Joe on the DW Elite pathway, then sign up for our next big Talent ID Day at Meadowbank Stadium on Thursday 21 December. Email richard@dorkingwanderers.com for more details and to reserve your place.