In the heat of the weekly battles pushing for points, striving to survive in the National League across the past two years, it can be easy to overlook how far Dorking Wanderers have come in such a short space of time, and just how far the club’s unique story has risen to prominence. Reflected in growing support both at home and on the road over the past couple of season’s, the continually rising popularity of the renowned Bunch of Amateurs series, and not least through Chairman and Manager Marc White’s appearances on such podcasts as The Peter Crouch Podcast, Under The Cosh and No Tippy Tappy, the Wanderers story has become increasingly well documented in the public eye. And whilst the club’s remarkable journey has struck a chord and connected with so many football supporters across the country and from much further a field over recent years, it has also captured the imagination of aspiring young football players as well.
One such player is Leon Keogh. The Dublin-born striker is eager to progress his footballing journey after rising through the ranks within League of Ireland Youth football, and carries the same passion for the game which he discovered and became involved with very early on:
“My football career started when I was very young, mainly because of my Dad being so passionate about it. He brought me to play, and I fell in love with it ever since my playing career started when I was probably 4 or 5 beginning academy football.”
A striker very much in the mould of a typical No9, from those early days starting out Leon has gone on to really enjoy his pathway through youth football, and has already tasted success:
“I’m pleased with how my career has gone so far – I’ve played for big teams in big leagues, playing alongside great team mates and for great coaches. Going the whole way and winning the League of Ireland with Bohemians at Under 15 level was special and the best trophy I’ve won so far. My hope for the future is to continue growing as a player and a person, to play at the best level I possibly can, enjoy myself, and of course try and win some trophies along the way!”
With a full season of senior Irish football under his belt, which included 20 goal/assist contributions despite a spell on the sidelines with injury, Leon is hungry to continue making progress and write a new chapter in his football journey. Having come up against a number of English U23 sides over recent years and gained interest from a number of clubs this side of the Irish Sea, Leon will spend time in Surrey with Dorking Wanderers during the upcoming pre-season for a trial period. Very much looking forward to the opportunity, Leon is excited to train alongside players at a club he has admired for a long time:
“My main attraction to Dorking initially was probably the big fan base and the social media side, then learning and seeing everything about the club’s story, how far it’s come in such little time. Not many clubs can reflect on the kind of achievements Dorking has made so far, it really is an impressive story and something that really inspires me.”
Leon will train with the Wanderers first team for a 10 day period during the month of July.
