Joel, 18, graduated from the Dorking Wanderers Academy at the end of the 23/24 academic year, completing a successful two year period on the post-16 education and football programme. Establishing himself as a regular, key player in the academy’s flagship National League Academy South U19 side through the course of the 22/23 campaign, Joel was named team and academy captain for the following season, and would go on to make 20 appearances for the leading academy side as they competed towards the top end of the league table.
In tandem with his progression for the U19 side, Joel would also captain the Dorking Wanderers B team through the 23/24 season, making 31 appearances overall and playing his part in the team achieving a third consecutive third placed finish in the Southern Combination Division One (Step 6). It was also during the last campaign that Joel captained the FA Youth Cup side, who went on to match previous best club run in the competition by reaching the second round proper, going on to face Football League side Cheltenham Town at Whaddon Road.
Midway through last season Joel received his first call up to the Wanderers first team; coming off the bench during the latter stages of the 3-0 home victory over Maidenhead United in the FA Trophy 3rd Round. Joel was given a place in the first team squad at the commencement of the 24/25 season, Joel featured regularly for the first team during pre-season and has been included in the match day squads for the National League South fixture’s against Eastbourne Borough, Aveley and just this past weekend against Salisbury. Alongside fellow academy midfielder Neo Wooster, Joel would make his league debut during the second half of the match away at Aveley, and marked the occasion by getting on the score-sheet as well, netting a consolation goal late on.
Proud of the progress Joel has made and looking forward to seeing him continue his development in senior football with Moneyfields FC, Dorking Wanderers Director of Football Jordan Clark adds: “Joel’s development and growth over the two years with the academy has been brilliant to be a part of, his character and dedication to improve as a footballer is second to none and this has allowed him to achieve so much with us and its just the beginning. We thank Moneyfields for this opportunity for Joel and as he enters this next stage of his development. I am excited to see the progress Joel is going to make.”
Marc White added: “Joel is one member of our ever increasing production line and we’re excited for this opportunity. We’re eager to continue to watch him develop and look forward to seeing the outcome.”
