19-year-old Weston-super-Mare AFC academy player Louis Stabbins sat down with Park Life Sport to talk about academy life, aspirations for the future and balancing studies with football.
Louis, who is Weston-super-Mare AFC’s Under 19’s number nine, has been with the Seagulls since he was only seven years old.
“I came here when I was a youngster and straight away I was made to feel welcome which was obviously really nice. As I was only seven of course it wasn’t the highest level of football but definitely since I’ve been in my teen years, the club has played a huge part in the growth of my abilities.”
The 19-year-old also spoke about the balance of being an academy footballer as well as being a full-time college student.
“I am always busy and it is a struggle sometimes to keep going but I love the challenge, I am always pushing myself to the next level so in a sense having so much on my plate is refreshing for me.”
“There are times where I’ll be in college all day and then one hour later I’ll have to be at the ground for a game so it is stressful sometimes but it’s all worth it in my opinion, I just love playing football.”
Stabbins also made his aspirations and dreams for the future clear as he hopes to make it big one day.
“I don’t see why I can’t make it to professional football one day, I am a hard working and technical player and I am only going to improve even more.”
“I put 110 percent into every training session and match and I know that is something that clubs look for in players, and I am only 19 so I have years ahead of me where I will definitely improve as a player.”
As well as playing for the Seagulls, Stabbins also plays for his village Sunday league side, Hutton FC.
“I am football mad really, I want to be playing at any chance I get, whether it is for Weston or for Hutton, I always hope to see my name on the team sheet.”
“I love playing at the Sunday league level, I think it has definitely helped me grow as a player playing against full grown men, getting hit left, right and centre! It has 100% helped me mature as a football player.”
