FORMER Non-League youngsters are continuing to make it to the top level of English football and more eyes are bound to turn to grass-roots for the next big thing.
Charlie Austin is trying to single handedly keep Queens Park Rangers in the top flight, Dwight Gayle is still impressing for Crystal Palace and Jamie Vardy has scored important goals for Leicester.
All three cut their teeth in the rough and tumble of Non-League and professional clubs are without doubt taking more notice of the semi-professional ranks.
With little financial risk and plenty of potential reward, it’s really no brainer in these days of monstrous transfer fees. And there are plenty of gems out there waiting to be given a chance.
Sportsbeat are back once again to support our Young Player of the Year award and it’s up to you to make sure your favourite youngster, who can be 23 or under, is in with a shout.
If you’re a Bristol Rovers fan, you’ve probably been impressed with defender Tom Lockyer’s performances in the Vanarama Conference.
Boss Darrell Clarke certainly has, saying the young Welshman “epitomises everything I want at the football club” and going as far as to add “he’d kick his own grandma if it meant winning a football match”!
Tom Parkes has also been a big member of the Gas’ defensive unit this season. Their record of a paltry 33 goals against in 44 league games tells the whole story.
Another defender that has caught the eye is England C international Andy Yiadom. The Barnet right-back has been an integral part of the Bees’ side, offering as much in attack as he does at the back. As has left-back Elliot Johnson for Martin Allen’s men.
Further up the pitch, Simeon Akinola has taken to life in the Conference since his move to Braintree in August.
He moved up from the Ryman League Premier and Harrow Borough and has helped the Iron to another comfortable mid-table finish. His fantastic overhead kick against Bristol Rovers may secure him the Huck Nets Goal of the Season too.
Of course, there is plenty of talent outside Non-League’s top-flight as well, with Omar Bogle continuing to grab headlines with Vanarama Conference North side Solihull Moors.
The former Birmingham City and Celtic striker has netted 29 times for the Moors this season and it seems like just a matter of time before he makes his return to the professional game.
Oxford City‘s Adi Yussuf is just behind him in the scoring charts with 25 and the former Leicester youngster looks to have finally found a home after bouncing around a number of Non-League clubs.
Lee Angol’s 23 goals have helped Boreham Wood mount a title challenge in the Conference South but those are just a few names to get thinking.
Remember you must let us know who you think is most deserving so we make sure to honour the very best at our National Game Awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 20 at Fulham’s Craven Cottage.
Either email your vote to [email protected] or tweet us using the hashtag #NGAVotes
