Many congratulations to Upper Fifth pupil, Harry Mills who has been awarded a professional two-year scholarship at Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club Under 18s. Also following in Harry’s footsteps, First Year pupil, Josiah Kallicharan has also been signed by Brighton’s Under 14s Academy.

We interviewed both of the football stars to discuss how they earned their place, what some of their best moments have been so far, and how Bede's has helped them in their progress. Read the full interviews below...

Hi Harry! I understand you have been signed by BHAFC Academy U18’s side - congratulations! What steps did you have to go through to earn your place?

Thanks! To gain my scholarship, I had to always train well, play matches to the best of my ability and try to impress! I have been at Brighton since the age of seven, and myself and one other boy are the only remaining two players from the original intake. Every two years at the academy our contracts are either renewed or withdrawn, so I have had to maintain my level of performance in training and in matches to ensure that I was retained. You learn to live with the pressure - we have reports from the coaches after every training session and every match. It is very intense!   

How have the Bede’s coaches supported you on your football journey?

Yes - most definitely! The coaching at Bede’s is of a very high standard, so alongside Brighton, I have been very fortunate. I feel that they have complimented each other. Mr Caryer, Mr Harding and Ollie have all helped improve my performance on the pitch and Tony has been amazing improving my strength and conditioning. I would also say that playing in the 1st XI has helped me playing alongside the likes of Tarun/Charlie/Haydon/etc. 

What has been your proudest football moment?

I support Manchester United, and when I was 12, we played against them in a tournament in Belgium (Truce Cup) and I was Captain! I have also played and scored against Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain in various tournaments in Europe. But being awarded the scholarship is probably my proudest moment as I know how hard it is to be awarded one. 

What are you most looking forward to about being part of the Brighton & Hove U18s team?

Being part of the team is my job now! I will be playing in the U18s Premier League and will be on the Premier League App! Playing in the FA Youth Cup will also be amazing especially when you consider all the famous names who have graced this competition in the past. I’m also looking forward to being full time at the club everyday. 

What are your hopes for the next 5 years?

Being a professional footballer at the highest level I can. My next goal is to earn a professional contract, hopefully at Brighton. I hope to take all opportunities that come my way and enjoy the experience at the same time. 

Hi Josiah! I understand you have been signed by BHAFC Academy U14’s side - congratulations! What steps did you have to go through to earn your place?

Thank you! It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication but I feel so proud to have made it onto the Brighton and Hove U14s. Reaching this point has involved a lot of training - inside and outside of school. I am especially proud of the progress I have made as I have only been playing football regularly for two years.

How have the Bede’s coaches supported you on your football journey?

Bede’s coaches have really helped me to develop my football skills. Mr Caryer, Mr Harding, Mr Blaney and Mr Gibbs have all been supportive and provided regular training sessions. I have played many matches with Bede’s which have helped refine my strategy. When I was younger, I loved football but grew out of it and started playing basketball and cricket instead. But a couple of years ago, Bede’s helped me find my love for football again! One match that stands out in particular is when I first joined Bedes and we played against Lancing. This was when I really found my passion for football.

What has been your proudest football moment?

Definitely making it to Brighton and Hove FC U14s team! I found out during the last half term, and I couldn’t believe it! I know how tough it is to prove yourself, and I was so pleased that my hard work paid off. 

What are you most looking forward to about being part of the Brighton & Hove U14s team?

I am most looking forward to developing my skills further. I want to keep working hard and scoring more goals! I love being a part of a team, and am part of All Stars Sussex outside of school. I have to thank my mum for pushing me to go to the training sessions a couple of years ago!

What are your hopes for the next 5 years?

I hope to keep progressing and getting through to the older age groups. I think that age is just a number - I’d like to continue my journey at Brighton and one day be a professional footballer.