Norwich City Academy defender Jonathan Tomkinson has signed a new contract at the club through to the summer of 2024.
The Texas-born centre-back has made 11 Premier League 2 Division Two appearances for City so far this season, scoring three goals.
“I’m delighted,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming, I work very hard for everything I do and my teammates push me every day, so I have to thank them and the staff as well. I’m very ambitious and this is just another step on the road.”
Tomkinson began playing for City’s Under-18s team during the 2019/20 season, when he featured 12 times in the U18 Premier League. That year, he also played twice in the FA Youth Cup and four times for the Under-23s.
Last season, Tomkinson added four Papa John’s Trophy games and 22 Premier League 2 appearances to his name.
“I was born and raised in America but playing in the Premier League is my dream,” he said. “If I can get that done here, I’ll be very happy. I’m a ball playing centre-back and that’s how I like to be, composed on the ball.
“It’s a long journey, but to have this as another milestone is fantastic for me and I’ll just keep looking to the next one.
“The staff have been fantastic for us. We get loads of meetings and analysis so I’m always learning every day. My teammates make sure I’m at my highest standards every time and I always have friends and family to support me as well off the pitch.
“It’s exciting, especially at Under-23s level. We’re having a good season and we’re not that far off from the first-team. I have big ambitions and I want to be in there one day, so to be where we are right now is very exciting.
Tomkinson has formed a partnership with Jaden Warner in the heart of the U23s defence this season, one that’s been positively impacted by their friendship off the pitch.
“Me and Jaden get on very well, so it helps on the pitch for sure,” he said. “We want to win every game and we’re doing that for the most part, and we’re learning from all the losses that come with it, but the more we learn the better we’ll be on the pitch.”
City’s U23s have had a taste of playing at Carrow Road already this season, something that prepares them for playing in front of supporters.
“It’s very exciting for us but it also prepares us for the future,” Tomkinson said. “All of us want to play in someone’s first-team, whether that’s here or somewhere else. To get that kind of experience is great.”
Andrew Omobamidele is a role model for the pathway of Academy graduate to first-team, and one that Tomkinson can look up to.
“He’s a great example for us of what hard work and dedication can get you,” he said. “The club gives you those opportunities, we just have to be ready to take them when they come.”