Norwich City are delighted to confirm the Club's first-year scholars for the 2026/27 season.
Having begun their scholarship journeys over the summer, the group form part of the Canaries' Under-18s squad for the current campaign, competing in the Under-18 Premier League South, Under-18 Premier League Cup and FA Youth Cup.
City's Under-18s have made a positive start to the season, sitting 12th in the league table following victories over Chelsea on the opening day and West Ham United in their most recent fixture.
The players embarking on their first year of scholarship at Norwich City are:
Ademidire Akarakiri
Having joined Norwich City at Under-14 level, Ademidire Akarakiri signs his scholarship after progressing through the Academy ranks. A strong and versatile defender with pace and natural leadership qualities, the 16-year-old is most comfortable at centre-back but is equally capable of operating at right-back.
Lucas Alvarado
Goalkeeper Lucas Alvarado joins the Canaries this summer from Manchester City. Comfortable in possession and confident playing out from the back, the 16-year-old will continue his development at the Avant Training Centre as part of Norwich City's Under-18s squad.
Rupert Askham
Rupert Askham has been with the Club since Under-13 level and earns a scholarship following his continued development through the Academy. An attack-minded full-back, the 16-year-old possesses excellent pace and enjoys driving forward to beat opponents and support attacks from wide areas.
Bobby Crane
Calm, composed and comfortable in possession, Bobby Crane is a centre-back who enjoys stepping into midfield with the ball and helping build attacks from the back. The 16-year-old joined Norwich City as an Under-15 and now takes the next step in his Academy journey by signing scholarship terms.
Harry Darbyshire-Came
Goalkeeper Harry Darbyshire-Came joined the Canaries at Under-15 level and has developed into an athletic shot-stopper with an explosive style of play. Confident under pressure and decisive in his actions, the 17-year-old has earned his scholarship after impressing throughout his time at the Academy.
Jack Duffy
Box-to-box midfielder Jack Duffy arrives at the Avant Training Centre this summer after joining from Crystal Palace. The energetic 16-year-old is known for his ability to influence both ends of the pitch, combining industry in midfield with a willingness to support attacking moves.
Henry Edwards
Henry Edwards is a 16-year-old winger who joined Norwich City at Under-15 level. An exciting wide player who thrives in one-on-one situations, Edwards will continue his development with the Canaries' Under-18s.
Aaron Goodson
Aaron Goodson joined Norwich City from Sky Bet League One side Cambridge United in October last year and now begins life as a scholar. Another exciting wide player, the 16-year-old is at his best when running directly at defenders and creating danger in one-versus-one situations.
Ollie Roberson
Having been with Norwich City since Under-9 level, Ollie Roberson has progressed through the Academy's age groups before signing his scholarship. A technically gifted midfielder, the 16-year-old is comfortable in possession, dictates play from midfield and also has an eye for goal.
Rio Smith-Roach
Forward Rio Smith-Roach has represented Norwich City since Under-13 level and earns his scholarship after continuing his progression through the Academy. A hard-working striker who leads the press from the front, the 16-year-old enjoys playing on the shoulder of the last defender and has a natural instinct for finding goalscoring positions.
Congratulations, lads!
