Stevenage FC's youngest goalkeeper, 15, makes club debut

Dean Thompson Max WoodfordDean Thompson
Stevenage FC said goalkeeper Max Woodford is their youngest at 15 years, six months and nine days old

A young goalkeeper has described making his debut for a League One side as "mind-blowing".

Stevenage FC said 15-year-old Max Woodford is the youngest-ever player to appear in the club's history.

On Tuesday, the teenager came on in the 82nd minute as the Hertfordshire club faced Crystal Palace Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.

He said on Wednesday he will now return to his mock GCSE exams as his parents have told him "education comes first."

"It was such a great experience they don't mind it, they're buzzing for me," he added.

The teenager, a pupil at Marriotts School in Stevenage, has been playing with the club for about two years as a youth player - but has only been training with the first team for the last fortnight.

Max said: "Dreams are coming true, that's all I can say."

Stevenage manager Steve Evans praised the schoolboy for punching clear a corner from Crystal Palace during his appearance late in the second half.

Speaking after the game he said: "He's come on and done really well, he's a real asset for the football club".

Stevenage FC beat Crystal Palace U21 5-2 at the Lamex Stadium.

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