The Watermans Men’s Academy Player of the Month award for November has been won by Popoola. The young player has impressed in the academy throughout the month, as well as making his debut for the Chesterfield youth team.
When discussing his career up to this point, Popoola said: “I got into football playing in under fives in Scotland and eventually signed for Aberdeen.
“My family moved to Birmingham, and I played for Birmingham City academy. It did not go to plan, so I moved to the Shrewsbury academy for three years.
“I learned a lot along the way and worked hard. But unfortunately, I did not get a scholarship. However, I ended up at Chesterfield.
“So far the club have helped me improve as a player and learn more about football.”
On his youth team debut, he said: “(Making my debut for the youth team) is a big achievement. The club and staff’s support has helped me to get into the youth team, along with my parents and the players.
“It felt like the hard work has paid off. I hope to continue playing for the youth team, and hopefully make my debut for the first team.”
Meanwhile, the Watermans Women’s Academy Player of the Month award has been handed to Watts. It has been a good start to the campaign, with Watts recently netting twice in a 6-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday.
Watts’ journey in football began many years ago. She said: “I started playing football at school and got into a boys’ team. Then I decided to move to a girls’ team, which was Brampton. All of our team went to Chesterfield, and we all moved up together.”
On the academy women’s performances this season, Watts said: “I think we have improved as we have gone on. I have been training so much more compared to how much I used to do so my fitness and technicality has improved.”
When discussing her brace against Sheffield Wednesday, she said: “It improved my confidence a lot more because the position I play means I do not score often. So, obviously, I enjoyed scoring.
Watts has aspirations to continue her positive start to the season. She said: “I want to try and push into the first team and play more for the development squad. I am quite young so there is plenty of time to do so.”
