Promising defender bids farewell to current club ahead of Sunderland academy switch
Northern Irish defender Alfie Pollock is set to join Sunderland’s youth setup.
Northern Ireland youth international Alfie Pollock has bid farewell to NIFL Championship outfit Glenavon after sealing a switch to Sunderland’s academy setup.
The 16-year-old defender is a product of the Irish FA’s JD Academy programme, and marked an unforgettable senior debut back in April, scoring against Carrick Rangers.
And ahead of his move to Wearside, Pollock has delivered a heartfelt message to those who have helped him on his footballing journey thus far. He said: “A big thank you to all the coaches, players and everyone involved with Glenavon who have helped me develop throughout the years
“Massive thanks to Mick [O’Connor] for giving me the opportunity to train and play senior football which has really helped me kick on. I also wish Mick and the boys all the best in the season ahead. I have loved my time here... My favourite moment has to be scoring on my Irish League debut at the end of last season.”
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Pollock - who was born in 2010 and won’t turn 17 until late March - is the latest Irish League starlet to arrive at the Academy of Light after Adam Nelson joined the Black Cats from Glentoran earlier this summer, following in the footsteps of Rhys Walsh, who left Sunderland earlier this month, and Matthew Burns.
At a first team level, Sunderland are also represented by Northern Ireland international Trai Hume - a talent who Pollock described as his “favourite player to have represented the national team” during an interview earlier this year.