BAK SIGNS FOR BRISTOL CITY

Weston-super-Mare AFC are delighted to confirm that talented 16-year-old forward Brandon Bak has signed a scholarship agreement with Bristol City.

Brandon has been with the club since age 12, progressing through our academy age groups and impressing enough to make first team manager Scott Bartlett’s first-team squad at the start of the 2022-2023 season.

He made his first appearance for the Seagulls in our final pre-season game against Yeovil Town as a late substitute and has gone on to make three appearances as well as being named on the bench unused four times so far this season.

The striker found the net for the first time and assisted another in his first start for the senior side in our 3-1 Somerset Premier Cup win over Shepton Mallet.

As well as being given a taste of first-team action, the young striker has netted eight goals in five games across our U18s and U19s age groups during the early stages of their respective campaigns.

On Brandon’s move, Scott Bartlett said:

Brandon has done really well and we are delighted for him and his family.

“He has progressed through our programme over the last six years and into our under-18s college program this season. From there, he has had opportunities to catch our eye as first-team staff and he has taken his chance and become part of the squad.

“Like Ryan Jones a couple of years ago, he started to attract attention from professional clubs and that is a credit to all our staff in the academy and to the environment our first-team players and staff create.

“We wish we could have kept hold of him for longer, but it’s unrealistic to expect him to turn down Bristol City.

“He is a talented boy and we wish him well and will of course follow his journey with interest.”

U18s Manager Louis Dean said:

I have coached Brandon from the age of 12 with my brother and assistant coach Lloyd.

“He’s worked extremely hard for this and we are all delighted for Brandon to receive this opportunity.

“Brandon’s always had great technical ability but to get to the level he’s at now he has shown a great attitude, dedication and motivation throughout his time with us.

“Last season in the U16s we pushed Brandon into the U18s environment at 15 with Macca (Mark McKeever). We all believed this was best for this progression, this only highlighted his ability further.

“Scott has kept an eye on his development and brought Brandon into the first team this season to be part of their squad. This has helped Brandon enormously, being involved in such a great competitive environment around Scott, Lairdy (Scott Laird) and the players.

“Brandon has thrived from the pathway put in place by the club and we all wish him well – I am now looking forward to following his journey in the future.”

From everyone at the club, we congratulate Brandon on his move to Bristol City and look forward to following his football journey in the coming years.

We’re always looking for talented players to join our outstanding academy. Visit www.wsmafcacademy.co.uk for more information and to apply for a trial.