Sourcing Apprentices

YOUNG Pilgrims Rio Garside and Mike Peck have signed forms to become apprentices for the 2017-18 season.

Burgeoning midfielder Mike - on the left in the picture above - is from Bodmin and attends Wadebridge Secondary School. He played for Wadebridge at under-9 to under-11 level, and was spotted at the Newquay Development Centre before progressing to the Argyle Bodmin Advanced Development Centre under the guidance of Chris Souness. Chris quickly identified Mike's potential and recommended him for an Academy trial; Mike joined the Academy as an under 12 in 2012. 

Mike has grown in confidence over the last 18 months, playing a key role in last season’s Northern Ireland Super Cup tournament. He has been involved in seven games for the under-18s this season in the Youth Alliance League. He has also represented East Cornwall for the under-14 and under-15. Mike shows a good level of technical ability; has a presence in the centre of midfield when in and out of possession; makes important tackles; and has also shown the ability to score goals.

Rio is a local lad from Plymouth who attends Ivybridge Community College. Rio has been a Pilgrim since the age of six after joining the Plymouth Advanced Development Centre based at Stoke Damerel. He played his club football for Marine Academy and played in the Community Trust tournament at Home Park when he was 11. Rio's performance for Map under-11s stood out and he was named player of the tournament by Argyle Academy Manager Kevin Hodges. 

Rio was also influential in last season's Northern Ireland Super Cup squad. He has represented Plymouth Schoolboys at under-11 and was made captain for the under-14 and under-15 age groups. Rio has also played Youth Alliance League football this season demonstrating a high level of technical ability in particular his passing and ball manipulation, demonstrating his potential to score at under-18 level.

Congratulations to both lads, and good luck on your careers ahead.