Robbie Willmott
Tricky winger Robbie Willmott has been a regular for both CRC and the Under 18's this term, and while still a first-year scholar he has gained experience that other young players of his age could only dream of.
The team's inaugural season in the Ridgeons League, though testing at times, has made youngsters such as Robbie into the precocious talents we have seen perform against their equals, in terms of age, in the FA Youth Cup.
Robbie's eye-catching displays on either wing have played an important role in the successes the youngsters have experienced this season in league and cup. And versatile Robbie has indeed been equally proficient on both right and left sides of the pitch.
This versatility has enabled frequent interchange of position between Robbie and fellow wing-man Craig Bussens, which has served to keep opposition full-backs on their toes.
Not content with merely acting as a supply line for the forwards, Robbie has shown himself to be most capable of chipping in with his share of goals. Robbie was in the right place at the right time against Harwich & Parkeston in early December to secure the victory, and he has also been on target in the FA Youth Cup. His strike against Newmarket Town in the first round of qualifying was important, but his clincher from the penalty spot against Tranmere Rovers in the Third Round proper was crucial.
Goal scoring by midfielders has been a feature this term, with no fewer than twenty goals scored by midfielders in all competitions. These strikes have been vital, and when goals are shared throughout the team pressure is taken from the forwards so they too will benefit.
Along with goal scoring, Watford supporter Robbie lists his best qualities as "speed and dribbling", both of which are fundamental components for the game of the modern-day winger. As a supply line, a wide player has to have the capacity to beat the full-back, and Robbie can do just that with his skill and pace.
Given his attributes, it is no surprise that the footballer Robbie admires most is jet-heeled Manchester United man Cristiano Ronaldo. Robbie describes him as having "good feet" and is impressed with his pace and ability to create opportunities for himself and others. Despite his summer shenanigans, Ronaldo remains a player from who youngsters can learn plenty, at least in terms of footballing ability...
As for ambitions for the future, Robbie aims to "hopefully play for the first-team" before "playing at the highest level". The recent progress of his team-mates Jordan Collins and indeed Michael Hyem must provide a carrot for Bishops' Stortford lad Robbie.
When the Youth Scheme was reintroduced in the summer, many did not know what to expect, so undoubtedly the lads have exceeded expectations. The FA Youth Cup run, and the manner in which the ties were negotiated, has demonstrated just how capable these young men are and the potential they hold for the future.
With still well over a year remaining for Robbie to develop as a footballer and as an individual, few would bet against him making the step-up to the United first-team as his second-year compatriots recently have. And with any luck, he will then be competing for a football league side!
Robbie and many of the other current first-year scholars have managed to rack up a good deal of competitive league experience which will be augmented next season as they develop a greater understanding of the division, of each other's strengths and weaknesses, and obtain the heightened responsibility which second-year scholarship brings.
Robbie states he joined Cambridge United in the summer from Buntingford Town, as CUFC is "a professional, well supported club going to higher places."
We certainly hope Robbie and his team-mates can be an integral part of that in years to come. A flourishing youth system can do wonders for the success of the football club, and those young players that make the progression through the youth systems can become a vital backbone to achieving first-team.
In fact, at the start of the season, Robbie listed "getting a scholarship at Cambridge" as his best moment so far in football, though, of course, we hope this will become simply one of many great memories for Robbie in the game as he continues to achieve and reach new heights during his career.
It is clear Robbie Willmott has made a very positive start to his career and his contributions have been key to the success the youngsters have experienced. We can only hope for more of the same.
By Henry Milward
Previous Featured Players:
17Feb07: Dean Holdsworth
11Feb07: Michael Gash
31Jan07: Stephen Smith
11Jan07: Piers Wixon (scholar)
13Dec06: Phil Smith (scholar)
07Dec06: Danny Brown
23Nov06: Sam Cutler (scholar)
16Nov06: Robbie Simpson
02Nov06: Craig Bussens (scholar)
12Oct06: Michael Hyem (scholar)
06Oct06: Rob Wolleaston
25Sep06: Matt Kendrick (scholar)
20Sep06: Jon Brady
14Sep06: Mark Peters
11Sep06: Jordan Collins (scholar)
Last season's Featured Players:
16May06: Jon Brady
04May06: Tommy Jaszczun
26Apr06: David Bridges
20Apr06: Scott Howie
13Apr06: Craig Westcarr
22Mar06: Andy Duncan
15Mar06: David Bridges
01Feb06: David Chick
08Dec05: Michael Morrison
29Nov05: Ritchie Hanlon
25Oct05: Stephen Smith
05Oct05: Fola Onibuje
29Sep05: Mark Peters
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