Ryan Brierley believes players like Kallum Watkins can be an inspiration to up and coming young talent in our newly-awarded Elite Academy.
Today’s announcement is a massive step in the right direction for the entire club, with plans to build on the already strong infrastructure in place and nurture young, local talent into players who could one day represent Salford Red Devils.
One of our Own, Ryan Brierley didn’t come through the ranks at the club, but knows just what it means to represent his boyhood team – and wants others to have the same experience.
Speaking exclusively to our YouTube channel, the fullback was asked how he feels to see a new generation of players now given the opportunity to progress through their grassroots clubs’, into the Red Devils’ Elite Academy.
“I think that’s the exciting thing when you’re looking behind your shoulder, there’s people trying to take your shirt – and there’s a pathway there to take that,” he said.
“We’ve probably felt guilt over recent years that we’ve not created many youngsters, but I think if you look at our captain, Kallum Watkins, it shouldn’t have taken him that long to end up back at Salford, he should’ve been here a lot sooner.
“People can aspire to be people like Kallum, who is an England international and is now the club captain.
“I know as a young kid that you always focus on your idols; not so much teams, but you focus on certain players.
“I think our club captain is a perfect example of someone who kids can look up to, idolise – and I suppose it’s an exciting opportunity from top looking down to see the young kids coming through, and want to play for Salford.
“I think that’ll be the big difference in having a pathway. Not many kids idolise or want to play for Salford, but I’d love to change that narrative and now we’ve got our own academy, that can start to happen.”
To see our full chat with Ryan, click below.
