Football Success for Ryan

The Compton School is delighted to share the news that former student Ryan Hammond has just signed a two year professional football contract with Nottingham Forest FC, an excellent football club, steeped in history and pushing for promotion to the Premier League.

Ryan started his sporting life playing for Saracens Rugby Club, and was scouted by Barnet FC playing for his primary school, where by chance a scout was watching the match. Ryan then played for Barnet until he was released at the age of 12, just as he joined The Compton School. Despite interest from professional clubs, he then joined Camden Elite FC and went on to win the London County Cup, whilst  playing for Barnet School boys and captaining Middlesex School for two years. During this time he trained at a high level during the weekends to ensure he could take up any opportunity that might come in the future, as he continued to believe there was more to come.

As an under 14 player, he joined Wingate and Finchley (and played in an older age group). He was then scouted by Arsenal FC. This ended with Arsenal recognising his exceptional ability, but unable to offer him a place as they already had two signed goalkeepers, so they acted as his reference, and he was signed by Watford FC until the age of 16.

During this stage of his journey Ryan was also juggling his school work, whilst training four nights a week and playing every Saturday. Ryan was awarded the prestigious role of 'school prefect' and went on to achieve very good GCSE results, proving that you can achieve anything if you are committed to your goals and you work hard.

At 16 years of age, he once again had to deal with rejection, showing unbelievable resilience, as Watford FC did not offer him a two year scholarship. However, this disappointment was only temporary as Millwall FC offered him the chance of a two year scholarship almost immediately. At the end of this scholarship Ryan had a number of clubs offering him professional contracts. Ryan not only excelled on the football pitch, but also achieved a triple distinction in his academic studies.

In the end, Ryan has opted to sign a professional contract with Nottingham Forest FC, a club enjoying real success right now, with their U18's in the FA Youth Cup Final and the first team close to promotion back to the Premier League.

The Compton School is immensely proud of Ryan, especially his work ethic and resilience. He never gave up and worked his hardest whilst playing football and balancing academic studies.

We wish Ryan the best of luck with the next stage of his life as he moves to Nottingham as a professional football player.