The latest graduates from the Irish FA JD National Academy have officially taken their first steps into the professional game after completing a rigorous two-year residential development programme at Campbell College.
A total of six Academy prospects have earned career-advancing scholarship deals with English Premier League and Championship sides.
Alfie Mulvenna (Crystal Palace): The 16-year-old central defender has signed a two-year scholarship with the South London club. The former Larne youth, who is the son of current Inver Park boss Gary Haveron, leaves the Irish league side after making two senior first-team appearances for them last term.
Jude Crawford (Hull City): Another Larne youngster leaving for the Premier League after making the switch to newly-promoted Hull City as an Academy scholar. The Ballymena native, who is a keen admirer of Liverpool defender Conor Bradley, has represented Northern Ireland at both under-16 and under-15 level.
Adam Nelson (Sunderland): The former Glentoran midfielder and Regent House student has accepted a two-year scholarship at the Stadium of Light. Last season, Nelson captained the Northern Ireland U16 team to victory in the inaugural Cwpan Gary Speed tournament in Wales. He was also jointly awarded the Academy's Graduate of the Year.
Alfie Pollock (Sunderland): The former Glenavon defender, who hails from Portadown, is joining Nelson on Wearside after signing a two-year deal with Black Cats. Pollock famously scored on his Lurgan Blues debut just seven minutes after coming on as a substitute against Carrick Rangers in the final game of last season.
Mason Ayre (Nottingham Forest): The former Glentoran midfielder has secured a dream move to the Premier League outfit after he impressed during his trial period at the County Ground, scoring twice in a victory over a Liverpool under-16 side.
Eamonn Tohill (Middlesbrough): Sharing Graduate of the Year honours with Nelson, the highly-rated striker has left Cliftonville for the Championship side. The Belfast-born striker has already made an immediate impact since arriving at the Riverside Stadium. On top of scoring twice in his first two youth team appearances, he has also managed to make his debut for the Boro under-21 side.
