Age 16-18
Matas Kilmas, a young footballer from Hornchurch, Essex, was recently called up to train with the Lithuanian national football team, just weeks after completing a deal to join Premier League side Brentford FC.
Matas began his football journey at the age of four with his local Sunday league club, Dagenham United, before moving onto Tottenham Hotspur’s academy to continue his development.
The 16-year-old had recently been studying at New City College, Havering Sixth Form on a BTEC National Foundation Diploma in Sports Coaching and Development, a programme which Tottenham Hotspur also provide the coaches for.
In January 2024, having been the standout player at the programme, he was signed by Premier League side Brentford to link up with their U18 squad, before being called up to train with the Lithuania national team.
“It’s a dream come true. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity all my life, and I’m excited about what the future holds,” Matas said after signing for Brentford FC. “My time at New City College, guided by excellent tutors, really propelled me forward. I would recommend this course to any aspiring footballer.”
Lee Vickers, course leader at Havering Sixth Form, said: “[Matas] was a personable and polite young man. He was not only level-headed and hardworking, but he was the perfect example of how both sports and studies combined can result in spectacular results”.
Jerome Baker, Head Development Sports Coach at New City College said: “Matas was always one of the best players on the pitch. What turned things around for Matas was being scouted by Brentford FC. Michael Adesida, Academy Head of Recruitment, contacted New City College inviting Matas for an initial 6-week trial, which then stretched to 8 weeks, ending in a two-year scholarship. We are very proud of him at the college and excited to see him develop further in his career.”
Matas is currently playing in a tournament in Spain with the Brentford FC B team before he leaves the country on February 28th to play for Lithuania U18 in a friendly match.
The Tottenham Hotspur Football Development Centre programme is available to study at New City College campuses alongside any 16-18 full-time Sport and Fitness course. The partnership with Tottenham Hotspur Football Club gives male and female students a fantastic insight and experience in coaching and helps to further develop and support their elite sports performance.
Find out more here:
www.ncclondon.ac.uk/tottenham-hotspur-football-development-centre
