Meet Our 2026/27 Academy Scholars

Everton Under-18s have welcomed 11 new scholars into their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Many of this season’s recruits have already made their debuts for the Under-18s in the past 12 months, with some attaining international honours.

The scholars were formally introduced at a special event at Hill Dickinson Stadium, which saw former Blues left-back and Under-18s Head Coach – and current Men's coach – Leighton Baines speak to the youngsters, as did several members of the new coaching set-up, along with reigning Under-21s Player of the Season, Braiden Graham.

Our Under-18s, who have now returned to Finch Farm for pre-season training, will be led this season by new Head Coach Matthew Taylor.

The 2026/27 Premier League Under-18 fixtures will be confirmed in due course. Find out more about our new scholars here...

Ted Wilcox (Goalkeeper)

Commanding goalkeeper Wilcox has been with Everton’s Academy for eight years and now heads into the first year of his scholarship.

Wilcox, who describes himself as a brave keeper, would choose Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon as his goalie in a dream five-a-side line-up. Away from football, he likes to spend time on the golf course.

Divine Madueke (Right-Back)

Formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, right-back Divine Madueke is no stranger to the Under-18s set-up.

Having signed for the Toffees in August from Spurs, Madueke made four appearances for the '18s last term, with his debut coming in a 3-1 win at Manchester United in December.

The young Toffees overturned an early deficit to record an excellent victory over the league runners-up, with Madueke – who describes himself as a player with plenty of determination – playing the full 90 minutes.

Harlow McEveley (Centre-Back)

The son of former Everton youth team defender Jay McEveley, Harlow made 23 appearances for the Under-18s last season, including four in the FA Youth Cup.

Evertonian McEveley, a composed centre-half, is going into his 13th year with the Toffees and enjoys playing pool and padel in his spare time.

Tom McDermott (Left-Back)

A hard-working and dedicated full-back, McDermott describes himself as a technical footballer and is heading into his first season with Everton.

McDermott joined the Toffees this summer from Chelsea’s academy and has a golf handicap of four.

Rodney Aduda (Defensive Midfielder)

Defensive midfielder Aduda is another first-year scholar who has already made his debut for our Under-18s having signed for the Toffees in 2024.

Having impressed for the Under-16s, Aduda would make seven appearances for the '18s last term.

Harry Brookes (Midfielder)

A hard-working midfielder, Brookes has been with Everton’s Academy since Under-9s.

Brookes scored his first Under-18s goal last season as an age-group player, sending a powerful left-footed effort to the top corner against Derby County.

Also a keen cricketer, Brookes is a talented all-rounder, opening the batting and bowling whenever he swaps the football pitch for the crease.

Lucas Moogan (Midfielder)

Describing himself as an aggressive midfielder with a positive mentality, Moogan has been with our Academy for eight years and now heads into his first year as a scholar.

Away from football, Moogan enjoys playing padel, going to the gym, and seeing his mates.

Levi Okorie (Midfielder)

Levi Okorie has been with Everton Academy since the age of seven and now heads into his first year as a scholar excited for the season ahead.

A confident midfielder, Okorie made three appearances for our Under-18s last term, coming off the bench in games against Manchester United, Derby County and Blackburn Rovers.

Okorie has also received international honours in recent months, playing three times for the Republic of Ireland’s Under-16s against Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark.

Dafi Pemberton (Midfielder)

Pemberton was a former youth team player at Penycae Football Club in Wales, which also had current Under-21s centre-back Aled Thomas among its ranks.

Pemberton has been with Everton for close to 11 years and also made his breakthrough into the Under-18s last term, making six appearances across the 2025/26 season.

The central midfielder has two Wales Under-15s caps to his name.

Jonathan Nsangou (Forward)

Nsangou broke through into the Under-18s last term, notching nine goal contributions in 20 league games and even making his Under-21s debut, coming on as a substitute in a narrow defeat to Aston Villa.

Having represented Poland at Under-15s level, the young forward has since won five caps for England’s Under-16s.

Nsangou considers his mum and dad his personal heroes, and describes his mentality as being very attack-minded, always looking to score and assist.

Kai Hutchison (Striker)

A new signing for our Under-18s, Scotland youth international Hutchison has joined Everton this summer from Dundee United, where he had been since the age of 13.

Hutchison made several appearances for United’s ‘B’ team and had trained with their senior squad before making the move to Finch Farm.

Outside of football, Hutchison, who describes himself as passionate and hard-working, likes to go on walks and spend time with family and friends.