ACADEMY NEWS

Everton Defender Welch: How Captain Coleman Aided First-Team Adjustment

Teenage defender Reece Welch has revealed Seamus Coleman’s efforts to help him quickly acclimatise to training regularly with the Everton First Team, as he described rubbing shoulders with the Blues’ senior players as “one of the best experiences of my life”.

A classy and composed centre-back, Welch enjoyed a fine 2020/21 campaign, filled with notable milestones.

Having signed a first professional contract last September, he established himself as an important player for Paul Tait’s Everton Under-18s side.

The 17-year-old’s impressive progress was recognised as he was promoted to train with Everton’s First Team and named in matchday squads for the Toffees' games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur in April 2021.

Welch admits he was “starstruck” when he first stepped up to train with the Blues’ senior players but explained how captain Coleman ensured he soon felt comfortable in the First-Team environment.

“Coming through the Academy, it [training with the First Team] is something you dream of,” said Welch, who joined Everton aged seven.

“Then finally being there – seeing the people you watch on TV and being able to learn from them – it’s been one of the best experiences of my life.

“I remember the first session was tough, getting used to the technicality and the pace of the play. 

“But I feel like I’ve been able to adapt to that as time has gone on. And all the lads have taken me under their wings, so that’s helped me as well. 

“They have been very welcoming. Seamus Coleman, as the captain, has been very good with me. 

“After every session or when I see him around Finch Farm, he always gives me good encouragement. 

“He’s a great captain.”


An England Under-17 international, Yorkshire-born Welch received a first call-up for England Under-19s in May and took part in a five-day training camp at St George’s Park.

The 2020/21 campaign also saw Welch make his maiden appearances for Everton Under-23s, playing four Premier League 2 games. 

He netted his first goal for David Unsworth's team as the young Blues rounded off the season with a 4-0 home win over Southampton. 

Welch says his impressive development is testament to the expertise of the coaches he has played under throughout his Everton Academy journey.

“I’d say I was probably a late developer,” he explains. “The coaches always knew I had more to give and have been able to get that out of me. 

“This past year, Paul Tait, Keith [Southern, Everton Under-18s Assistant Manager], Unsy and John Ebbrell [Everton Under-23s Assistant Manager] have all given me good guidance in how to get the best out of myself.

“They’ve helped me a lot with my defensive work and my heading, as well as my physicality.”

Welch added: “I like making tackles and in general I’m quite strong. I want to keep improving physically, though.

“I’m a composed player on the ball and nowadays centre-backs have to be comfortable in playing out.

“Looking forward, I want to be even stronger in tackles and in my offensive headers. 

“I’m 6’ 3’’ and I feel I should be scoring more, so hopefully I can improve on that.”