Everton Under-23s return to Premier League 2 action on Friday when they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion (7pm GMT). Ahead of the game, we caught up with 18-year-old centre-back Reece Welch, who made his First-Team debut for the Toffees in last week's FA Cup victory over Boreham Wood.
Speaking as part of our My Football Journey series, Welch opens up on the Samba star he idolised growing up, the ‘aura’ he felt when he joined Everton, and his big ambitions with the Club...
My football passion was inspired by….
It was my dad who got me into football. But as a footballing figure, I’d probably say Ronaldinho. I used to watch highlights of him, he was incredible. I loved his flair and his passion for the game – he just loved playing. He always went out onto the pitch and you could tell he was just trying to live his best life, really! I used to try to do his tricks, but I didn’t quite have his skills! I remember that goal he scored against Chelsea in the Champions League, when he toe-poked it in from outside the box. That was incredible.
My first experiences of playing the game were…
There was a little field where I lived and a tennis court and no matter the weather – whether it was raining or snowing – we’d always just go out and kick a ball. I remember my dad would always teach me these little tricks. He liked to think he was a decent player, too! Him and my mum have been huge influences. They’ve supported me every step of the way, taking me to and from training and also, mentally, giving me confidence.
Before I was a defender…
At grassroots level, I started out as a right winger. Then I transitioned to Academy football and started playing as a striker. I don’t think it was until under Under-12s or Under-13s that I moved to centre-back. I had a bit of time in midfield but not for very long, and I’m now a centre-back and enjoy it there. It’s always nice to get a few goals, though! I can improve in that sense and, with the coaching I get here at Everton, I feel I’ll start to score more. Keeping clean sheets and making important tackles and blocks can feel like a goal, though, and can be just as important.
My first memories at Everton…
I was eight when I joined the Academy. I loved the team I was playing with at the time. We would be playing teams three years above us and beating them. Also, the structure of the Club was so well managed, and I loved the whole aura of the Club and the players. We would sometimes go up to train with the First Team – I remember Victor Anichebe and Leighton Baines were there, and everyone was so welcoming. I got a signed shirt from the squad, too, and was able to eat with the players and the staff. Those were special moments.
My Everton ambitions are…
To be playing regularly for Everton Football Club. I just want to experience that feeling of walking out to Z-Cars at Goodison Park in front of 40,000. I’ve built up a real connection with the Club and I hope to be here for many years to come.
