Ryan Thomas '22 Recruiting Profile

My collegiate goals and aspirations are to break into the team as soon as possible and become a regular starter.  I am a very good candidate due to having vast experiences during my time at Cambridge United academy and Peterborough United academy.  I played for Peterborough's U18s against Derby County FC, and also featured in a few league games for them as a U16, as well as having consistently trained with the team during the holiday periods.  These experiences have given me many leadership skills, as I have played alongside players who have gone on to be offered pro contracts.  I'm used to being in an international professional environment, as I have been on tour to Holland with Cambridge and Belgium with Peterborough. 

These experiences of being in an international professional environment are the aspects which separates me from other recruits, and it does not phase me at all because it's an honour to be appreciated and given the opportunities because of my talent and personality.  I am comfortable stepping up and playing for older age groups whenever needed, and I have the inner drive and determination to keep pushing for more individual and team success.

Other aspects which separates me from other recruits are that I am a very adaptable and clever player.  In my 2 years at Cambridge United, I played Left Midfield and was the second top goal scorer in my first season.  When signed by Peterborough United, they did not have a reliable left full back and decided to play me in that position for a game due to my physical attributes and tactical awareness.  I had an outstanding first game, and since then have played as a very attack minded left full back supporting the play from defensive to attacking transitional plays, because in the modern game, athleticism, positional awareness, and the ability to read the game from beginning to end are very important attributes for a full back. 

This season I am playing for St Neots U18s in the Thurlow Nunn West Division North and also for St Neots First team in the Pitching In Southern League- Central Division. I am the captain of the U18s and have contributed with 2 goals and 7 assists in 11 games. We currently sit top of the league with 3 games left. With St Neots First team I have made 5 appearances, being the only U18 to have made an appearance for the first team. 

I am very versatile and this is beneficial for my coach as they know they can count on me no matter what position I am asked to play for the team.  

 Academically I am progressing very well with my studies and I strive to attain top grades at all times. I currently hold a 4.0 cumulative GPA and got 1330/1600 in my SAT’s.  Whether I am on or off the pitch, I always strive for the best as I have never settled for average results, I always to do be the best at whatever I do.