The season has not yet begun and already the Fleet Academy is paying dividends as the club announces this morning that 17-year-old Leo Mazzone has signed a two-year contract.
Fleet boss Steve Brown said, “I have been hugely impressed with the progress Leo has made in the past year and of course I gave him his first-team debut in the Kent Senior Cup Final and he performed exceptionally well. He has been with the first team during pre-season training and he has shown me enough to convince me that he can have a bright future in the game. He still has a lot to learn but if he continues to work hard and apply himself he will reap the rewards that will bring.”
Academy manager Daryl McMahon said, “This is a fantastic boost for the Academy and demonstrates to all our young players that the opportunity is there for them to progress through to the first team. I am very pleased for Leo who is a great lad. He has worked very hard on his game and fully deserves this contract.”
Mazzone made his bow at Priestfield Stadium back in May as a second-half substitute, alongside fellow youth player Jack Barnes. A central midfielder, he caught the eye quickly upon appearing in Academy trials and is eager to learn his trade among the Fleet first-team squad.
