PLAYER PATHWAYS
AFC DUNSTABLE X VARSITY NINE
AFC Dunstable alongside its club custodians, Varsity Nine, are helping the club’s talented young players elevate their footballing careers by providing them with pathway opportunities outside of non-league football. Thanks to the leadership and development skills of the club’s first team managers, James Townsend and Joe Oxley, the club’s talented players receive exposure to the pathway services offered by Varsity Nine. Since taking on the management of the club’s 1st team in 2023, Townsend and Oxley have focussed on building a strong young team with development potential at its core, with the mission of progressing, and moving players on to the next phase in their footballing careers. In recent months, two talented AFC players have experienced the power of a pathway - Cam Cook (former Central Midfielder) and Bobby Knight (former Defender).
“As a club, AFC Dunstable are proud to champion football career development by providing our talented young players with exposure to pro opportunities across the globe. This is an integral part of our club mantra, ‘to be better than we were yesterday’. ”
Dan Bedi - Chairman, AFC Dunstable
CAM COOK
Earlier this month, our central midfielder Cam Cook travelled out to America to further his footballing career. With the support of Varsity Nine, Cam was able to secure a full scholarship to NCAA D1 side San Jose State University - just one of the many pathways available to our young players.
“Cam departs AFC Dunstable for sunny California for the beginning of his scholarship with San Jose State University. Cam has been a top student at Varsity Nine Academy and won player of the year last season, contributing to the squad not just by high level performances but by his outstanding work ethic and desire to improve. This will be a huge loss for both the Varsity Nine aAcademy and the AFC 1st team, we will miss his running, his creativity, his goals and his personality. San Jose are gaining a great player, I’m sure we will see him back in England one day, playing at a high level.” - James Townsend, 1st Team Joint Manager
Overview
Player - Cam Cook - former midfielder at AFC Dunstable - aged 19 years - Varsity Nine Academy Alumni (2022-2024) & Academy player of the season 22/23
Pathway service - Varsity Nine Elite - Scholarship placement
Pathway secured - Full scholarship to NCAA Division 1 team San Jose State University in California
BOBBY KNIGHT
Back in January Bobby Knight, our former Defender, travelled out to Perth Australia to further his footballing career. After joining Varsity Nine’s Pro Showcase Tour at the end of 2023, Bobby received a contract offer from WA State League, Division 1 side Quinns FC. - another progression pathway available to our young players.
“Bobby Knight leaves us for the brilliant opportunity to play in Perth, Australia. Bobby impressed while out on the Varsity Nine Pro Showcase Tour. Bobby played a number of 1st team games this season, but was blighted by injuries and illness which limited his appearances. Bobby has been a big personality on and off the pitch, showing great determination and competitiveness in games. Always reliable and dependable in defensive situations, and a great left foot! We wish Bobby well.” - James Townsend, 1st Team Joint Manager.
Overview
Player - Bobby Knight - former defender at AFC Dunstable - aged 19 years - Varsity Nine Academy Alumni (2021-2024)
Pathway service - Varsity Nine Pro - Pro Showcase Tour (Perth, Australia, November 2023)
Pathway secured - Contract with perth-based side Quinns FC.
