We are delighted to announce that academy midfielder Foley Nkem has signed a first team contract.

Young Guiseley Academy prospect Foley Nkem, 18, is looking to follow the recent path of his youth team colleagues Josh Stones (Wigan) and Ellis Farrar (Stockport) in becoming a pro footballer, writes Rachel O’Connor.

Foley, soon to start his third year as a scholar in the Academy, has signed a first team contract with Guiseley. He is a central midfielder who showed a sharp improvement in his game when he returned to action last January following two months out with an ankle injury.

Born in Berlin, Germany, but raised in Leeds from the age of four Foley was firstly educated at St Augustine’s Primary School and then Cardinal Heenan High School.

He chose to join Guiseley Academy’s scholarship programme as he would be able to complete A-levels at Benton Park School, Rawdon, as well as have a football education from top coaches in Dave Currie and Danny Ellis.

He started kicking a ball around from the age of four and then played for Gipton Juniors from Under-9s to Under-11s before moving on to Leeds United Academy from Under-12s to Under-16s.

As a youngster he dreamed of playing for Leeds United and got close to the action at Elland Road as a ball boy when he was in their Academy.

He keeps close contact with friends his own age in Germany who play for the Borussia Dortmund and Schalke Academies and has made numerous visits to the country.

Foley is another youngster who has seen his progress hampered by Covid but he now hopes to train hard and make the most of his opportunities.

He said: “My Academy manager Dave Currie rang me to say that Danny Ellis wanted me to train with the first team and I was happy to join the senior players at West Park this week. I am looking forward to developing further as a player working under the two Dannys. It will be my first time in men’s football and I am hoping to develop my game.”

Foley paid tribute to the help he has received so far from Dave Currie saying: “He has helped me a lot with my game, teaching me many things and helping me to improve things like my heading and my defensive play. He has always given me a lot of confidence and boosted me by saying that I can play at a higher level if I work hard.”

The youngster also paid tribute to his family saying: “My family also do a lot for me, especially my dad who has always driven me about to matches and watches my games. He has a good understanding of football and always helps me to analyse my game after matches.”

Nkem started last season’s West Riding County Cup tie against Albion Sports.

Foley is now looking forward to figuring in as many of the club’s pre-season games as possible.