Playing at the new stadium ‘an honour’ – U18s keeper Josh

Academy goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi has seen the promised land of the new stadium develop over the horizon from where his host family live in Winchmore Hill over the last couple of years. It must have felt within touching distance. Now dreams are becoming reality.

A regular this season, Josh is in contention to become the first Spurs goalkeeper to pull on his gloves in our world-class arena as our Under-18s take on Southampton in the first Test Event in the Under-18 Premier League on Sunday (3pm).

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Part of our Academy since the age of 10, Josh, who turned 18 last week, described his emotions after the players were told they would be playing the first competitive match in the new stadium.

“Surprised, excited, emotional, I’m so grateful it’s going to be us,” said Josh, born locally in Waltham Forest. “I can see the top of the stadium from my accommodation in Winchmore Hill. I’ve been there two years. I’ve seen the stadium over the horizon. I’ve sat there thinking ‘one day’ and this could be it. It will be an honour. It will be special.”

Josh has played his part in an outstanding league campaign where our Under-18s remain unbeaten after 16 games and continue to scrap it out with Arsenal for the title.

With that in mind, Southampton is another huge game. “Southampton are a good side so our mentality has to be right and we have to approach it in the right frame of mind,” he added. “That’s the same for every game. We treat every team with respect.

“We’re still unbeaten in the league and we’ve done well. I’ve been pleased with my contribution as well. In my first year as a scholar I wasn’t a big part of the team but I love being out there and having to deal with the pressure. It’s been great to be able to play my part because all the players have done their jobs so well this season.”