A hat-trick of Olivers
Kenzie Oliver has become the third brother in a Lincoln family to sign a scholarship with the Imps.
Kenzie, 14, has signed a pre-scholarship agreement with Lincoln City FC and will join the club full-time after completing his school studies at 16.
It completes a hat-trick of scholarships for the Lincoln family as he follows in the footsteps of Lewy (16) who starts as a scholarship this summer and Denny (18) who is currently in the second year of his scholarship.
And there was a magical moment as all three brothers were in the matchday squad for the record-equalling FA Youth Cup fourth round tie at Plymouth Argyle - with Lewy and Denny both starting the match.
Denny said: “It’s a really proud moment for us all, Kenzie is only 14 years old so to get a pre scholarship at that age is really impressive for him. It makes me, Lewy and the whole family really proud - especially me and Lewy as we know how hard it is to achieve that at such a young age.
“It shows the pathway for everyone else, there’s opportunity here for local players to get scholarships and it feels like the football club really support all of us as a collective."
Director of football Jez George added: “What a story. Three local boys, living in the city, season ticket holders with their mum and dad, all in the academy since they were eight years old and all now offered scholars at Lincoln City.
“Great credit goes to all three boys but also their parents, Michelle and Kelly, as they are superb adverts for the club and the academy on and off the pitch.
“To be clear, there has been no sentiment in any of these decisions. Denny, Lewy and Kenzie have all earned their scholarships on merit in their own right. It is a fantastic achievement for the family and as a club, we are very proud of them.”
Above pictured from left are Imps’ head coach Michael Skubala, Denny Oliver, Kenzie Oliver, Lewy Oliver, director of football Jez George.
Below Denny Oliver in action for Lincoln City U18s.
Pictures: Chris Vaughan / Lincoln City.