Fox Soccer Academy scholar Cameron Ashia has signed a professional one-year deal with Derby County FC.
Cameron spent the last two weeks with Derby County, a category one academy (which is the highest youth academy level in England), after impressing in recent opportunities and signed his first major contract with the Rams who currently play their football in the English League One.
Cameron started his journey in September 2020 joining the FSA elite center in London and started showing his potential in showcase games immediately. After impressive performances against Plymouth Argyle and Ipswich Town in the summer of 2021, he signed up for FSA PRO, our 16-19 football and education scholarship program. Cameron continued to impress with fantastic individual goals and performances in the FA Youth Cup and the league. He helped lead FSA PRO London to two major titles last season as they won the ECFA Cat One League for the first time in their history and won the ECFA National Championships after beating our very own FSA PRO Leicester in the final.
Due to his incredible achievements and dedication, Cameron was selected to be part of the Fox Soccer Showcase squad and travel to New York in June, where they played DC United U23s and took part in the Fox Soccer Showcase at Hudson Sports Complex. The showcase consisted of major scouts and coaches from professional clubs and NCAA colleges. Cameron continued to impress and his trial with Derby County was confirmed at the event after impressing Derby County head of recruitment Jamie Smith.
International Academy Director Mark Smith was present at the signing of Cameron and had his say on the young talent.
“I knew we had a fantastic prospect in Cameron as he showed desire and hunger for competition very early. He always demonstrates his ability on the ball and has shown up in every big game and opportunity he has been given. He still has a lot to learn but has a great family behind him and is at a club where he can really flourish. I can’t wait to watch his career grow over the next 12 months”
Cameron is the first player to sign this type of deal at a category one club as the opportunities at that entry-level are extremely rare. We know Cameron will go on to do great things and look forward to watching him develop in professional football.
All the best from Fox Soccer Academy USA!