It has been a new year to remember for the Oliver family, with Kenzie Oliver becoming the third brother to sign a scholarship with Lincoln City.
Kenzie, 14, has signed a pre-scholarship agreement with the Imps 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 16-year-old Lewy, who starts as a scholarship this summer, and 18-year-old Denny, who is currently in the second year of his stint.
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. Lewy and Denny both started the match, which Lincoln lost on penalties.
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.”
Jez George, Lincoln’s director of football, 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.”