Just before the country was announced into a lockdown at the start of November, young prospect, Dan Summerson, made his Wearside League debut as he graced the field for Washington against Farringdon Detatched.

The 17-year-old central midfielder was unfortunate to be at the hand of a big loss for Washington, but his performance caught the eye of Washington manager Cameron Thompson.

Since then he has featured against Northern League side Brandon United, with Washington coming away with a brilliant 3-2 victory.

Summerson may now be expected to make more appearances as a member of the first-team.

When talking about Summerson's recent performances, Cameron Thompson said: "Dan has been excellent since coming into the first-team.

"His willingness to learn and become better is something to be admired, he is a true professional."

Thompson further added: "Dan has shown everything we look for in the club ethos and for a player coming through the ranks.

"He has ambition, he respects his fellow players and coaches and he is committed and wants to work hard.

"Dan has had a glowing report from his Under-18 head coach and has been a leading light in some respects as to what we expect from a youth player.

"Any player with those attributes and clear quality will be given a chance at this club."

When speaking about whether we might see Summerson regularly at the club, Thompson said: "We have been very careful with Dan’s minutes.

"He will continue like this for the rest of the season and working on his game, whilst being in and out of the first-team."

Washington United's Under-18's manager, Andy Taylor, was also particularly impressed with Summerson's development as a player.

When talking about his move to the first-team, Taylor said: "Dan is a very capable young footballer with a great attitude and work ethic, it is good to see that hard work paying off for him."

When speaking about the future possibilities of Dan and his other youth players, Taylor said: "We have some fantastic young players at the club with great potential.

"I am a strong believer that you only get out what you put in, if those players work hard and show the commitment, then they have every chance of achieving their goals.

"We also have old club players doing really well in academies who we always continue to follow and support."

Summerson put in an excellent performance during the friendly match against Brandon United.

The former Waldridge Park midfielder has played football since the age of 4, starting at Rickleton United.

When talking about his experience as a first-team player, Summerson said: "I was buzzing when I got the opportunity from Cam to play for the first-team.

"I felt very proud to be called up and I felt like I had achieved something big to be able to play at a high standard in the Wearside League."

"The coaches and players have been more than welcoming and I have thoroughly enjoyed playing for them so far.

"The standard is very good and there is a big difference in the speed of play in the Wearside League.

"I believe it is a great opportunity for other people like myself to develop their game and progress up the ranks."

When asked about why he thought he had been given the chance to play for the first-team, Summerson said: "I believe my push into the first team has came from hard-work, particularly working on my fitness levels in the last couple years.

"I have always prided myself in being a very unselfish team player and I believe this is the main reason."

This might be the start of seeing younger players break into the first-team.

Opportunities are there for the taking at Washington and first-team manager, Cameron Thompson, feels strongly on the subject of youth players and their development.

Thompson said: "Here at Washington United we are trying to create the environment for players to develop and learn.

"Youth players will be given the chance and given exposure to first team football, as long as they work hard, have the right attitude and want to become better players."

"We have a strong relationship with our junior coaches and try to be in regular contact.

"Just this week we have another Under-18 player who will train along side the first-team and be involved on Saturday in our last friendly."

When talking about the relationship between the first-team and the youth squads, Under-18 manager, Andy Taylor said: "The set-up is looking very impressive, we have a quality club structure and facilities.

"Cam and his team have came on board and are doing a grand job. Things are looking positive for the club and we hope to secure an Under-23's and a reserve team for the new season"

"We have a great group of coaches at the club and a fantastic structure in place to help all coaches develop.

"The club are very keen to support our coaches and are happy to mentor, as well as pay for further development, whether it be futsal badges, goalkeeping or coaching right up to UEFA A."

Dan Summerson has a keen relationship with the youth coaches, especially Andy Taylor.

When talking about Taylor, Summerson said: "I have massively enjoyed playing for Andy Taylor in the last 4 years or so"

"He is very knowledgeable and encouraging which has been a great help to me in developing my ability."

Now Summerson is having to learn under both Andy Taylor and Cameron Thompson.

Summeron was very appreciative of Thompson and his team, saying: "Cameron is a top top individual.

"His training, tactics and attitude towards football is first class and his preparation for games is very in depth - which shows his passion for the club and his want for the team to do well.

"I am very grateful for him to give me the opportunity to progress into the first-team, giving me valuable experience and game time in the Wearside League."

Washington United prides itself in being a football club for the community, trying to "Unite Washington".

Andy Taylor said:"I would definitely recommend the club to anyone who is thinking about getting started or even involved in football.

"The club are all for the enjoyment and development of our players/coaches and everything gets invested back into the players, to give them the best experience in the grassroots game.

"In addition, it is also great we now have that pathway into adult football which we hope to develop into tier 9 football."

When speaking about Washington, Summerson said: "I believe Washington United is a great club for young players to get into because of the high quality facilities, equipment and coaches.

"It is a very family-orientated club, which is a great thing to be a part of.

"The sessions are very fun and there is something for everyone no matter what age group or gender."

#UnitingWashington