BRADFORD (Park Avenue) are becoming renowned for their excellent ability to develop and aid the progress of young talents, with Isaac Marriott, Lewis Knight and Alex Hurst among the names to reach full-time football in recent years.

And the latest success story comes in the form of academy prodigy Sebastian Bolton, who impressed in the Avenue academy enough to earn a move to League One side Morecambe.

Bolton, who was named in Mark Bower’s first-team squad five times last season (four league, one FA Cup), mainly plied his trade in the Avenue academy under the tutelage of academy manager Thomas McStravick.

Speaking about his move into the EFL, Bolton said: “Yeah it’s brilliant, I love it, all the players and staff have been very welcoming.

“Obviously I’ve just joined, so I’ve not had a pre-season and only joined the squad on the first day of the season.

“It’s just a brilliant club with a first-class academy to be honest, they have been brilliant with me.

“I spoke to Tom (McStravick) and he just wished me the best of luck and said he was proud of my achievements.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Seb Bolton (right) posing with a Morecambe home shirt.Seb Bolton (right) posing with a Morecambe home shirt.

Alongside a short stint with Brighouse Town, Bolton shone in the Avenue academy, netting 26 goals in all competitions last season.

The teen said: “I think if it wasn’t for the academy and training every day at that standard, with the likes of Andy Cooper, Tom McStravick and Pat McGuire, I don’t think I’d be anywhere near as good as I am.

“The experience I had with the academy was amazing, with the FA Youth Cup last season we did alright in that, as well as playing in the National League Youth League, which is tough.

“I feel like it’s only made me better and prepared me for playing in the professional game with the EFL Youth League.

“To be honest, it’s a big step up, but I know I can handle it with the experience I’ve had in the National League U19s Youth Alliance League.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Seb Bolton in action for Morecambe in a youth game.Seb Bolton in action for Morecambe in a youth game.

Bolton was also grateful to Bower and his assistant at Avenue, Danny Boshell, who gave the youngster a prime opportunity to train and feature with the first team.

He said: “They’ve helped me massively. I have learned a lot from them and the players.

“If Mark and Danny hadn’t given me the opportunity to go and train and play with the first team, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”

The 17-year-old has now completed his transfer, and he has some big goals ahead upon joining the Shrimps.

He said: “It’s just so professional here, the facilities are unreal, and I’ve got a couple of targets.

“I want to get at least 15 goals by Christmas and obviously I’ve got a long-term aim, which is getting a place in that first team, because I can see a future there for me, and the coaches have said to me that they see a future too.”