Na’im Zuill Signs Academy Contract At Bolton
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian footballer Na’im Zuill says he is “dreaming big” after signing a two-year academy contract with Sky Bet League One side Bolton Wanderers.
The 14-year-old found himself a free agent after Oldham Athletic, who he had played for since 2018, were forced to close their academy after missing out on promotion from the Vanarama National League this season.
It meant they lost their funding from the Premier League through the Elite Player Performance Plan [EPPP].
Zuill’s availability attracted the interest of ten professional clubs, including two Category 1 academies; however, he and his mother, Carla Zuill-Ikonwa, decided Bolton, a Category 3 academy, was the perfect destination to continue his development.
“I met with four interested teams, Championship and Premier League, but I felt Bolton was the best choice for me,” Zuill told Bernews.
“I live local to Bolton, and I feel they’re my best chance of making my first-team debut. They are more opportunities for their young prospects.
“Plus, Bolton are not a small club; they’re a former Premier League club with a massive stadium.”
The attacking midfielder said he is excited for the next chapter of his burgeoning career and has already started training with Bolton’s under-15 and 16 teams.
“Hopefully, I can become a scholar at Bolton and earn a pro contract,” he said.
So dedicated is Zuill to chasing his professional dreams, he said he is more than happy to make the required sacrifices and avoid any distractions that could derail his lofty ambitions.
“I’m very strict with myself – I don’t really go out,” said Zuill, who has represented the Bermuda Under-15 national team.
“I don’t really eat chocolate or sweets and don’t drink soda!
“I prefer to eat proper food and don’t do takeaways either. I’m in the gym three times a week, plus my academy training.”
Zuill began playing for Dandy Town as a six-year-old before moving to England in 2016 with his mother and older brother Ajani, who was also part of Oldham’s academy until 2021 when he decided to stop playing.
When asked to describe his style of play, Zuill said: “I’m an aggressive, quick, skilful playmaker – a number 10. I’m dreaming big!”
Bolton will hope to reach the Championship when they face Oxford United in the League One play-off final on May 18.
