Town Announce New Scholars
Thursday, 20th Aug 2026 11:14
Town have 14 players starting their full-time academy scholarships this summer.
Keeper Ruben Wreford may be a name familiar to some fans having been a regular in the U18s squad last season and also having been called into an England goalkeepers’ camp at St George’s Park in April 2025. Hailing from Essex, Wreford joined the club in January 2023.
“I’m thankful to have received my scholarship and grateful to everyone who’s helped me get to this point,” he said.
“It’s an exciting moment for me, and I’m looking forward to the next two years.”
Right-back Riley-Jo Barry joined the club from Essex side Bowers & Pitsea in August 2025.
“Being offered my scholarship at Ipswich Town is a proud moment for myself and my family and is a very big step towards my dream of being a footballer,” he said.
Defender Pedro Felicio joined the Blues from Tottenham Hotspur in November 2024.
“I’m really grateful for receiving a scholarship at Ipswich Town and I’m really looking forward for the season ahead,” he said.
Another defender, Praise Adebayo, moved to the Blues in April 2022 from Southend-based Leigh Ramblers and is the younger brother of former academy forward Afi Adebayo, who was released at the end of last season.
“Earning my scholarship was a very big achievement and it feels like the first step to me achieving my childhood dream,” he said.
“I hope to achieve greater things in the next two years and make my family and myself proud.”
Daniel Ologho is another defender, who was with Tottenham’s youth set-up until December 2025.
“I don’t chase perfection, I chase progress,” Ologho said. “Every session, every challenge, every match brings me one step closer to the player I want to become.”
Benji Buskell is a midfielder, who came to Town from Wroxham EJA in September 2024.
“I’ve loved my last two years here and securing my scholarship with Ipswich Town is a dream come true,” he said.
“I’m fully focused now on giving everything I have to the club and continuing to push myself to the next level.”
Callum Stewart is also a midfielder, another previously with Spurs until joining the Blues in November 2025.
"Can’t wait to get started,” he said. “I’m ready to make the most of this opportunity with Ipswich and to enjoy and learn from every experience that comes my way.”
Another midfield player, George Conneely, the U16s captain last season, joined Town from West Ham United in November 2021.
“I’m happy to sign my scholarship for such a great club and really excited for what’s next,” he said.
“This is a proud moment for me and my family and I’ll do whatever it takes to get to the next level.”
Midfielder Ibrahim Msabah was brought into the academy set-up from the club’s development programme in January 2023.
“I’m really proud to have earned my scholarship,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to working hard, developing as a player, and making the most of this next step with the club.”
James Brentnall, also a midfielder, joined Town as an U9 in October 2018. He came off the bench for the U18s in last season’s FA Youth Cup victory over Sheffield United.
"Incredibly proud to receive my scholar and looking forward to what’s to come,” he said.
Forward Freddie Ambrose moved to the Blues last season, also having previously been with Tottenham.
“I’m so, so happy to sign,” he enthused. “Ipswich Town is like a family and I’m really proud to be a part of that.
“I have been working towards this for a long time and I know there is a lot more hard work ahead.”
Reuben Carr, also a forward, was recruited from North London club Parks Academy FC in February 2025.
“I am proud to sign my scholarship at Ipswich Town and can’t wait for the journey ahead,” he said.
Another forward, Joel Ladegbaye, was previously with Transgoals FC, joining Town in May 2022. He is another to have featured for the U18s last season and has already scored at that level.
“Grateful for this opportunity,” he said. “All glory towards God.”
Toks Olakazim is also a forward and has been with the club since October 2025 having previously been playing grassroots football. He also played and scored for the U18s last season.
“Signing my scholarship at Ipswich Town was an incredible feeling,” he said. “It’s like a reward for years of hard work, certain sacrifices along the way.
“I’m excited for what’s ahead and I want to prosper at the club by all means and be successful at Ipswich Town Football Club. Excited for the new chapter.”
Photo: ITFC/Matchday Images
Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.