Welling United are delighted to confirm that academy starlets Sam Bayford, Ayo Lugboso, Donald Macaulay and Jack Church have committed to the club for the 2023/24 season.

All four youngsters caught the eye for the Wings’ youth setup last term and have been registered for the first-team squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

19-year-old midfielder Bayford starred for the U23s last season and made his senior bow in the London Senior Cup victory at Cray Valley (PM) last October. He went on to find the net in the Kent Senior Cup victory over Sittingbourne at Park View Road in November and finally earned his league debut for the club against Hampton & Richmond Borough in April, putting in an outstanding performance as he helped the Wings to a 3-0 victory.

19-year-old full-back Lugboso made his senior debut off the bench in the Kent Senior Cup victory over Sittingbourne in November and was another key part of the U23s’ impressive inaugural season.

He has impressed during pre-season and played the second half of the friendly curtain-raiser against Charlton Athletic last weekend.

18-year-old Macaulay captained the young Wings during their FA Youth Cup campaign last season and excelled for both the U19s and U23s. He will be looking to continue his progress with senior involvement this season.

Finally, 18-year-old, versatile defender Church also starred for the Wings during their Youth Cup run in 2022/23 and made his senior debut in the London Senior Cup clash with Charlton in April as a youthful Welling side pushed the Addicks all the way to penalties.

Get to know the youngsters a bit better by watching the video below…