HI RES ECFC Issue 05 Cardiff_Arsenal U21s - Flipbook - Page 7
The Grecians are renowned for consistently promoting academy graduates into
the first team, and this season alone has seen senior EFL debuts for George
Birch, Kieran Wilson, and Charlie Cummins.
Among them, 18-year-old George Birch has quietly caught the eye. An attacking
midfielder who joined City’s academy at under-14 level following the closure of
Yeovil Town’s setup, George signed his first professional contract in May 2025. For
many supporters, his rise may have seemed sudden, but behind the scenes his
journey has been years in the making.
Speaking about joining the Club at a young age he said: “I remember coming from
Yeovil and playing a few in-house games and 11v11s. I just wanted to enjoy myself,
take people on, and play my football. A few of the lads from Yeovil came too, like
Jake Richards, and Exeter just felt like the right place.”
Not only is the Academy’s goal to produce the next generation of footballers, but
Exeter City also prides itself in developing well rounded young men and women suitably fitting our ethos as a club for the community. For Everyone.
“They want you to be a good person away from football,” George said. “Of course,
the football is important, but the academy puts a big focus on school too,
because football doesn’t last forever.”
His journey hasn’t been without challenges. Injuries threatened to slow his
progress, but the support of staff and coaches proved crucial.
“I’ve had loads of support from the coaches. I’ve spent a lot of my time injured,
so the Strength and Conditioning coaches have really helped me to get back on
pitch and to keep my morale up.
GEORGE BIRCH: FROM THE
ACADEMY TO THE FIRST TEAM
This week marks the EFL’s annual celebration of Youth Development
across its 72 member clubs. At Exeter City, that celebration feels
particularly fitting.
“You’re seeing everyone else train you feel like you’re behind and like you’re
missing out and you’re not really enjoying yourself when you’re in the gym seeing
everyone else play football, but I think it motivated me, and I just gave it what I
could to get back.”
The biggest milestone in George’s career came in May 2025 when he was offered
the chance to sign a professional deal alongside teammates Liam Oakes and
Kieran Wilson.
Speaking about signing the contract, George added: “I was the last person to go
up and was a bit nervous, but once I got told it was a big relief. My parents were
delighted. My dad was there when I signed, and they were so happy for me.”
Arran Pugh, Academy Director commented on George being offered the deal, he
said: “George had a few injuries but has shown a lot of ability and great mindset
to bounce back from set backs. He has really impressed in the opportunities he
has had, whether that be the first team staff or the academy staff. We have been
really impressed with his creatvity and some of his technical skills and his football
intelligence.”
George joined Gary Caldwell’s first team for the 25/26 pre-season schedule which
included local games at Weston-super-Mare, Torquay and a trip away to FC
United of Manchester and a home match against Championship side Swansea
City. George was given plenty of playing time as Gary Caldwell took a look to see
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