Talented youngster Archie Dodds is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps at The Brewery Field after being called up to pre-season with Moors’ men’s team.

Archie’s dad, Lewis, spent seven seasons in a black and white shirt, penning his name in the Club’s history books by making over 250 appearances during that time.

Now the Moors legend is taking great pride in watching the famous shirt being worn by his son, who has enrolled in the Club’s Academy programme in partnership with New College Durham.

As a result, Dodds junior has been invited into training alongside several other young players this pre-season and has also featured in the friendlies against Marske United and Shildon.

“It’s kind of come full circle, hasn’t it,” smiled Lewis when we caught up with him on the sidelines at Marske.

“This is a Club which is close to my heart and local to us so it’s great to see him involved with the First Team and getting some time on the pitch.

“The shirts look a bit better than the ones we used to wear in my day, but I am really looking forward to seeing him wearing it and representing the Club.

“Archie is the total opposite to me as a player so don’t expect to see him twisting on at people and running all over – he’s definitely got more skill than I had and he is young and unfazed by things so is taking it all in his stride.

“He’s had a couple of offers in regard to college football, but we met up with Gav (Cogdon) a few weeks ago and, when Spennymoor showed that interest, he decided to sign-up for the New College Durham programme.”

Moors boss Graeme Lee has already shown throughout his managerial career that he isn’t afraid to throw young players into the team if they have earned their chance.

And he’s thrilled to have been able to include Archie and other talented youngsters in his squad for training during the early weeks of pre-season.

“I’ve told them all that this is a great opportunity for them and perhaps an eye-opener in terms of the levels they need to try and get to,” Lee explained.

“If the lads are good enough then they will get their chance as you’ve seen this pre-season; it’s their window to show us what they’re all about and plant their names in the back of our minds.

“We’re trying to build our Academy programme and we’re trying to attract people to come to the Club because there is going to be that pathway for young players.”

The College Programme is lead by Gavin Cogdon and Matty Dolan which this year enhances the link to the Football Club and will therefore develop players with increased football opportunities to complement their studies.

Cogdon commented: “We have increased what we offer by having more data available to the players so they can compare their own running to that of those in National League North and above.

“We’ve added further video analysis to inform individual development plans for players too and last year’s intake have helped us tailor what we offer in a more productive fashion.”

Now young Archie is looking forward to taking advantage of the numerous advancements in the Programme and hopefully enjoying more involvement with the First Team in the coming weeks and months.

“It’s been fantastic being around the lads and getting involved in training and matches,” beamed Archie.

“The players have all been so welcoming and offering me advice about runs I need to make on the pitch and that sort of thing is invaluable for a player my age.

“The pathway is clear here and it’s good being able to link college stuff alongside the football because that is going to open up even more doors in my future.

“My dad’s advice is always to be confident when I get the ball – he always tells me he was better than me when he played but I am not sure! We’ll see, I guess!”

Click here if you would like to express an interest in joining our College Programme.