A Lawn Manor Academy student has taken his first significant stride towards becoming a professional footballer, having been scouted and signed by Chippenham Town Football Club’s Academy faster than any player before him.
Bubacarr, a Year 10 pupil, has long shown promise on the pitch. He currently plays as a striker for Swindon Town Football Club’s Boys Advanced team, where he’s spent the last year and a half developing his skills. Earlier this year, he was invited to trial at Chippenham Town and, after just five weeks, was offered a place in their Under-16s team – the quickest any player has secured a contract in that age group.
His football journey began at the tender age of four, when he first turned out for Ferndale Rodbourne YCFC. The sport runs in the family – his uncle played professionally for both Swindon Town and Tranmere Rovers – and Bubacarr’s ambition has been fuelled by that legacy.
The young striker’s talent has already been showcased on an international stage. Representing Swindon Town in the Football Barcelona Cup, he played a key role in leading his team to division victory. Over the course of the two-day tournament, he scored an impressive seven goals and was awarded the title of Player Ambassador – recognition not just of his performance, but also of the maturity and leadership he demonstrated throughout.
He’s now preparing for his next chapter. Pre-season training with Chippenham begins in May, and his debut match will see him take on Forest Green Rovers. Training three times a week after school, he’ll combine gym work, advanced technical coaching and match analysis – a professional structure that many young footballers only dream of.
Speaking about the move, Bubacarr said:
“Playing with STFC and going to Barcelona was great and now that I have a contract with Chippenham, I’ve got a real pathway to a professional career. There’s the chance of a scholarship, moving into the first team and even being seen by clubs higher up.
I’m very proud to have been identified for my ability and to be going up the levels. But more than anything I want to make my family proud and that’s what’s made me thrive the most through football.
My dream would be to play in the Premier League, for Arsenal or Nottingham Forest – I think they play a very good style of football. But right now, I’m just focused on improving, learning, and making the most of this opportunity.”
Sandra Muir, Headteacher at Lawn Manor Academy, praised Bubacarr’s drive and work ethic.
“We’ve been really impressed by Bubacarr’s determination to succeed and the way he is already planning how he can balance his school and football timetables so he can do his best in everything. He’s a very talented footballer and we’ll be closely following his career; we’re looking forward to cheering him on as he scores in the Premier League one day!”
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust.
For more information, visit www.lawnmanor.org.
