Exciting times for Aykhan, aged 15 years from Azerbaijan as he attends a trial at English Championship club, Blackburn Rovers FC. Aykhan was spotted by the Rovers’ scout at IHM’s recent Showcase Event on Monday 21 October.

Director of Football, Mick Brennan, was very proud to take Aykhan up to the Rovers training ground at Brockhall, Blackburn, especially because Mick has long ties with the club. Mick was Head of the Community at Blackburn Rovers FC, the club he and his dad have supported all their lives, prior to becoming a joint founder of IHM.

“Getting this type of opportunity is great for our young players. It allows them to see first hand how they measure up against the best young football talent in the UK right now. Academy places are few and far between, young players work very hard to show they have got what it takes.” enthused Brennan.

Aykhan is enrolled full-time at Abbey College Manchester, studying for his GCSEs. He has been living and studying in Manchester since September this year and trains 3 times per week with the IHM Football Academy squad.

Everyone wishes Aykhan all the very best with both his studies and his football.

If you would like to join Aykhan and take your game to the next level whilst you complete your studies towards university entrance, take a look at more details of exactly how you can make that happen here.

Or you may prefer to sign up for our 2 week Talent I.D. camps held in the summer. This will allow you to preview the life of an IHM academy player whilst getting an honest assessment of your level and potential.