Following on from the recent extension of Conor Branson, Bradford (Park Avenue) have moved to bring in another young player who has followed a similar pathway through the American University System.
Midfielder Lewis Rathbone joined the club last week and is training with the squad whilst awaiting his international clearance from the FA. Rathbone who hails from Manchester and was a member of the Manchester City Academy as a youngster, enjoyed a successful scholar period with Concordia University of Nebraska where he captained the universities squad and was named a Scholar All American in 2017.
In 2018 supporters of The Nebraska Bugeaters who compete in the United Premier League, voted Rathbone the clubs most valuable player.
Bugeaters Chairman Jonathan Collura said of Rathbones addition to the squad:
“I am excited to see Lewis join Bradford. His commitment and competitive attitude last season was evident both on and off of the pitch”
Rathbone follows the US University pathway to Horsfall that Conor Branson and also Lewis Knight have so successfully taken. In August of 2018 Knight was signed after a successful trial period having completed his studies at Marshall University in the States and committed his future to The Club in November by penning an extension until 2020
Bradford Park Avenue CEO Damian Irvine said of Rathbone’s arrival :
“Bradford has signed 3 ex-Pats out of the US university system this season. We are finding that there is a lot of quality talent that is available and we are well placed to build on this as a conduit back to the English game”
Rathbone joins Bradford (Park Avenue) pending final FA approval.