As one of the Academy’s newest recruits, Cauley Woodrow is looking forward to his first full season in the white of Fulham. A creator and taker of goals, the 16-year-old is an exciting talent who has already tasted senior first team action with former club Luton Town.
He also became the first non-league player since 1974 to win a full England age-group cap when he scored on his debut for England Under-17s last February. Highly-rated, his development should be monitored closely...
As a striker scoring goals are a big part of my game. But I like to think I give more to the team as well. I like to get on the ball and use it as best as I can. I’m certainly a team player and, as much as I love putting the ball in the back of the net, I like to set chances up too. I’m predominantly a centre-forward, but I can also play in the hole as a number 10.
Every player has long and short-term targets, even us younger boys within the Academy. Long-term, I want to be playing for the First Team and doing well. It’s a long way off and I have a lot to do to make that happen, but that’s the goal. Short-term, I just want to be doing as well as I can for the Under-18s and hopefully getting a few games for the Development Squad. It’s my first full season for the Club, so I’m very excited right now.
It’s a good time to be part of this Academy. The Under-18s won their league last season and subsequently reached the Play-Off final, which they narrowly lost. I’m aware that they have had success and that we have to build on that. It will be a challenge but hopefully, together, we can have another season to remember.
It’s kind of a new era for the Under-18s. A lot of new players have come in, while some of the older boys have moved up. We haven’t played too much together, but from what I have seen, we have the potential to do well. We’re finding our feet at the moment and we have been working very hard over pre-season. We’re a close group off the field, so hopefully we will reap the benefits.
I joined the Club towards the end of last season having spent a bit of time at Luton Town. It’s early days, but I have really enjoyed myself so far. The Academy is fantastic and I’m enjoying working with the likes of Kit Symons. I’ve learned a lot already. No disrespect to Luton, but I’m playing for a Premier League club now so the step up has been massive. It’s been hard, but I’m determined to do well.
Fulham fans might not know this, but I actually played for Luton’s first team. I played in the early rounds of the FA Cup and FA Trophy at 15 and it was an experience I will never forget. Playing in front of crowds is what it is all about, and hopefully I can do that again at some point.
A few clubs looked at signing me, but Fulham impressed me most. First impressions are so important and from very early on when I was shown around I knew it would be a good place for me to learn and develop. It’s a really friendly club, where everyone seems to know each other. We’re all made to feel like we are part of things.
We’ve already seen a few young players represent the First Team over recent weeks which has been great. Players like Kerim Frei have done really well and their inclusion shows that there are chances at this Club. If you work hard, do well and show the promise then you will get your opportunity. I would love to follow those boys and play for the First Team as well.
My favourite player at Fulham has to be Mousa Dembélé, and that’s not just because I clean his boots! We play in the same position so I can learn a lot from watching him play. He’s strong, keeps the ball well, has quick feet and is very skilful. I think he could have a really big season ahead of him. The fans like watching him play and I’m no different.
Outside of the Club, the player that I most look up to is David Beckham. He’s a good role model for younger players, and shows what can be achieved through hard work and dedication. He looks after himself and is still going at 36. When you look back on the past 10 years or more really, he’s been one of the best in the game – certainly for England.
The biggest influences on my career have been my Mum Lynn, sister Cassidi and my family. My Mum has taken me all over the place for games and very rarely misses a match. She’s learned to keep quiet now, so I wouldn’t say she shouts as much as she once did! Bless her though, and to be fair she does know a lot about the game.
The biggest moment for me so far has to be playing for England. I played for the Under-17s in a tournament last February in Portugal. I scored on my debut against Romania which was an amazing feeling, and although I know it was for one of the younger age groups, it was a very special moment. You dream about scoring for your country, and I’m very fortunate to have done so!