Dartford hosted Folkestone Invicta at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on Saturday. Josh Atkinson featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Josh Atkinson was promoted into the Dartford First Team, after impressing boss Ady Pennock during pre-season.
Having progressed through the Dartford Academy, the recently turned 19-year-old was brought in to provide backup for number one shot-stopper Jacob Marsden.
Due to the form of Jacob, opportunities have been few for this right-footed youngster, with just the one appearance in the Kent Senior Cup to his name. However, that hasn’t prevented Josh from remaining in a positive and upbeat frame of mind, despite now being out with an injury.
“I’m doing great thanks Chris. It’s amazing to be at such a great club, and to be involved with the team. There’s always a good atmosphere in the dressing room.”
It was actually after the pre-season friendly against Boreham Wood when Josh found out that he was being promoted into the First Team for this season. And he still remembers that day clearly, as he shares how he felt…
“Yeah, Ady told me that he wanted to promote me (into the First Team) after that game, which was a proud moment for me Chris. When I joined the Academy at the age of sixteen, the long-term goal was to be involved with the First Team, and I’m happy to have achieved that goal of mine.”
He continues, “The ambition from everyone at the club, is to get the club promoted back to where it belongs. While on a more personal level, I want to keep learning and improving on my game.”
Josh’s playing career began by him representing his local team. Soon after that, he joined an Academy where he remained until reaching the U12s…
“Yeah, I learnt a lot from some top coaches while there Chris. I then joined the Dartford Academy at the age of 16. I’m now in my third year here and have enjoyed every minute of it.”
How does a young goalkeeper like Josh keep on top of his fitness and general wellbeing?
“I’m still in the Academy full-time, as well as being backup for Jacob in the First Team. So, I train most days and also try to get in a couple of gym sessions, which allows me to keep my fitness at a good level. I also have a pretty clean diet, which helps me recover between each session.”
What about the future? Does he have ambitions of becoming a professional player?
“I think the goal for every young player is to become a professional footballer. But, it’s so hard to achieve. However, with continuous hard work, you never know what can happen”
He continues, “I am happy with how my career has started. Being a young ‘keeper is all about learning and to learn off Les (Goalkeeping Coach) and Jacob throughout the season has been amazing. They have so much experience and knowledge in football, and they’ve helped me to improve as a ‘keeper.”
With his football schedule keeping him extremely busy, Josh plans his days around the sport while also working in his local pub.
“Yeah, I mainly work the night shift on weekends. I also like to play darts. I play for a couple of teams on Monday and Wednesday nights, which I’ve done for the last couple of years.”
With the current season entering its closing stages, one hopes that Josh’s return from injury will enable him to focus on preparing for the next campaign here at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. And I’m sure you’ll all wish him the best with his darts teams as well.
In the meantime, as our conversation draws to a close, Josh has some words for the Dartford faithful too…
“Your support has been unreal throughout the season, and doesn’t go unnoticed. Up The Darts!”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Superstition.
Favourite Food?
Homemade Lasagne.
Favourite Drink?
Captain Morgan’s.
TV Series or Film?
Film.
Music or Podcast?
Music.
Sporting Hero?
Manuel Neuer.
Non-Sporting Hero?
Mum & Dad.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
Darts.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Jacob Marsden.
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Steven Gerrard (ex-Liverpool)
Zinedine Zidane (ex-Real Madrid)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
By Chris Palmer