Nelson Sanca, a teenage defender who signed his first professional contract after making a breakthrough in the Football League, plans to step it up with Newport County AFC this season.
The 17-year-old followed in the footsteps of another teenager Jac Norris last month and committed to a two-year contract with the Exiles.
After making his first team debut against Tranmere in League Two and maintaining his starting position against Bradford and Salford, Sanca had a breakout season in 2023–2024.
The academy player of the year, a central defender, had been an unutilized replacement on sixteen previous occasions. He benefited from training with and observing the senior players.
PROMISING: At the conclusion of the previous season, Nelson Sanca achieved a breakthrough at Newport County (Image: Huw Evans Agency)
“I came from grassroots last season, and I never would have imagined to be here almost a year later,” Sanca, a scholarship player for the Exiles who had played for Canton in Cardiff, said.
“Last year, playing and training with the first squad significantly aided in my growth. I was able to improve my areas of weakness and advance as a player.
“It was an incredible feeling to make my debut against Tranmere in April.” It was an amazing experience to play in front of my family and friends—something you always dream of.
“Since I arrived, the academy has been an amazing place to be involved. They have always supported me and have been a major factor in my growth.
“For me, the upcoming season is simply about getting back into it.” Try to play as many games as you can and put in a lot of work with the first team.
Sanca will try to exert pressure on veteran centre backs James Clarke, Kyle Jameson, Matt Baker, and Ciaran Brennan as well as on another promising defender, Josh Seberry, who had shown promise before breaking his leg in the fall of last year.
The young person deserved the recognition of the team’s then-manager Graham Coughlan, a player in the same position, for his performances during a difficult stretch.
“As a center-half, presence is crucial, and Nelson possesses it in spades. He also possesses speed, which I lacked during my career,” the Irishman remarked.
