Left-foot or right-foot, if Coree Wilson is on the end of it, the net is usually bulging.
The striker has been in prolific form in-front of goal this season and it all started when he joined the club as an Under-8 after being scouted at a tournament in Kempston playing for his local team, Bedford Town.
Memorably, Wilson played as an Under-8 in an Under-11s match shortly after joining and certainly made the most of the opportunity.
“I remember it well," he says, "it was in Letchworth at St Christopher's School - that’s where we used to play our home games.
“I don’t think I was meant to be playing that game and something happened, I think an injury, so I got called up. With my first touch I came on and scored!”
Goalscoring has always been a key attribute of Wilson’s, though he has been utilised in other areas of the pitch previously too.
Wilson said: “When I was 16 playing under 18s in the Youth Cup, I came on at right-back and I actually quite enjoyed that position, but I think I play my best at striker because I’ve always learned that position from a young age and developed like that.”
As well as helpful development from the under-18 coaches, the striker has also been passed on plenty of advice from the first team and enjoys being surrounded by them each day, which he explained in greater detail.
“It’s good because you learn a lot from them, not just on the pitch but also off it, like how they carry themselves, how they stay professional and how they look after their bodies in the gym.
“When Jake Jervis was here, I was on his boots and he would just say if I played in 23s games or different games, he would say what to do and give me advice.”
With plenty of goals to his name this season, Wilson is looking to continue his good form when the under 18s face Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Youth Cup third round tonight at Kenilworth Road.
The striker featured in both Youth Cup matches against Brentwood Town and Peterborough United last season, saying: “It was probably my favourite time to be a scholar, playing at the stadium. The fans get to come and it’s a big game against Sheffield Wednesday as well. It will be a good challenge for us.”
With high hopes, Wilson believes the Hatters can go further than the second round this year, adding: “I think we’re a good team, we’ve got the right spirit and good players. If we all work together, we can do it.”
You can watch the lads in action tonight at Kenilworth Road. Kick-off is 7pm and admission to the Main Stand Enclosure is £3 for adults and £1 concessions.
*UCFB journalism intern Dan Briard put the questions to Coree and wrote the above article, with broadcast students Brigitta Posta and Harrison Farewell filming and editing the video.
