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Young football talent Daniel Akinsente has taken a significant step forward in his career by signing with Stockport County FC. This move comes in the wake of the unexpected closure of Accrington Stanley’s youth academy, a turning point that forced many young players to rethink their footballing futures. Akinsente, who began his journey at Liverpool FC before moving to Accrington, now looks ahead with renewed focus at one of Greater Manchester’s most forward-thinking clubs.

Daniel’s footballing foundation was laid at Liverpool FC, where he was part of the youth ranks. His development there eventually led to a switch to Accrington Stanley, where he advanced steadily from the U11s through to the U18 level over several years.

At Accrington, Daniel quickly became known for his technical ability, vision on the pitch, and leadership qualities. His progression didn’t go unnoticed, as coaches and scouts repeatedly praised him as a player with genuine potential to reach the professional game.

Reflecting on this transition, Daniel Akinsente shared:

“I’ve been through a lot this year, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. From my time at Liverpool to Accrington, and now to Stockport, every experience has shaped me. I want to thank Daniel Sukula and Be The Change for having my back and helping me take the next step.”

But his progress was abruptly disrupted earlier this year when Accrington Stanley made the difficult decision to disband its academy. Financial strain and organizational restructuring within the club led to the closure, leaving a significant gap in the local football community and abruptly halting the development of many aspiring young players—including Daniel.

In the face of this challenge, Daniel remained determined to pursue his football ambitions. News of the academy’s dissolution drew attention from clubs across the country, as well as interest from overseas scholarship programs.

A key figure in helping Daniel navigate this uncertain period was Daniel Sukula of the Be The Change Youth Project—a Bolton-based initiative dedicated to supporting young people through football, mentorship, and personal development. Recognizing both the urgency and Daniel’s talent, Sukula used his extensive network to connect him with an opportunity at Stockport County.

Daniel Sukula echoed that sentiment, adding:

“Daniel’s work ethic and attitude have been exceptional. It was tough seeing so many talented players displaced after Accrington’s closure, but Daniel showed resilience. Stockport County will be a fantastic environment for him to grow and continue chasing his dream.”Daniel Akinsente’s journey illustrates the challenges young athletes often face and highlights the importance of resilience and community support. From early promise at Liverpool to overcoming adversity after Accrington’s academy closed, his story is one of determination and unwavering focus on his footballing dream.