It’s been an eventful few months for 16-year-old Ollie Dewsbury.
While the senior team members enjoyed their summer break, the young striker was busy finishing his GCSEs.
Just as Dewsbury was looking forward to some rest after the exams, he received an exciting call from Bristol Rovers’ first team, inviting him to join pre-season training at The Quarters in early July.
It was the moment the young forward had been eagerly awaiting.
“The exams went well! I passed all the important ones, so no resits are needed, which I’m really pleased about. Since the exams were during the off-season, I didn’t get a chance to go on holiday, but I managed to get through them, and it wasn’t too bad. I found a good balance between studying and football.
“I finished my exams, and a week before pre-season, we came in for some testing. That’s when I was told I’d be with the senior team for the first week, and they’d decide after that if I’d stay for the next week too.”
It is testament to Dewbury’s drive, willingness and tenacity that he not only was asked to return for the second week of pre-season, but ended up completing the entire pre-season schedule under Matt Taylor’s watchful eye.
“I think I can take it as a positive that I got through the first week, was involved in the second week, and then ultimately spent the whole of pre-season with the first team. I think it shows I did enough to earn my place in the squad for that period.
“I had a few conversations with coaches and older players about what has happened in the past when younger players have been in first-team sessions, so my main goal was to survive in there and show a bit of myself. I’m glad I got to do that.”
DEBUT DELIGHT
Having impressed in the first few days of pre-season, Dewsbury was rewarded for his efforts with 45 minutes in the opening match of the summer schedule, away to Melksham Town.
The teenager absolutely ensured he made the most of that appearance, finding space to confidently and maturely score Rovers’ second of the game on the way to a 4-2 win.
“I was really excited for the game, but I didn’t know I’d be getting any playing time until the day before,” Dewsbury shared. “When I came on in the second half, I just focused on doing my best and making an impact. I think I managed to do that, and it felt like my best game of pre-season.
“The lads were really supportive. Getting praise from experienced pros means the world, so hearing it after scoring was amazing. When it’s coming from players like Scott Sinclair and Chris Martin, it’s even more special for a young player like me.”
Dewsbury’s enthusiasm and quick understanding earned him a place in pre-season squads for matches against teams like Bath City, Yeovil Town, and Swansea City. He also joined the senior team for warm-weather training in Portugal, an experience that’s been invaluable for his development.
“The first few games of men’s football took some adjusting, but I feel like I grew into it and hope to get more senior minutes this season or next. In the matches I played, I think I could have offered a bit more, but overall, I’m happy with how I performed.
“People talk a lot about physicality in senior football, and it’s definitely a big factor, but there are ways around it. As a striker, I can move off my marker and find pockets of space. The gaffer gave me great advice about positioning and receiving the ball, instead of trying to challenge bigger, older centre-backs. Since he used to be a defender, his tips have been really helpful. I’ve learned so much from him, and I’m eager to keep improving.”
LONG-TERM LEARNINGSuch tailored advice means everything to Dewsbury, who is soaking up every bit of guidance like a sponge.
A recent discussion with the coaching staff further reinforced that his development and wellbeing are the top priorities.
He explained: “I had a meeting with the coaching staff a few weeks ago, and it was a really positive conversation. They outlined a long-term plan for my future, focused on my development, and the key message was to take things step by step. It was a really encouraging talk.
“I’m really eager to succeed, but I’ve been reminded that I’m only 16 and have plenty of time to grow and develop. The coaches have been great about this, making sure I focus on being the best player I can be with the U18s and seeing where the season goes.
“Personally, I just want to perform well in each game and hopefully earn a few more first-team appearances in the cup competitions. A loan move might be an option too if the right opportunity arises. I’d love to gain more experience in men’s football, which I think would be fantastic for my development.”
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