TWO OLD REPTONIANS SIGN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL CONTRACTS WITH LEICESTER CITY 

Former pupils Hugo De Lisle and Will Daniels returned to Repton this week after signing their first professional football contracts, a major step in their careers.

Back on familiar ground, the pair watched the current 1st XI train and then caught up with former teammates and coaches around the school.

"It feels truly special to be back," said Hugo, who was in Latham from 2022 to 2025. "I made a lot of friends here and a lot of memories that are part of my life I'll never forget."

Will, who was in Cross from 2021 to 2024, felt the same. "I spent three memorable years here and it's brilliant to be back. I made a lot of good friends here. I've loved seeing some familiar faces and I love the school a lot."

Both players combined football with their studies at Repton, and both say the school helped get them ready for the professional game. "Repton teaches you life skills that can be applied to football too, in terms of being resilient," said Will. "I played in the first team when I was in A Block, so I got a lot of experience playing with older players from a young age. What they teach you here goes a long way in football, when you go up the age groups and into the first team, and in how you present yourself."

Hugo agreed: "Repton School gives you a lot of life skills in terms of working hard and the fact that you have to earn your right to play. It gives you the basics and foundations you need to become a footballer, which has helped me on my journey with Leicester City."

The pair joined Leicester City's Academy at Youth Development level and have moved up through the club's pathway. Their new contracts bring them a step closer to senior football. They have also played international youth football: Will for Canada and Hugo for England.

For Hugo, who came to Repton from Singapore, the people mattered as much as the football. "Off the pitch, the people I've met here are some of my fondest memories. Everyone here is extremely kind, and I won't forget how they treated me. They made me feel so welcome. Everything was good for me here at Repton!"

Will also mentioned the school's facilities: "They're great for football as well as for lessons, not to mention the quality of the education." Repton is now building new 3G pitches so that more pupils can follow a path like theirs.

Hugo and Will follow two other Old Reptonians who have signed professional contracts with Leicester City in recent years. Bade Aluko is now a regular in the men's senior squad and recently scored his first professional goal. Emily Walne has previously represented Leicester Women at senior level.

Matt Carrington, Master in charge of Football, said: "It is tremendous to see two more talented OR footballers making their way in the professional game, not only for their club but also for their countries. We are so proud of their achievements and glad to have been a part of their journey to this point.

"We'll continue to watch their progress with interest. Maybe, with Bade Aluko already in the 1st team squad, we are not far away from seeing three OR footballers all playing alongside each other in an EFL game for Leicester City. That would be quite something."

Learn more about football at Repton here