16-year-old Newport player Finn Smith has been officially confirmed by the English Football Association as the youngest ever player to have scored in the world’s most prestigious domestic cup competition: the FA Cup.
As first reported in Island Echo, Finn came on as a 2nd-half substitute in the FA Cup Extra-Preliminary Round against Fleet Spurs on 6th August and hit the back of the net in his first-ever game for the County Town club.
Christ the King College student Finn had only signed for the Port the day before, on his 16th birthday. The Football Association only allow youngsters to play Men’s football once they have reached the age of 16. It is therefore difficult to see how his record could be broken unless a future player were to score the very same day as signing for a club.
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The previous record was held by Sean Cato who was 16 years and 25 days old when he scored in 2011.
Island Echo this week spoke to Finn, who is currently spending the summer helping out his father at Tim Knight Roofing, before joining the 6th form at Christ the King College in September.
Finn said:
“There has been a lot of interest in my becoming the youngest ever FA cup goalscorer. Loads of people have texted me, and I have also been contacted by the Non-League Paper.
“I’ll either play for Newport or Brading Town this season, depending on injuries and availability. Newport are struggling with availability at the moment, so I may be travelling to Stoneham to play in the next round on Saturday. It was only intended that I play every now and then for the Port this season.
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“I’ve been training with Newport for some time and I’ve been given lots of good advice from former manager Andy Sampson and Justin Hughes. Newport player Jacob Reynolds has also been very helpful as has Brading manager Steve Lawton.
“I support West Ham because my Mum Louise comes from Newham. My favourite players are Declan Rice and De Bruyne.
“My dream is to become a professional footballer. I’d like to be a playmaker like De Bruyne. However, if this isn’t possible, then I’d choose to be either a PE teacher or a physio.”
Football Association tweet confirming Finn Smith as youngest ever FA Cup goalscorer
Well done son. I am sure you will go on to bigger things. Just keep your feet on the ground, watch, listen and learn.
I look forward to seeing you play at Newport’s new ground…unless you have retired by then of course!!!
Well done son. I am sure you will go on to bigger things. Just keep your feet on the ground, watch, listen and learn.
I look forward to seeing you play at Newport’s new ground…unless you have retired by then of course!!!