We are delighted to announce that Daniel Collett has signed his first professional contract at the club.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper who is from the town itself, joined the academy in 2011 at just five years old and has worked his way up through the age groups to sign professional terms with his hometown club.
After playing his trade in the academy throughout the years, Daniel joined the club’s Scholarship Programme in 2023, playing regularly between the club’s National League and NIFL U18 sides as well as the NIFL U20 side. During his time on the programme, Daniel represented the club and the Steven Gerrard Academy at the Dallas Cup in America in March 2024, gaining fantastic experience. In 2024, Daniel was part of the squad who won the Harry Cavan Youth Cup for just the second time in the club’s history while just a few weeks ago, the young goalkeeper also earned a league winners medal as our U18 side were crowned NIFL Academy League champions.
With the club making history in the 2024/25 season, qualifying for the League Phase of the UEFA Conference League, it was a proud moment for Daniel Collett as he was named in the European squad. Although not featuring, the young goalkeeper gained vital experience throughout the campaign as he worked alongside Rohan Ferguson and Joe Besant as the team competed across Europe.
Most recently, Daniel was part of the squad to represent the club at the Hong Kong Soccer Sevens tournament just a few weeks ago, putting in some impressive performances as the Invermen upset the odds by enjoying a strong tournament. Facing teams since as West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar, the young side battled the heat to make it through to the Shield semi-final before losing to Western United.
Speaking on signing his first professional contract, Daniel said:
“It’s a really proud moment for me and my family.
“Ever since joining the academy when I was five, this is the kind of moment you dream of and I am absolutely thrilled to sign my first professional contract.
“I’ve already had some fantastic experiences during my time at the club so far, being named in the European squad and playing out in Hong Kong, but I’m keen to work hard and add to that list going forward.
“I am very excited to get back in for pre-season and to be around the group again. I am excited to learn from them and improve myself as the season goes on, hopefully by named in first-team squads throughout the season and always working hard.”
On Daniel signing his first professional contract, Head of Scholarship Keith O’Hara (pictured above) said:
“Daniel has been a pleasure to work with during his time on the Scholarship Programme.
“He’s a player who always puts in the effort and gives 100% in everything that he does and I couldn’t be more proud for him and his family.
“He’ll know there’s plenty of hard work ahead but I’m looking forward to see how he develops as he looks to impress within the senior setup under Nathan.”
