Back in August 2021, 15-year-old Bade Aluko attended our five-day training and trial camp, looking to gain experience and enjoy his football. What happened next was beyond his family’s expectations: Bade was scouted by Premier League side Leicester City. 

Reflecting on that moment, Bade’s mother Fade shared her joy: 

“I felt very happy for him. He wanted it so badly. Because we were all in different parts of the world during the feedback meeting with the head of the academy, we had to meet virtually via Teams. He couldn’t hide his excitement when they broke the good news. The look on his face told the story. I was very pleased for him.” 

Since signing for the Leicester City Academy, Bade has thrived — both as a player and as a person. 

In his early days at the club, Bade played regularly for the U15s, featuring as a centre-half or right wing-back depending on the formation. He even represented Leicester at the prestigious U15 National Tournament in March 2022, where they competed against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Sunderland, eventually reaching the semi-finals. His performances also earned him call-ups to play with the U16 squad. 

Now, several years on, Bade has continued his rise within the Leicester City setup, crediting the academy’s structure, coaching, and support staff for helping him progress: 

“I have made significant progress in my development as a player, largely due to the academy, the coaching staff, and the robust support system in place. I’ve enhanced my speed, pace, and ball control, and I’ve seen considerable improvement in the use of my left foot.” 

Regular training with high-level teammates has further sharpened his technical and tactical abilities. He’s also benefitted from Individual Learning Plans, specifically working on areas like crossing, and reviewing match footage through platforms such as Hudl to refine his in-game decisions. 

Bade’s hard work is paying off. He recently made the matchday squad for Leicester City’s first team in a Premier League fixture against Brighton — a monumental step in his footballing journey. 

Looking ahead, Bade remains focused and ambitious: 

“My aspiration is to make appearances for the first team and ultimately secure a permanent position, as well as achieve an international call-up. I emphasise the importance of hard work, effective communication, self-belief, and giving your utmost effort on the field.” 

To young players chasing the dream, Bade offers this advice: 

“Go for it. UK Football Trials is a great opportunity to be scouted and showcase your talents. I went there to enjoy football, and it changed my life. We weren’t expecting anything, but God had other plans.” 

From grassroots to one of the country’s top academies — and now breaking into first-team football — Bade Aluko’s journey is a powerful reminder of where hard work, the right environment, and a single opportunity can take you.