Midfielder Bernard has an amazing story. He was not offered a scholarship with Argyle’s Academy Under-18s team, but instead joined the football education programme of Argyle Community Trust. Such was his development and application, he was given the chance to play for the Under-18s, making his first appearance in March 2023.  

He was a mainstay of the Under-18s team in 2023/24, as they won the Youth Alliance and Merit Leagues, and capped off his rise by being offered a pro deal.  

After signing his contract, Bernard said: “An amazing moment for me and my family. I would have never expected this to happen from where I was.  

“Just two years ago I had given up football and started labouring but knew that wasn’t what I wanted to do and joined the Argyle Community Trust programme. That gave me a chance to study and still play football, and fortunately I impressed and got a chance with the Academy."