Ex-Amateur League football ace makes senior debut for MK Dons

A former Amateur League footballer has scaled new heights after making his senior debut for MK Dons. Michael Brammeld came on as a late substitute in Tuesday night's 3-1 defeat to Leyton Orient in the EFL Trophy.

Brammeld initially signed a two-year deal with the English League Two club back in the summer of 2022 but stayed in Northern Ireland to finish his Year 12 studies at school before joining the club last year after he turned 16.

MK Dons shared the teenager's senior debut on their social media, saying: "A senior MK Dons debut for Michael Brammeld. Well done, Michael!"

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The 17-year-old flew onto the radar of MK Dons Head of Recruitment Dean Barker while playing for a South Belfast Youth Football select side and went on to have a successful trial with the club before putting pen-to-paper on the scholarship deal.

MK Dons have a close connection to the SBYFL, with a number of Northern Ireland players having gone on trial with the club in recent years and featured for the club's academy at the SuperCupNI.

Speaking back in 2022, MK Dons Academy Manager Jon Goodman said: “We are delighted to offer Michael a scholarship with us. This partnership with the SBYFL has enabled us to extend our scouting network and this has given a platform for Michael and other players to showcase their talent with us.

“This culminated in some outstanding performances by Michael and our MK Dons squad at SuperCupNI, where the boys drew with Manchester United and beat Leeds United.”

Immaculata FC also said: "We are proud to announce that Michael Brammeld has signed a 2 year scholarship with MK Dons.

"Michael has played at various age groups for the club and is a credit to himself, his family and all the Immaculata coaches that have helped him progress."

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