by Peter Scherer
Mickleover Academy graduate Toby Smith is heading stateside to take-up a football scholarship in New Jersey.
He made his first team debut in the Derbyshire Senior Cup at Matlock Town in 23/24, after some impressive performances in the reserves and youth teams.
A wing back or defensive midfielder, he earned his place in the first team squad and made couple of further starts, as well as coming off the bench. He also had a loan spell at Gresley Rovers.
He was on an extended trial at Barnsley at the start of this season and played against Mickleover in the pre-season friendly. After two more starts and being name Man of the Match against Long Eaton Utd, he spent most of this season on loan at Belper Utd.
Everyone at Mickleover wishes him well for his future and his Trans-Atlantic journey.