ESC Football Academy Alumnus Signs for Reading FC

East Sussex College alumnus Benn Ward has taken the next exciting step in his professional football career, signing for Reading Football Club on a three-and-a-half-year deal from Accrington Stanley for an undisclosed fee.

Now 22 years old, the central defender joins the Royals after gaining valuable first-team experience in the EFL, having previously progressed through academies at Hastings United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Burnley FC before making the move into men’s football with Accrington Stanley.

Speaking to RoyalsTV on his first day at Reading, Benn described the move as a clear and exciting next step.

"It’s been a bit manic, it has all happened quite quickly,” said Benn. “On Friday I was made aware that I was coming to Reading so it has all happened quickly… I want to help the team get back to the Championship; it is where I think it belongs. Hopefully I can hit the ground running and kick on to help the club.

"Hearing about the club, I know it’s a big club and I have played here a couple of times as an Under-21s player. It has a nice feel to it, so hearing Reading was a bit of a no-brainer. The facilities, fanbase and staff, it ticked all the boxes. I’m buzzing to be here now."

Benn studied Level 3 Sport at East Sussex College’s Hastings campus, where he was part of the College’s Football Academy, delivered in partnership with Hastings United FC and Skiltek.

During his time at ESC, Benn balanced the demands of full-time study alongside elite-level football development - foundations that have supported his progression through the professional game.

Whilst studying at the College, Benn told us, “I’m really thankful to my tutors who believed in me and helped me knuckle down, making sure I’m ready and not behind on anything.”

We spoke to Benn while he was studying with us back in 2020, before he made his move to Premier League side Burnley. Watch his video below!

East Sussex College is proud to see Benn continuing to build on his success and wishes him every success in this next chapter of his career with Reading FC.