Ipswich Town sign Millfield School pupil Charlie Binns on two-year deal

Ipswich Town have signed a 18-year-old pupil from Millfield School on a two-year professional contract.

Charlie Binns is in the upper sixth form at the Somerset-based independent school and he was part of the Millfield team that knocked AFC Sudbury out of the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) Super League Cup.

The goalkeeper, who lives in Chard in Somerset, helped his school win at the quarter-finals stage on March 22, after saving a penalty in the shootout.

Ahead of his move to the Tractor Boys, the young goalkeeper told the school’s website: “I have been lucky to go into several fantastic clubs over the last eight months, but Ipswich felt like a great fit for me and ideal for the next stage of my development.

“They are a big club with an impressive history.”

“The football programme here is great because I can train up to six times a week which includes three dedicated goalkeeper sessions as well as team training. I also have a specialised strength and conditioning programme.

“We play in various leagues and cup competitions all over England and I also had the chance to be selected for the ISFA [Independent Schools Football Association] U18 national team which further helped my development.”

Binns is currently studying for A levels in business, history and PE, and has worked with former Bristol City and Bristol Rovers keeper Steve Phillips at Millfield.

The youngster said: “My goalkeeper-coach, Steven Phillips, is a top-class coach. He is an ex-professional having played over 600 times in the Football League.

“To have a coach of his calibre has been hugely important for my development, as well as being able to tap into his years of experience as a pro. He drives me on to improve every session which is exactly what I want.”

Phillips added: “I could not be prouder of this young man, I know how hard it is to achieve what Charlie has achieved.”

Millfield head of football, Steve Perkins, also said: “It is fantastic to see Charlie's hard work and dedication for the game has paid off.

“Charlie joined Millfield with only a couple of years’ experience as a goalkeeper and showed huge potential to progress at a fast rate. He fully deserves this opportunity, and we can't wait to see how he progresses in the future.”

Binns is not the only 18-year-old keeper the Blues have signed this summer, following the recent recruitment of New Zealand U20 international Henry Gray as well.

Former Town defender Tyrone Mings is among the school’s alumni as well as Formula 1 racing driver Lando Norris and Scottish rugby union player Huw Jones.