Centre-half drops in at Forest School

It was back to school for Reading centre-half Jake Cooper last week, as he visited Forest School to meet some current and potential students at an Opening Evening in their sports hall.

Forest School has a partnership with Reading FC’s Academy, and a number of the aspiring young players from across the age-groups currently attend the school in Winnersh to earn their education.



Jake himself is an alumnus of the school, and an example to follow for many ambitious youngsters.  He earned his first pro contract in the summer of 2013 and so far he has made 21 appearances in the Royals’ first team, including playing the entire 90 minutes in the Capital One Cup tie against Premier League outfit Everton last month.

The centre-back – who now towers over his old teachers at 6ft 4in – went along to sign team photos and posed for pictures.  Jake also spent some time chatting to the students about how he worked his way into the Reading first-team squad and his career so far.