College student Carter-Blue Bowdery offered professional contract by Reading FC

A sixth form student from Windsor has been offered a professional contract to play for Reading Football Club when he leaves Bradfield College later this summer.

Carter-Blue Bowdery, who lives in Windsor, has been a pupil at the Berkshire independent boarding school since he was 13, but also a key member of Reading’s u18s team, scoring for the young Royals in their Premier League u19s Cup final last month.

 He has also helped Bradfield College win consecutive ISFA Boodles Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025 - the most prestigious award in independent schools’ football.

 Carter-Blue’s contract commences from late June, just one week after he finishes his A-Levels.

Carter-Blue said, “I was quietly confident going into the end of season review meeting that I would be staying at the club, but I was still delighted to receive the offer and am excited for what the future holds.”

Carter-Blue has also thanked the College for its support in helping him realise his dream of playing for a professional club.

 He thanked his College Housemasters, subject teachers and football staff for ensuring he kept on top of his academic studies alongside his football, and for helping him make the most of the opportunities being offered by Reading FC. 

He added that David Chatwin, Head of Football Performance, was always available to give him advice, not just on his performances for the College, but also reflecting on his games for Reading, giving constructive feedback and guidance to help him improve.

David Chatwin, who joined Bradfield in 2023, described the College’s approach to supporting talented players. He said: “We are committed to fostering the development of our pupils both academically and personally, and it is with great pride that we were able to support Carter-Blue Bowdery on his journey.

“Through the understanding, dedication and collaboration between myself, Elizabeth Wells, Deputy Head Academic, and the invaluable partnership with Reading FC, Carter-Blue has been able to pursue his passion for football while maintaining high standards in his academic studies.

“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the strength of our approach to support and encourage pupils to nurture their exceptional talent on and off the pitch. We have a group of pupils currently playing academy and ISFA representative football, who have the potential to follow in Carter-Blue’s footsteps.

“We are thrilled to see Carter-Blue's hard work pay off with a well-deserved professional contract, and we look forward to supporting him in the future.”

Carter-Blue is the latest Bradfieldian to win a professional contract in recent years. Others include Sam Tabares – Fulham 2024 and now Southampton; Callum McFarlane – Fulham 2022; Jacob Roddy – Charlton Athletic 2021; Ed Cooke – Burnley 2019.

Bradfield College is an independent boarding school for boys and girls aged 13-18 in Berkshire, situated between Reading and Newbury.