BATT’S THE WAY TO DO IT, JOSHUA
JOSHUA Batt is relishing making the step into senior football with Sholing – and the 18-year-old says it’s like being part of a big family.
Under legendary boss Dave Diaper, the Boatmen have a number of long serving players, who have been part of promotion campaigns and their 2014 FA Vase triumph at Wembley.
But there’s plenty of new blood too and Batt is enjoying the opportunity at the Southern League Division One South outfit.
The young central defender spent time with Southampton District and England Schoolboys before getting his chance at Step 4.
He broke into the first team set-up with the Boatmen midway through the season after battling injuries but has already made his mark, gaining valuable experience.
“I originally started playing men’s football when I just turned 16,” he said. “I think I played in a game for Hamble about three or four weeks after that birthday.
“Obviously going from Under-18 football, even into reserves, is one step but then to the first team into the senior level is a huge step.
“I think you look at the game totally differently. You learn more in a quicker environment and you haven’t got time for errors.
“Ball retention for me, is a key part of my game and I am at a team right now where we emphasise keeping the ball.
“Of course you get the odd dodgy pitches and physical teams, but you just have to adapt to that and I’m not a small lad, I put myself about as well.”
Batt had moved to play for Louisiana State University in America last year, but was
by the experience and grasped the opportunity to return to first-team football.
“It was almost like moving from playing from a senior level and going back to an under 18 team,” he added.
“The game was completely different and there were people coming from different countries, from Brazil, etc, who also wanted to focus on their education.
“And it was very disorganised, you couldn’t really focus on one thing.
“It was like you were sold the dream and then when you got there, the reality was quite different.
“I’ve always looked up to Sholing, I was at their rivals Hamble coming through as a kid. And I know a lot of the team through one of my friends, his uncle plays for them and on the way back and got in contact with him.
“He passed me on the gaffer’s number and he was interested in getting me a few training sessions, so I went to a couple training sessions and sometime and now we’re where we are today.
“I love every minute of it, it’s good atmosphere, the changing room, and the team are like family.
“And we are in a little bit of a rough patch now, but we are in a position where we could really do something special this year.”