Cornish Teenager Brandon Pursall Signs First Professional Contract
On the day of his 17th birthday, Academy prospect Brandon Pursall has signed his first professional contract at Argyle.
Cornwall FA are delighted to announce that Brandon Pursall has signed a professional contract with Plymouth Argyle Football Club on his 17th Birthday, after progressing through local Cornish football, Cornwall’s Player Pathway and Plymouth Argyle’s Academy.
Growing up in St Stephen-in-Brannel, Brandon represented East Cornwall Schoolboys at under-14 and under-15 level. Having successfully progressed through the Cornwall player pathway, Brandon joined the Pilgrims’ Academy as an under-nine, impressing through the age groups.
Pursall’s promising performances as a left-sided defender led to national recognition in August 2018, when he was invited to join an England under-15 training camp in Loughborough.
A regular player for Argyle’s under-18 side during the 19/20 campaign, Brandon’s debut first-team appearance came in September 2020, in a Papa John’s Trophy match against Norwich City at the Theatre of Greens, coming on as a 76th minute substitute for club captain Gary Sawyer in a 3-2 defeat.
His introduction as a first-team player at just 16 years and 176 days old made the scholar the third youngest competitive appearance maker in the club’s history. Brandon made his full debut in Argyle’s next game in the competition, playing a full 90 minutes in a 2-0 defeat at Cheltenham Town, before securing his first win as a starter in the 3-1 victory over Newport County in October.
While a first professional contract is sure to be Brandon's most memorable birthday present, it also underlines the Pilgrims' clear intent to provide opportunities to home grown talent.
Argyle manager Ryan Lowe said: I’m extremely pleased for Brandon, from the day I met him it’s been clear that he has a great attitude and desire to do well, and he has shown that right the way through the ages in the Academy.
“I’m pleased for him and his family, he’s deserved this contract. Ultimately, though, he’s earned this contract as he’s a fantastic talent - to have already made his debut at 16 speaks volumes. He regularly trains with the first team and holds his own.
“He’s another excellent addition, and another Academy product who will go on and represent Argyle.”
Daniel Greenough, Cornwall FA’s Football Development Manager added, “It’s brilliant to see a Cornish player progressing through the Cornwall Player Pathway and signing professionally at such a young age. Having been part of Cornwall Centre of Excellence programme, Brandon is a real inspiration to young footballers across Cornwall. Everyone at Cornwall FA is wishing Brandon all the best over the coming seasons at Plymouth Argyle and we look forward to seeing him representing Plymouth Argyle in the future”.