AFC Bournemouth
It has been an unforgettable 12 months for Welsh football – just ask AFC Bournemouth’s teenage goalkeeper Ollie Camis.
While the national team booked their place at a first World Cup finals for 64 years, Camis has also brought up some memorable milestones.
On the day Gareth Bale plundered a hat-trick in a qualifier against Belarus, Camis made his debut for the under-17s in a friendly against Scotland.
And when Cymru marked Bale’s 100th cap by thrashing Belarus in the return fixture, Camis started in a European Under-17 Championship qualifier against Portugal.
At the time he made his first two appearances for his country in September and November 2021, first-year scholar Camis was second choice for Cherries under-18s.
But since being elevated to number one, the Surrey-born stopper has gone from strength to strength and has established himself a key member of Alan Connell’s squad.
His international recognition will be marked when Camis receives his official cap at half-time during Wales’ Nations League clash with Poland at Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday 25th September.
It will be a proud moment for 17-year-old Camis who played his part as the Cherries lifted the EFL Youth Alliance title last season and reached the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.
He told afcb.co.uk: “I’m really looking forward to it. We get to watch the game against Poland and will walk around the pitch at half-time after being presented with our caps.
“It’s been a good year for me but I’m only at the start of my career so know I need to keep my head down and keep working hard. It’s very early days for me.
“I need to stay consistent to make sure I keep my place at Bournemouth. You can’t take anything for granted, otherwise it will be taken away from you at any moment.”
Now a second year, Camis’s exploits have helped the Cherries climb to the top of the EFL Youth Alliance following three straight wins, the team having conceded just one goal.
He was also the hero of their EFL Youth Alliance Cup clash against Northampton, saving two penalties during a shootout as Connell’s team progressed to the next round.
The Cherries will be looking to bounce back from their only defeat of the season at Reading in the Under-18 Professional Development League Cup when they visit Swindon in the league on Saturday.
Camis added: “The season has got off to a good start and the boys have done excellently so far in the league.
“We had our first defeat in the cup against Reading. They were a very good side but that’s where we want to be so it’s a target to aim for.
“I’ve been happy so far from a personal point of view. I’m trying to keep as many clean sheets as a I can and hit my targets.
“Moving to be a second year is a big step up and I’m enjoying it. It gives you more responsibility and that’s something I like to take on as a player.
“Swindon will be another tough game, it always is against them. But we’ll be ready and raring to go as we look to keep the momentum going following a good start to the league campaign.”
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