Reuben joined our Academy as a first year student following his release from Colchester United Academy and quickly adapted to playing in a new central midfield role having previously played at centre back whilst at Colchester. In his first year he played a key role in the Suffolk FA U18 Cup victory scoring two goals in the final ironically at Colchester United Ground in a 5-1 win against Needham Market Academy. Reuben made his first team debut in the last game of the 2022/23 away at Great Wakering F.C. In the 2023/24 season Reuben was part of the FA Youth Cup run that ended in a narrow defeat against Leyton Orient. On the 26th September 2023 Reuben showed the AFC Sudbury supporters his potential when coming off the bench against Leiston F.C and scoring the equaliser when picking up the ball just inside the Leiston half and running at the experienced defenders before firing into the bottom from 18 yards. During November 2023, he was selected for the England College FA national team but unfortunately was unable to play any fixtures as he picked up an injury whilst on trial at Portsmouth. Reuben worked extremely hard on his recovery alongside Academy physio Paige Fleming and the target date of his return to action was set as the 17th April which was the ECFA National Semi Final away at Park View, Durham. Reuben came off the bench and played his part in a fine away win. His last game for the AFC Sudbury Academy was in the ECFA National Cup Final in the 3-0 win against Thomas Telford School.

With news of Reuben signing this now means that the AFC Sudbury Academy has had a graduate sign a professional contract for each of the past seven seasons.

2023/24 - Reuben Swann - Portsmouth F.C

2022/23 - Josh Stokes - Aldershot Town F.C - Now - Bristol City F.C

2021/22 - Josh Blunkell - Wycombe Wanderers F.C - Now - Aveley F>c

2020/21 - Liam Bennett - Cambridge United F.C

2019/20 - Joe Grimwood - Barnet F.C

2018/19 - Callum Watson - Halifax Wanderers F.C - Now - Chattanooga F.C

2017/18 - Tyler French - Bradford City F.C - Now - Sutton United F.C

Academy manager, Craig Power said “All academy staff are delighted for Reuben and this wonderful opportunity that he has secured. Reuben is extremely level headed and will take this chance with both hands. His passion for the game has shown throughout his time at the Academy and we now look forward to watching his journey into professional football. The question has already been asked internally & externally who will be the next graduate of the Academy to join the professional ranks”.