(January 8, 2026) Everton Football Club has seen generations come and go. Founded in 1878, the coveted institution has lived through league titles, European nights, long winters, and more recently, a move into a new stadium at Halewood’s Finch Farm after more than a century at Liverpool’s Goodison Park. Its academy system, honed across decades, is built to spot promise early with neither hype, nor noise, just the raw idea of what a young footballer might become.
Into this long, eventful history has stepped Urban Negi, nine years old, Indian-origin, confident, young footballer. Urban recently signed with the Everton FC Academy, a milestone that carries immense weight. Born and raised in London, Urban had to leave behind familiar pitches and friends to be a part of the Academy.
“I felt good that I got into the team,” he said in a recent interview, describing his first experience wearing the Everton jersey. “I felt also excited and happy that I was a part of Everton Academy.”
View this post on Instagram
From London pitches to Finch Farm in Halewood
Urban’s football story began when he was five. Like many children, he started playing casually. Unlike most, he never really stopped. “I started playing football at five years of age and then I just fell in love with it,” he said. “Now it’s my favorite game to play and I play it every day.”
His early development happened on local grounds in South East London, and later spent time at Crystal Palace’s setup. Coaches noticed his comfort on the ball early whether it was the close control, the instinct to take defenders on, or the calmness that doesn’t come naturally to most children.
That visibility led to trials with Everton. And that changed everything.
View this post on Instagram
Learning to start again
Signing for a Premier League academy isn’t just a football decision; it’s a life reset. Urban had to move, make new friends, and find confidence in unfamiliar spaces.
That transition often invisible in highlight reels is where many young players struggle. Urban, by his own account, didn’t find it easy. But he found his footing. At training, he’s known for his commitment. At home, he’s still a child who plays with the ball whenever he can. If he misses a session, he doesn’t disengage.
“If I miss a session of football, I’ll always be playing with the ball at home,” he said. School remains non-negotiable. “I do school, and I do all my maths,” he added, matter-of-factly.
Goals and admirations
Ask Urban about his favourite skill, and the answer arrives quickly. “My favorite is probably shooting,” he said. “I like scoring goals.” Dribbling still matters as he enjoys beating defenders but it’s the finish that excites him most. “I like scoring goals and doing celebrations.”
At school, his classmates have noticed his talent. “They’re really amazed that I play for Everton,” he said. “They’re like, ‘Wow, this kid’s so good. We can barely tackle him.’”
An Indian dream
When asked about the future, five or ten years down the line Urban said, “I want to play for India and make them win the World Cup.” His plan is clear. “I think I just have to keep on working hard and then my dream will probably come true,” he said. “And then I can hopefully help India win the World Cup and idolize more young football players to also play for India.”
His role models reflect that ambition. Cristiano Ronaldo, for his shooting. Lionel Messi, for his dribbling.“I want to have shooting like Ronaldo,” he said. “And I quite like Messi as well because I like his dribbling skills.”
A long road, just beginning
Everton, a club with 123 top-flight seasons and a reputation for endurance, knows better than most that football careers aren’t shaped in moments, but over years. Urban Negi is at the very start of that process of learning systems, learning patience, learning who he is when things are difficult.
The nine-year-old who left London, walked into one of English football’s most demanding academies at Halewood, Merseyside and chose effort over comfort, without shortcuts.
- Follow Urban Negi on Instagram
ALSO READ: Bend it like Bhuta: US footballer Mia is kicking winning goals
