Young goalkeeper Jayden Garthwaite, who trained with the Zimbabwe senior national team during the Warriors’ Unity Cup camp in England in May, has signed a new scholarship deal with Aston Villa.

The 16-year-old has been confirmed among Aston Villa’s new intake of first-year scholars ahead of the 2026/27 season, marking another significant milestone in his development at the Premier League club.

Proud to sign my scholarship with @AVFCOfficial ✍️ pic.twitter.com/wj1NhU5L0r

— Jayden Garthwaite (@Jay_Garthwaite) July 8, 2026

Garthwaite, who is eligible to represent Zimbabwe through his family heritage, spent time training with the Warriors in Birmingham during the Unity Cup, where he gained valuable experience working alongside senior internationals under head coach Kaitano Tembo.

Following the camp, the shot-stopper described the experience as a memorable one, saying it was “a great experience to train with the Zimbabwe first team”.

His new scholarship deal sees him continue his progression through Aston Villa’s academy and keeps him on course for a potential breakthrough into the club’s higher age groups in the coming years.

Garthwaite joins a growing list of Zimbabwe-eligible youngsters developing in the academies of top English clubs, with hopes that he could feature for the Warriors in the future.