Get to know Salop Academy players Tom Bloxham, Demi Akinwe & Ben Kaninda
Get to know Tom Bloxham, Demi Akinwe, and Ben Kaninda as they answer quick-fire questions!
Tom Bloxham is a 6’5" first-year forward player who joined the Club from Alstone Park having previously been at Leicester from U8-U14.
Bloxham has excellent athletic capabilities, which he utilises predominantly in wide areas but can play as a center-forward.
Demi is a first-year left-back who joined the Town from North Birmingham Celtic having previously played for West Brom from U13 to U16s
6’2 first-year centre-back scholar Kaninda joined the U18s during pre-season having previously been at West Brom. The defender posses strong athletic abilities and is a presence at the back of the Salop defence.
Name, Age and position?
Tom: My name is Tom Bloxham, I'm a forward and I am 17.
Demi: My name is Demi Akinwe and I play left-back.
Ben: I am Ben Kaninda, I'm 17 and I play centre-back.
Former clubs?
Tom: I was at Leicester from the age of seven until I was 14 and then I played for my local team Alstone Park.
Demi: I played for West Bromwich Albion before Shrewsbury and local teams before that.
Ben: I previously played for West Bromwich Albion and Sunday league teams in Wolverhampton before that.
How would you describe yourself as a player?
Tom: I would say I'm quite direct, skilful, quick, and I have a bit of strength.
Demi: I can do both sides of the game. I am comfortable defending but I can also attack.
Ben: I would say I'm intelligent, aggressive and a leader on the pitch.
Who are your footballing idols?
Tom: For me, Zidane. I used to watch him a lot growing up with my brothers.
Demi: He's not in my position, but I really like Ronaldo. He's someone I really looked up to.
Ben: Vincent Kompany. I like the way he defends and carries the back four.
What other sports do you like?
Tom: When I am back in Leicester, I play golf quite a bit with my brother because he's quite good - I'm not the best but I like it.
Demi: I really like tennis.
Ben: Boxing. I watch Anthony Joshua's fights.
What are your pre-match routines and rituals?
Tom: I like to eat an egg on toast, beans on toast - something like that. I eat a banana before each game.
Demi: I wouldn't say I have a set routine, but I like to think about the game and think about what I want to do
Ben: Pre-match, I like to listen to music and I like to pray.
What boots are you currently wearing?
Tom: I am wearing Adidas Predators. I recently got them and they are very comfy - I like them.
Demi: I am currently wearing Predators.
Ben: Predators.
All-time favourite boots?
Tom: All-time favourite would be the Predators. I recently wore Adidas X's but I switched back to the Preds.
Demi: Has to be the vapours.
Ben: I would say, Predators.
How do you wear your kit?
Tom: I have my socks quite high, I don't tuck the shirt in and that's about it.
Demi: I am plain and simple. No cut socks or anything like that.
Ben: I like to cut my socks.