Many young boys dream of one day becoming a professional footballer but for 17-year-old Tristan Nydam that became a reality when he signed his first pro deal with Town earlier in the month. Sam Tonks spoke to him shortly after he put pen to paper.
"It’s a dream come true, something I’ve always thought about as a kid and for it to become a reality is amazing really,” said Nydam in an exclusive interview. "It’s amazing, especially knowing what it means for my family as well.”
For Zimbabwe-born, Colchester-raised Nydam family means a lot, particularly while he was moving through the ranks of the Town academy after joining aged eight.
"When I was younger, I felt I was just enjoying football, there was no real pressure on me to succeed.
"Then as I got older, the pressure increased with the physicality and competitiveness, making it a lot harder. But this makes you realise you have a big opportunity.”
Whilst the lucky few, like Nydam, make it through the ranks of the academy and become professionals, there are more who don’t and as he moved further along the line this made him more determined.
"Seeing what they went through when they got released made me want it more, just to make my family proud,” he added.
The likes of Tommy Smith and Teddy Bishop have gone from academy graduates to first-team regulars and Nydam has his eyes set on a similar path.
He came off the bench in pre-season in a friendly at Cambridge to make a non-competitive senior debut.
"It was a great experience being around the first team, seeing what they do pre- and post-match, it’s really helped me.”
When asked about his future he was very ambitious and eager to make an impression.
"I’m hoping to appear before the end of the season then hope to become a regular in the next couple of years.”
With tuition from Mick McCarthy and home fans’ support, Nydam could be one to keep an eye on.