Morgan Rogers was just six when he joined his first football team, Halas Hawks.
Now, having made his debut playing for England in the FIFA World Cup 2026, managers at the grassroots club in Halesowen, West Midlands, said the signs of success were there from the start.
“He joined in our reception group. It was very clear from then onwards he was an exceptional player – he was going to make it as a footballer in some way,” said club treasurer Brian Wilkes.
After rising through the West Bromwich Albion youth academy, where he was identified as a “real star performer“, the 23-year-old made his professional debut in 2019.
In 2024, he earned a permanent transfer to Aston Villa for an initial £8 million fee.
Rogers has played for seven clubs professionally, but Halas Hawks was his only grassroots club.
62 goals in one season
Wilkes said when Rogers went into the under-7s team, “he really excelled in his first season”.
“He was a very strong runner with the ball. He scored 62 goals in his second season in under 8s,” he said.
“I think the manager took a little bit of pity on the opposition and started playing him in defence for a few games. He still managed to score 45 goals in that season.
“At the end of the under 8s season, West Bromwich Albion came looking and scouted him out.”
On whether the club ever thought Rogers would be playing for England, Wilkes said: “No. It was clear he was a very talented lad, and it was clear Morgan was going to make it professionally, but to be an England player is absolutely superb and wonderful.
“Wonderful for the club, for the community and for Halesowen.
“It’s extraordinary and unique. We’ve had so many people approach us and say, ‘did Morgan Rogers really play for you?’.”
The player himself also got back in touch with his old club in recent years.
“We asked Morgan to do an end of season message for us,” Wilkes said.
“He sent us a really inspiring message about working hard and pushing for your dreams. It was a wonderful message for everybody to hear.”
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