An 18-year-old goalkeeper has been signed by a National League club from Whitstable.

Josh Robson departs the 2024/25 FA Vase victors, having been on a youth development contract for the campaign, for Sutton United. They finished 12th in the top tier of English non-league football last time out.

Robson does so after winning every first-team game he played in.

He even came on up front as a late substitute in a 4-0 Southern Counties East League Premier Division thrashing of Holmesdale in April 2024 as Dan Eason took temporary charge after Marcel Nimani’s exit.

“Josh has been a great lad to work with and certainly has all the tools to push on in the game,” said manager Jamie Coyle as the Oystermen revealed Robson’s switch to Sutton United on Tuesday night. “I’m absolutely delighted to see his progress recognised in this way.

“It’s a testament to the hard work being done across the club, not just in terms of results on the pitch, but in developing our young talent and giving them a real pathway to senior football.

“This move shows exactly what we’re about - if you're good enough, you're old enough. With the youthfulness of our current first-team squad, I believe this is only the beginning.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, I want to wish Josh all the very best for the next chapter in his football journey.”

Chairman Steve Clayton said: “It’s always great to see one of our youth players take the next step in their football journey.

“While there’s always a bit of sadness in seeing them move on, we’re a club that takes real pride in developing talent and preparing them for bigger and better opportunities.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Josh and a proud moment for everyone involved in his development. It’s also another accolade for the club and a clear sign that our pathway is working.

“We wish Josh every success and will be following his progress closely.”

Sutton’s first team are managed by former Cardiff boss and Wales international striker Steve Morison, formerly of Millwall and Norwich.

It comes after Whitstable held their end-of-season youth presentation event at The Belmont last weekend.

Assistant manager Matt Longhurst and first-team forward Dean Grant helped hand out some of the awards.