Dylan Hartley became the youngest player to ever play for Doncaster Rovers when he featured as a substitute against Liverpool U21 in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday 6 October. The 15-year-old Cantley resident made his debut aged 15 years, four months and 28 days, breaking a record which had stood for over 70 years.
Hartley appeared in the 83rd minute, surpassing the long-standing record held by Alick Jeffrey, who made his Rovers debut at home to Fulham on 15 September 1954, aged 15 years, seven months and 17 days.
Academy pathway to first team
The Doncaster-born forward has been with the club's academy since the age of eight and is currently in Year 11 at Hayfield School. He made his Under 18s debut at age 14 and has impressed playing an age group up this term, scoring 13 goals so far this season, including a hat-trick against Notts County U18s.
Hartley operates primarily as a centre-forward but can also play from the left. He trained with Grant McCann's first team last week and again on Monday ahead of the EFL Trophy fixture.
Academy's response
Stuart Swift, Head of Academy, said: "It's a huge achievement for Dylan and I'd like to congratulate him first and foremost on becoming the youngest player to ever represent Doncaster Rovers in a competitive game. To do that at just 15-years-old is incredibly special, and even more so given Dylan is a local lad from Doncaster."
Swift added: "Players making their senior debut at such a young age doesn't happen often, and it's testament to Dylan, but also to everyone associated with the Academy — from the players and staff to the recruitment and processes we have in place to identify, develop and create opportunities for young players from the local area."
Swift highlighted the importance of the club's approach: "It also speaks volumes about the pathway we have here at Rovers and the relationship we have with the first team. Grant and his staff are never afraid to give a young player an opportunity, and that's hugely important in helping our young players progress."