OBM Pemi makes professional football debut for Peterborough United 19 March 2024

OBM Pemi Aderoju is living his dream as a professional footballer having made his debut for League One side Peterborough United. Pemi returned to BMS on Friday 08 March to present a signed shirt to BMS Head of Football Michael Park.

19-year-old Pemi, who joined BMS in Year 7 and played for football teams throughout his time at the school, came on as a substitute during the final minutes of the league fixture between Peterborough United – also known as Posh – and Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday 10 February at Adams Park.

An imposing striker, Pemi signed for Peterborough following an impressive stint at non-league team Biggleswade United, where he caught the attention of Football League scouts by scoring 12 goals in as many games. After going on trial at Posh, he signed an 18-month deal to join the club in January. He then impressed for the Under-21s by scoring against the likes of Bristol City, Barnsley and twice against Tottenham Hotspur.

Pemi explained that the coaching from the BMS sports staff was crucial to his growth as a footballer and also spoke of his pride at making his debut for Posh. He said: “It was an amazing feeling playing in front of the fans in the stadium. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for years and dreamt of. When I got the call to go on it was a feeling of excitement more than nerves. I just wanted to make an impact and the first touch was a header towards goal – that would have been crazy had it gone in, but the defender got a touch on it.”

BMS Head of Football Michael Park said: “It was great to see Pemi and welcome him back to BMS for the morning. When sharing his journey since leaving BMS it is clear he has gone from strength to strength with his football.

“At BMS he was always a fantastic sportsman with an abundance of athletic capabilities and a true passion for the game. He has overcome injuries, did not follow the traditional football pathway to professional football and has proven there is always a different route into it. Pemi is an inspiration to the current students at BMS showing them that with determination and resilience they can achieve their goals.

“We are proud to have Pemi as an OBM and we all wish him the very best with his football career.”

Peterborough United FC Academy Manager Dan Robinson added: “Pemi is a fantastic character, comes from a lovely family background, scored a lot of goals for Biggleswade and we are excited about his potential.”