When it came to discussing which Southern League goalkeepers most impressed during the season just gone, the name of Arthur Nasta was mentioned on numerous occasions.
The teenager made 44 appearances for Pitching In Southern League Division One South outfit, Larkhall Athletic, over the course of the campaign, keeping 16 clean sheets on his way to the Supporters’ Player of the Season and Golden Gloves awards.
His progress has been rewarded with a professional contract at FA Premier League club, Wolves, who have snapped the talented youngster up following a successful trial spell earlier in the season.
“It was after I had one of my best performances of the season at Malvern Town that Wolves asked if I could spend a week with them,” the talented youngster told DadFC.com. “It was a fantastic experience, working with an unbelievable goalkeeping coach and alongside some extremely talented goalkeepers.
“I tried to enjoy the environment, show what I was capable of and just learn as much as I could whilst I was there. It must have gone well because they asked me to join them permanently, but at the same time understood that I had commitments to Larkhall Athletic and also my education, studying for my A Levels.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge; whilst I have the experience of playing a season of competitive men’s football at a good level, I’ve not had that Academy upbringing of training each day, so that will be something to get used to.
“I’ve still got plenty to learn but having played in different conditions and on different surfaces in a really physical and competitive League, that has helped my overall game and given me a great grounding.”
An impressive run of form during the second half of the season thrust Larkhall Athletic into the play-off race but ultimately, they just missed out with a sixth-place finish.
“We grew massively as a team over the season,” he added, “Our team bond served us well; we worked hard every week and started getting results even when we weren’t playing well.
“Being good friends off the pitch as well as on it meant that the social aspect played a big part in our impressive run of form in the second half of the season.
“From a personal point of view, I was focused on consistency; being a solid six or seven out of ten each week rather than an eight or nine one week and then a three or four the next.
“I also learned when to get involved in the action and when to let others deal with it.
“My parents have given me so much emotional support and the reality check that I need. Dad comes to all of my games and is very objective, I know that I am so lucky to have them behind me every step of the way.”
We wish Arthur well as he begins his adventure at Molineux later this summer.
You can check out the interview in full on the DadFC.com You Tube Channel.
IMAGE: Larkhall Athletic FC
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