Living the Dream
Charlie Stevens: Bournemouth since birth
By Rian Mullaley
Charlie Stevens, Poole born and bred, a cherry since birth, now living the dream.
Earlier this week, 18-year-old midfielder Charlie Stevens was named on the bench at the American Express Stadium for AFC Bournemouth's 1-1 draw away to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Stevens, a product of the AFC Bournemouth academy, and a boyhood Bournemouth fan, was rewarded for his fine form for the U21s side this season with a first involvement in the matchday squad for Andoni Iraola's side. Speaking on the experience in an exclusive interview with Buzz News, Stevens said: "It was a surreal experience.
"Obviously I've been a Bournemouth fan myself so it's what I've always been aiming for.
"I've trained with the first team a couple of times, obviously there's been a few injuries in the group, so that's how the opportunity came about."
(Photo Credit: afcb.co.uk)
Charlie Stevens in action on loan at Poole Town last season. (Photo Credit: Lauren Kelly)
Charlie Stevens in action on loan at Poole Town last season. (Photo Credit: Lauren Kelly)
Poole Town loan move and development
Charlie Stevens gained his first experience of men's football on loan at Southern League Premier South side Poole Town.
Stevens, who himself was born in Poole, joined the Dolphins in February 2025 until the end of the 2024/25 season, and made seven appearances for Joe Lea and Pat Suraci's side to help them to a 14th placed finish, and safe from relegation.
Stevens' loan move to Poole followed in the footsteps of many previous AFC Bournemouth academy graduates, including current Cherries striker Remy Rees-Dottin, who made his Premier League debut last season in the 4-1 win at Newcastle, and Daniel Adu-Adjei who is now playing in the HNL and UEFA Conference League with Croatian side HNK Rijeka.
“I think Poole helped me a lot to develop physically, learn the 'nitty gritty' side of the game.”
After his loan move at Poole Town, Stevens returned to AFC Bournemouth in a much stronger position to shine for the Under 21s side, and push for first team involvement.
The 18-year-old has been a regular starter, and an important player for Alan Connell's side, allowing him to earn the attention of first team boss Andoni Iraola.
Despite being a defensive midfielder by trade, Charlie Stevens has added more goals to his game this term, scoring for the Under 21s in the Professional Development League against Hull City and Brentford, and in the Premier League Cup group stage against Colchester and Birmingham.
Regarding his experience with the Under 21s side, Stevens said: "It's been a good few months with them [the Under 21s] starting a lot, scoring, it's definitely helped me [as a player]."
Stevens' talent has also earnt him international recognition over recent years. Despite being born in Poole, he is eligible to represent Wales as well as England, and has been capped at Under 16, Under 17, Under 18, and most recently Under 19s level for Wales.
Charlie Stevens playing at the Vitality Stadium for AFC Bournemouth Under 21s side. (Photo Credit: afcb.co.uk)
Charlie Stevens playing at the Vitality Stadium for AFC Bournemouth Under 21s side. (Photo Credit: afcb.co.uk)
Whilst left as an unused substitute at the American Express Stadium on Monday night, the experience of being involved with the first team squad, both away at Brighton and in training has been hugely positive for Charlie Stevens.
Speaking on his time with the first team, Stevens said: "The standard's definitely a step up from the 21s and obviously Poole, its definitely improved my game.
"The pace of play, everything's much sharper both in and out of possession, so I've definitely tried to adapt to that."
At a club littered with promising young talent, every training session with the first team provides an opporunity for Stevens to work with regular Premier League footballers, such as Alex Scott and summer signing Eli Junior Kroupi, who he was quick to praise.
"Alex Scott and Junior Kroupi, probably two of my favourite players being a fan as I said, definitely up there as the best I've worked with."
Learning from Alex Scott
Both midfielders by trade, Alex Scott has proved a particular inspiration for Charlie Stevens whilst training with the first team.
The 22-year-old has featured in all 22 of AFC Bournemouth's Premier League games this season, starting 19.
Scott was on the bench for England's 2-0 win against Albania in November after being handed his maiden senior international call up by Thomas Tuchel, and was also part of Lee Carsley's side which won the U21 European Championships last summer.
“He [Alex Scott] is someone I sort of try and base my style of play off, and definitely try and take parts of his game into mine.”
Alex Scott celebrating his goal in AFC Bournemouth's 2-1 win over Brighton back in August. (Photo Credit: afcb.co.uk)
Alex Scott celebrating his goal in AFC Bournemouth's 2-1 win over Brighton back in August. (Photo Credit: afcb.co.uk)
“The ultimate aim is to make my debut”
Charlie Stevens on his dreams for 2026
Future Ambitions
Moving forward from Monday night, Charlie Stevens will hope his fine form for the Under 21s this season will continue to provide opportunities with the first team for his boyhood club.
"I've been a Bournemouth fan since I was three.
"Of course the ultimate aim is to make my debut and push into the first team.
"Right now I've just got to keep working and see what comes."
Next up for the Cherries is a home fixture against reigning champions Liverpool, where a number of Bournemouth academy players will be keeping their fingers crossed for a call up from Andoni Iraola.
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