Youth in Belek: Kamil Jakóbczyk

Jakóbczyk joined Lech’s Academy in 2022 from Hutnik Cracow. In the past, he trained for the likes of Wisła Cracow as well as Football Academy Wieliczka before joining Lech at the age of 15. The player himself emphasised that it was the U-15 Polish national team, where he met other players representing Lech, that helped him make the decision. In his first season in Poznań, Jakóbczyk competed for the Younger Juniors’ squad, however, in this campaign, he is playing under the wing of coach Bartosz Bochiński. The young star is the top scorer in the current Polish Champion’s team with 12 goals in his account after 13 matches. Jakóbczyk’s great form has also been acknowledged by the coach of Lech’s B Team – in October, he made his debut in the third division in the clash with KKS Kalisz (1:2). “The current season has been a successful one for me, so far. Good disposition and the goals in the U-19 side, as well as the debut for the B team, have made me happy. I have grown a lot throughout this period, I feel that I have improved in many ways, but there is still a lot of work ahead of me,” explained the young striker.

For Jakóbczyk, the training camp in Belek is a debut, however, he has already trained with the senior squad in the past – at the beginning of January, he was invited, along with a few other Academy players, to practice side-by-side with the more experienced squad.

“I feel good when training with the first team. It’s not my first time, hence I know what it’s about. Of course, I’ve felt a bit of stress but it’s subsided with every day. The pace of the game is much faster, but with every next training session, I have managed to adapt better and better. During the practices, I observe practically everyone. There is something I can learn from every player, all of them are eager to talk, so there is a lot to gain. When it comes to relationships, at the beginning it was the easiest to integrate with the Polish players, but I have also managed to speak to a few foreigners. Everyone has been helping me with various aspects,” highlighted Jakóbczyk.

Lech Poznań played three friendly games in Belek, and the 16-year-old made an appearance in one of them. In the 83^rd minute of the friendly against NK Maribor, Jakóbczyk came in as a substitute. “I felt a slight discomfort but also excitement. I was happy to play in a friendly. It motivates me to keep working hard. The whole time spent in Belek has been positive. I gathered invaluable experience which I will surely take advantage of in the future. I have also taken note of what I need to improve and I will work on it,” said the 16-year-old talent.