10 Interesting Jacob Ramsey Facts from Childhood
- Think Football Ideas
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
When Newcastle United announced the signing of Jacob Ramsey, few outside Villa Park circles truly grasped the depth of his journey. They don’t see the long days, nor do they hear the echoes of setbacks that shaped him into a Premier League footballer.
The Great Barr-born lad has always had the strength and discipline that separate talents from stars, and his story is one that mixes family roots, boxing grit, and the pride of claret and blue. But now, as a Magpie draped in black and white, Ramsey steps into a new chapter where his adaptability, mentality, and hunger for the big moments will be tested.
Below Are 10 Things About Jacob Ramsey Facts from Childhood
1. Ramsey joined Aston Villa’s youth academy at the age of six
Ramsey’s path to footballing recognition began almost as soon as he could lace up his boots. At just six years old, he entered Aston Villa’s academy, the place that would become his second home.
He stood out in youth football not by size or strength, but by vision and control. By January 15, 2019, he was rewarded with a professional contract, confirmation of his steady climb through the ranks.
His profile grew in the 2018–19 FA Youth Cup, where he scored in every round up to the Fifth, netting twice per game, until a dismissal against Bournemouth ended his run. That tournament marked him as one of Villa’s brightest prospects.
2. He has a mixed heritage
Ramsey’s roots reflect both English and Jamaican heritage. His father hails from Jamaica, while his mother is English, giving Jacob a cultural background that shaped his outlook and resilience.
Growing up in Birmingham, he embraced both sides of his family identity, an upbringing that carried the dual influences of Caribbean toughness and English football tradition.
3. His father is an ex-professional boxer, Mark, who fought Ricky Hatton twice
The Ramsey household was never far from competitive spirit. Jacob’s father, Mark, was a professional boxer who twice shared the ring with Ricky Hatton. That experience of discipline and grit filtered down to Jacob, who often joined his dad in boxing sessions.
It wasn’t for a career in the ring, but to strengthen his body and sharpen his reflexes for football. Those hours of sparring toughened him up, preparing him for challenges far beyond the academy pitches.
4. His joining Villa's first team was an anomaly
Ramsey’s introduction to Aston Villa’s senior setup arrived sooner than anticipated. In February 2019, with injuries depleting the squad, manager Dean Smith pulled the teenager, fresh from a red card in youth competition, into first-team training, initially to bolster the numbers.
What was meant as a stopgap quickly revealed his composure and adaptability. Within days, he found himself on the bench against Brentford, and three days later, he debuted in a Championship clash against West Bromwich Albion. What began as a temporary measure became the beginning of his professional journey.
5. He was Aston Villa's Academy Player of the Season 2018–19
The 2018–19 season was a breakthrough year for Ramsey, capped off by recognition from his boyhood club. At Villa’s end-of-season awards, he was named Academy Player of the Season.
For a youngster who had only recently broken into senior conversations, it was a validation of his consistency and promise. The award signalled that Villa’s hierarchy saw him as more than another academy hopeful. He became someone to build around.
6. He has had only one loan stint throughout his career
Unlike many English youngsters who cut their teeth with several loan spells, Ramsey’s career path has been remarkably stable. His only temporary move came in January 2020, when he joined Doncaster Rovers in League One.
He made an immediate impact, scoring twice on his debut against Tranmere Rovers. The spell was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but by then, he had shown enough to Villa’s staff that further loans were unnecessary. He returned to Birmingham ready for the Premier League challenge.
7. His first goal at Villa Park was against Manchester United
Few moments can rival the thrill of scoring in front of your home fans, and Ramsey’s first taste of that came in January 2022.
Against Manchester United, in front of a roaring Villa Park, he found the net in a 2–2 draw. That strike was a declaration that a boyhood academy player had arrived on one of English football’s biggest stages.
8. He was Aston Villa's Young Player of the Season for two consecutive seasons
Consistency is the mark of true talent, and Ramsey proved it by securing Villa’s Young Player of the Season award two years running. Supporters voted for him after his breakout 2021–22 campaign, and he followed it up with another stellar year.
Beyond the club, the Premier League itself acknowledged his rise, naming him the “Academy Graduate of the Season” after 2022–23. Recognition from both fans and the league confirmed what Villa already knew: he was evolving into a central figure.
9. He attended Barr Beacon School in Walsall
Long before the Premier League spotlight, Jacob Ramsey spent his days at Barr Beacon School in Walsall.
Those who taught him remember a grounded, determined boy who found a way to balance books with boots. The environment there helped shape his character, embedding discipline and humility.
10. His brothers Cole and Aaron are footballers
Football has penetrated the Ramsey family bloodline. Jacob’s younger brother, Cole, is also making strides in the game, currently part of Aston Villa’s U18 setup. Their other brother, Aaron, is already a professional at Burnley, having also come through Villa’s academy.
With three sons in professional football, it’s safe to say the Ramsey household is one where the sport is a way of life.
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