Having predominantly played as a midfielder in previous seasons, TJ Carroll excelled at centre-back during the 2024/25 campaign.

Carroll struck up a strong partnership with Leon Routh in the heart of defence for the Under-18s and helped them complete a historic season. 

The defender was a key player as the Young Lions won the U18 Premier League South, FA Youth Cup and U18 Premier League National Final, assisting the winner in the latter. 

Carroll signed a scholarship with the club in July 2023 and was a member of the Under-16 squad that won the Premier League National Tournament earlier that year. He signed his first professional contract on the back of the successful 2024/25 campaign, in July 2025.