Following a short stint on trial, Michael McSorley put pen to paper to join Brentford in March 2024.

McSorley was no stranger to west London, the talented forward having been a part of the academy before it was shut down in 2016.

After returning to grassroots, McSorley eventually played for the Brentford Community Sports Trust’s Post 16 Programme, before signing with the young Bees.

Following a promising end to the 2023/24 season, including a brace to secure the Merit League 2 title, McSorley took that momentum into his second season in west London.

The forward scored 12 goals across the Professional Development League (PDL), PDL Cup and the FA Youth Cup in the 2024/25 campaign, second-best in the U18 squad. He added five assists to give him 17 goal contributions for the season.

A season highlight came in the young Bees’ 4-3 loss to Norwich City U18s in the FA Youth Cup third round. McSorley scored a brace in a pulsating clash at Carrow Road.

This strong form earned McSorley B team minutes, as he featured in the young Bees’ 5-1 London Senior Cup win over Athletic Newham. He then gained valuable minutes playing abroad with the B team as he joined the squad for their Atlantic Cup campaign in Portugal. After coming on at half-time of the 1-1 draw with IFK Varnamo, McSorley stepped up to the spot in the penalty shootout and scored the final penalty to secure a 4-2 victory.

An injury brought a premature end to McSorley’s season, however his strong form helped him secure a contract extension to remain with the B team for the 2025/26 season.