Alex James Wynter (born 15 September 1993) is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender for National League South club Eastbourne Borough. Wynter had progressed through the youth system at Crystal Palace since the age of nine, where he made two cup appearances. He had loan spells at Eastbourne Borough, Sutton United, Colchester United and Portsmouth, before joining Colchester on a permanent basis in January 2015. He joined Eastleigh in July 2018, following an impressive season at Maidstone United. Career Early career Born in Croydon, Wynter joined the Crystal Palace Academy at the age of nine whilst he was attending Davidson Primary School based in his hometown. He later attended the Crystal Palace affiliated Oasis Academy Shirley Park between 2005 and 2010, where he was head boy. He made his professional debut whilst studying at Oasis Academy, appearing in the FA Cup while still in year 11. He left the academy with twelve GCSEs, including six at grade A. Alongside the academy, Wynter regularly featured in the Croydon Schools' team across multiple age groups. He scored hat-tricks against Woking Schools' in a 10–0 win at under-11 level in September 2004, Ashford Schools' in a 5–0 win and Sutton Schools' in a 6–2 win in December 2004, and a further hat-trick against Godalming Schools' in a 7–2 away win in January 2005 as he helped his side to the London School's Shield final. He scored for London Schools' in their 5–1 win over Surrey Schools' to lift the trophy for his side in April 2005. The following year, Wynter helped the Croydon Schools' under-12s side retain the English Schools' South-East Area Patrick Haugh Trophy after defeating Mid Sussex Schools' 3–1, with Wynter scoring the opening two goals for Croydon Schools'. He also helped his side to retain the Gibson Cup with two goals in their 3–0 win over Woking Schools' in April 2006. He continued his goalscoring form in the under-13 age group, scoring a hat-trick in the English Schools' Football Association Wimbledon Challenge Trophy against Canterbury Schools' in a 10–0 victory. He later helped his age group to a third consecutive season of success with victory in the Challenge Trophy with a goal in extra time to beat Gravesham Schools', and a hat-trick against Bedford Schools' in the semi-final stage of the Oxford United Invitation Cup in May 2007. Crystal Palace With Crystal Palace struggling financially, and facing