Born in Truro, Cornwall, Etherington came through the youth ranks at Peterborough United and made his league debut aged 15 years 262 days, in a 2--1 win at Brentford on 3 May 1997.
Born in Truro, Cornwall, Etherington came through the youth ranks at Peterborough United after being spotted by Barry Fry playing for Falmouth Town under 14s. He made his debut in the the Football League aged 15 years 262 days, in a 2--1 win at Brentford on 3 May 1997.