The 17-year-old former Ormer FC player scored on his debut for the Latics Under-18s on the day the League One club officially announced that he had signed a professional contract at the DW Stadium.
Adams grew up in Guernsey before making the move to Southampton at the age of 16 to try to forge a career in the game.
He enrolled on Eastleigh FC’s Football Academy programme at the start of the season and has received invaluable coaching from the Spitfires’ assistant manager and current interim boss Jason Bristow to aid his development.
Adams later signed with Southern League Division One outfit Sholing on non-contract terms, becoming a huge hit during the first half of the campaign, making 10 appearances for the senior side.
His performances have been recognised on an international basis after Adams was selected for England Schoolboys U18s in December ahead of the Centenary Shield later this year.
He will initially link up with Kieran Driscoll’s U18s for the remainder of the 2021-22 campaign having penned an 18-month contract and he started yesterday’s LFA Professional Youth Cup semi-final against Rochdale, scoring the opening goal on 35min., although Wigan went on to suffer a 3-1 defeat.
‘Joe is very talented player and we are delighted that he has chosen Wigan Athletic for the next stage of his football development,’ said academy manager Gregor Rioch.
‘Having been brought up in Guernsey, Joe hasn’t had the conventional academy upbringing you see in the majority of players of his age and it is full credit to all of his coaches who have helped develop him over the years.
‘As well as being a great lad and from a wonderful family, Joe is a technically-gifted forward who can create and score goals. He is tactically very aware and has a good appreciation for space on the football pitch.
‘Joe joins a very good group of young players making their way in the game that will bring the best out of each other.
‘We would like to thank his college in Eastleigh for all of their support in making this happen, in particular his coaches and teachers who have communicated brilliantly with members of our academy staff.
‘A special mention must go to Jason Bristow at Eastleigh and Dave Diaper at Sholing, who have played a huge part in Joe’s development from academy football to men’s football.’
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