In February 2003, 14
year old central defender Rossi Jarvis made the record books when
he became probably the youngest player to play for Norwich's Reserve
team. A regular thenin the Under-15s, he was called up for the
reserve team clash with Brentford on 5th February 2003 as Norwich's
youth team were playing the same day against West Ham in the FA
Youth Cup. Many of the regulars in the reserves were playing for
the Under-19s whose side included Rossi's brother Ryan
Jarvis.
Rossi signed for Norwich's Academy as a full-time scholar in
July 2004. "Rossi is another exciting prospect from the
Jarvis family," said Academy Director Ricky
Martin. "Technically he's very gifted. He's very good
on the ball, and likes to play out from the back, plus he's shown
great attitude and determination to come back from serious injury,
having not played a game all last year. He's one of those who
set the standards for the other Academy boys to follow in that
he's very comfortable on both sides of his body."
Rossi was called up to the Norwich City first team squad for
the trip to Middlesbrough on 28th December 2004 as the Canaries
had been plagued with injuries. After being on the bench for a
number of games in the early part of the 2005/6 Championship season,
Rossi made his debut on November 5th 2005 as a second half substitute
in the 2-0 away defeat to Wolves.
Failure to sign the professional contract Norwich offered Rossi
led to speculation on 11th January that Premiership sides Charlton
and Portsmouth were watching events with interest, hoping to swoop
for the latest product of Norwich's academy. Crystal Palace were
also said to be interested. Nigel Worthington
urged the young star to sign the contract that City were offering.
It's a very good offer, one that's been on the table for
the last two weeks and one that we'd very much like the boy to
sign, said Worthington. In January 2006, Rossi signed his
first professional contract that will keep him at Carrow Road
until 2008.
On Easter Monday 2006, Rossi made his international debut, playing
in England Under-18s 2-1 win over Slovenia, and providing the
assist for the winning goal.
Jarvis and fellow Academy product Matthew
Halliday joined Coca Cola League Two Torquay on a month's
loan deal on 25th January 2007 in the hope of regular first team
football. After making 4 appearances for the Gulls., he was injured
and returned to Carrow Road. He was loaned out again on 12th March
2007- this time to Rotherham where he will be familiar with fellow
loanee Ian Henderson and former
captain Craig Fleming. Rossi played
for England Under-19s in their 20th march 2007 clash againts Turkey
at Doncastor's Keepmoat stadium before being replaced by Ipswich's
Danny Haynes at half-term. England won
1-0 with a goal from Chris Martin.
Media speculation at the end of January 2008 suggested that Blackpool
were keen to sign Rossi
Rossi, along with Ryan and seven other players, were informed
on 6th May 2008 that Norwich would not be renewing their contracts.
He had made five appearances during 2007/8 but hadn't found favour
under Glenn Roeder. He complained that
he had not had a fair chance under Roeder who had brought in young
players from Premiership sides.
In late May 2008, Rossi was named as a target for League Two
side Luton Town, and indeed Jarvis played for them in a pre-season
friendly against Borehamwood in mid-July 2008. He was signed on
a permanent basis on 8th August 2008 and scored his first goal
for the Hatters in their 2-0 defeat of Plymouth in the Carling
Cup the following week. Jarvis however could not prevent Luton
from being relegated on 13th April 2009 into the Conference following
a goalless draw with Chesterfield. The 30pts deduction that the
club were given for financial misconduct was too great for the
club to overcome. However Jarvis did play a key role as Luton
won the Full Members Cup with a 3-2 win over Scunthorpe at Wembley.
At the end of the 2009/10 season, Jarvis along with keeper Shane
Gore, midfielder Asa Hall and striker Steve Basham were released
by the Hatters. Despite being without a club, he came on as substitute
for the England "C" international squad for their win
over Ireland at the end of May 2010
On 1st July 2010, Rossi signed for Mark Stimson's Barnet becoming
his seventh signing of the 2010 summer. Stimson said: Rossi
will hopefully play an important role in the team. He has good
passing ability and I am sure our fans will enjoy watching him.
After Barnet's narrow escape from relegation to the Conference
at the end of the 2010/11 season, Rossi was released by new Barnet
manager Lawrie Sanchez
After a trial, he signed for Cambridge on a month long contract
on 9th August 2011. Cambridge United manager Jez George said:
Im delighted that weve agreed initially a
short term contract with Rossi. Hes an excellent footballer
and we feel that as he gets fitter he will have a lot to offer
the team. In the mean time, this is a good arrangement for both
parties.
Rossi, who has been allocated number 16, said: Im
also delighted to have signed a short term agreement and to be
given the chance to get back into football and start enjoying
myself again. Im pleased with the set-up and the way things
have gone to start with. Cambridge has a decent squad with decent
staff and Im looking forward to pushing on this season.
After impressing, this was extended on 31st August 2011 until
the end of the season. It was then extended for the 2012/13 season
Released by Cambridge at the end of April 2013, Rossi joined
Lowestoft on 10th October 2013, making his debut two days later
in a 5-0 win over Carshalton.
Jarvis and Lowestoft won promotion to Conference South on Monday
5th May beating AFC Hornchurch.
Jarvis left Lowestoft at the end of March 2018, having made 159 appearances and scoring six goals. He then signed for Dereham. He returned to Lowestoft on 9th August 2018
Rossi left Lowestoft at the end of May 2021 and joined Dereham on 29th May 2021.
On 13th June 2022 Rossi followed his brother Ryan in signing for Leiston.
In the summer of 2024 he returned to Norwich as Player Welfare Officer for the Academy.