A skillful South Tyneside schoolboy has been tipped as a
football star of the future after coming third in a worldwide
competition.
Josh Rodgers, reached the final of a football skills
competition run by Manchester United, which more than 20,000
children entered.
He was presented with a trophy by legendary player Sir Bobby
Charlton at half time during the Premier League champions’ game
against Hull on Saturday.
In the morning the 11-year-old was invited to the club’s Cliff
training ground, where he took part in a skills test with other
finalists from around the world. From the initial 20,000 entrants
from as far afield as Australia, Dubai, India and Ukraine, 37 were
chosen to take part on Saturday in the final.
After showing off his skills on the same pitch which stars such
as George Best and Eric Cantona have graced in the past, Josh, a
Sunderland season ticket holder, then watched the match against
Hull at Old Trafford.
At half time he was invited on to the pitch in front of the
75,000 crowd after being told he had finished third overall.
Josh, a Year 7 pupil at St Joseph’s RC Comprehensive School,
Hebburn, said: “I didn’t think I was going to do so well, I thought
I had done rubbish in the morning so I was surprised to be asked to
go on the pitch. Bobby Charlton is one of my heroes so it was great
to meet him. We had a quick chat as well.
“I want to play football for a living for either Manchester
United or Sunderland.”
Josh, who lives with mum Ashley and dad Rob in Sunnirise, South
Shields, got to the final by attending the Manchester United Summer
Soccer School.
But he only managed to attend because his grandmother paid the
£500 entrance fee.
Proud dad Rob, 54, said: “His mate had gone and Josh wanted to
go too but it was a bit expensive. So his grandmother said she
would pay. He won the competition held at the summer school to make
it through to the finals.
“I was over the moon when I found out he had got to the final
stages and then he came third.
“Words just can’t describe how proud I felt. My only regret is
that I forgot to get him to ask Bobby Charlton to sign my copy of
his autobiography. He deserves this success because he puts the
hard work in. He practices hour after hour after hour and he has
been playing since he was four.
“He is keen to become a professional but all lads want that. He
needs to carry on with his schooling and keep his feet on the
ground for now.”
Josh’s mum, Ashley said: “We were delighted when he won its
absolutely amazing. I’m so proud.”
Speaking about the competition, former Manchester United
captain, Bryan Robson said: “This was an amazing opportunity for
these kids to get the chance to live their dream and play at Old
Trafford. They have all worked incredibly hard to get here and
thoroughly deserve to appear on one of the greatest stages in world
football.
“I hope that this unique opportunity will serve to inspire them,
so they can get even more out of the game.”