A Beverley youngster has been given a dream opportunity to make his mark with Premier League giants Arsenal.
St Nicholas Primary School pupil Keiran Franciosy, nine and a dedicated Gooner, has been asked to join the Arsenal Soccer School Advance Centre after successfully completing a trial at Longcroft School on Friday.
It comes on the back of an excellent performance from the Beverley lad and his Westella and Willerby team at a tournament organised by Hull City Youth Development for the best under-10s teams in the area.
Although Kieran’s side missed out on the semi-finals, his performance – scoring four out his side’s six goals, including a four-minute hat-trick.
But his dad, Simon Evans, opted to take his son down a different route – one which has ended with Keiran getting the chance to impress with his favourite side.
Simon told HU17.net: “As a result of seeing Keiran play so well, I decided to see if he had the ability to be coached at the highest level, so I looked at the setup of Arsenal Soccer Schools and was told he had to be invited only and would need to trial to be able to join the school.
“He attended on Friday evening and was over the moon to be asked back, and will now continue his development as a player training with the Advanced School on Monday and Friday evenings at Longcroft School, Beverley, while maintaining his training and matches for Westella on the weekend.”
Arsenal Soccer Schools have been operating since 1985 around the UK and have expanded internationally.
The courses are based on the same principles used at the training ground by Arsene Wenger and his coaching staff, allowing Kieran to combine his passion for Arsenal off the pitch with a chance to learn the Arsenal way.
Simon continued: “I can’t put into words how proud I am right now. Keiran has worked so hard, and loves the game with a passion.
“If he isn’t playing football, he’s on the PlayStation playing, or he’s watching Arsenal, or he’s outside playing with friends.
“He literally lives for football and Arsenal and at least now he will have the chance to fulfil his dream and potential.”
