Record making footballer Oliver Younger (right) is living up to his name by becoming the youngest player ever to sign for a football scholarship with Burnley FC.
Oliver is just 14 and has been taken on by the team which is battling at the top on the Championship and could find itself in the Priemiership next season.
Normally players have to wait until they are 16 to win a scholarship, but Oliver is so good, he has been offered the opportunity two years earlier.
It means he takes a day away from the classroom to train and is also driven by his dad, Adrian, from their home in Skipton to train on Thursday evenings.
The Aireville School student was “spotted” by a Burnley scout when he was just a seven years old and has now been training and playing with Burnley for over the eight years.
He is so advanced for his age he is playing for the under 15 squad.
“We’re overwhelmed by what has happened,” said Adrian. “It’s a massive commitment but we’re very proud. It has taken over my life.”
On signing, Oliver and the others were invited to a VIP night as a guest of manager Sean Dyce and the club chairman.
Oliver, who already stands at 5ft 10ins tall, said: “I hope to make it as a professional footballer - you’ve got to dream haven’t you?”
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