YOUNG Bradford footballer, Ellis Sudell, is currently embarking on a ‘dreamlike’ journey after joining his beloved Manchester United’s famous Development Centre.
The five year old star, who idolises United’s Bradford sensation, Mason Greenwood, joined up with the Reds Development Centre on an initial six week programme on Tuesday, before potentially being selected for Manchester United’s Academy, if all goes well.
The trial period is currently taking place at Bradford (Park Avenue) with Avenue being one of the many development areas which United use to monitor the progression of talented youngsters.
If Sudell is successful, the youngster’s road will lead to The Cliff (Manchester United’s old training ground), where the academy still play matches and even Carrington, where the academy train.
Brad Sudell, father of Ellis and Manchester United season ticket holder, is delighted with the opportunity his son has been presented with.
He said: “First of all, we are buzzing for him. Ellis absolutely loves football and he has had a ball at his feet since the age of two because of his brother's love for the game.
" He joined a youth development programme in Bradford called Soccer aKIDemy (Aged 4-16) in Bradford , which is run by Danny Cadamarteri (Ex Everton player) and he has loved it.
"He has been there for around 12 months now and recently Danny received a text from a Manchester United scout saying they have been really impressed with Ellis and to get hold of his parents."
Sudell added: "So it all started there really and Ellis is now taking part in the trial period. There will be three or four players selected to join the academy and hopefully Ellis is one of them.
"He has started really well this week and I'm confident he will continue to impress."
The Sudell family, Bradford, are all devoted Manchester United fans and own season tickets at the Old Trafford club, making the links and opportunity presented to Ellis even more special.
Sudell said: "We are all massive Manchester United fans and it's a special feeling when the club you love comes calling for your son.
"I'm extremely proud of Ellis, as are the rest of my family with the opportunity that has been presented to him."
Manchester United's star, Greenwood, who was born in Wibsey, followed in a similar path to what E.Sudell is taking and his father can see the resemblance in his son's and Greenwood's tracks.
He said: "Ellis's trials have come and it's exactly how Mason Greenwood started off and I feel it's a fitting story with both coming form the Bradford area.
"I'm extremely proud of him and I'm also shocked.
"I knew he was playing at a good level but you never expect a club of Manchester United's calibre to come in and show their praise. They must have seen something they liked. He's a very technical player, both footed and he likes to play in the number ten position."
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