Alfie is living his football dream

A talented nine-year-old footballer is making his mark with Championship club Leeds United. Sigglesthorne Church of England Primary Academy pupil Alfie Sharp, who plays for Sproatley Juniors’ Under 10s, takes part in Leeds’ academy programme to train the stars of tomorrow.

And, 15 weeks in, Alfie has been part of a Leeds United academy team that won a football tournament against academy teams from Hull City, Scunthorpe and York City.

“It’s brilliant,” said Alfie, a Liverpool fan, who has already collected an armful of trophies and awards with Sproatley.

Alfie’s mum, Mrs Gill Sharp, said that football was his life. “Alfie lives and breathes football. If he’s not playing it, he’s watching it or reading about it,” she said. “He takes after his sister, Millie, who helps coach him and that’s where his drive comes from.

“It’s a massive compliment that he was invited to play in a tournament which his team went on to win.”

Mrs Jacqui Grant, Head of School at Sigglesthorne Church of England Primary Academy, which was recently taken over by Ebor Academy Trust, said Alfie’s success had created a buzz around school. “It’s great that Alfie is following his dream.”