Cameron gets his big break

Cameron Mason

FOOTBALL:

AFTER a string of false dawns, goalkeeper Cameron Mason thought he was never going to catch a break — but now an opportunity has come along he plans to grab it with both hands.

The 16-year-old Saddleworth School pupil had trials at Manchester City, Blackburn and Bolton to no avail.

Released by Athletic after a 24-month stint, he missed out on moves to Macclesfield and Burnley before Chesterfield swooped with a two-year scholarship offer.

His PE teacher Adam Cree, who coached Cameron at Oldham Schools level, said his young charge’s persistence is an example to every player faced with rejection.

He added: “Athletic were fantastic with him throughout the two years and even though he was releaed, Cameron still trains there. They have been so supportive.

“But elsewhere he has had to go through a lot, it has been a difficult time for him.

“There has been plenty of adversity along the way with some of the recent trials, but he is one of those characters who never gives up, which is great.

“People can learn a lot from the character he has shown. You look at some of the best footballers around who play at the highest level — not all of them had a smooth ride to the top of the tree.

“A lot of them have spoken in great detail about how they were told they might not make the grade.