Striker Ben is one for the future!

Ben Fox with Jamie Blood ( Football Development Coordinator).

OLDHAM Athletic have signed up a new striker — eight-year-old Ben Fox.

The youngster followed a newly-created pathway designed by Oldham Athletic Community Trust to help footballers develop their skills and progress to elite level.

Ben is the first child to successfully finish the scheme from the start.

Ben joined a new nine-level structured programme called Striker 9 held at Saddleworth 3G.

And he impressed the coach so much that he was given the chance to progress to Latics’ new development centre, for gifted players.

Proud parent Danny said: “He’s a good player and he wants to be a professional footballer but it’s tough for him. He’s actually a Man United fan but he took up the contract at Oldham as it is close for travelling and it’s a good club — and I’m a Latics fan!”

Jamie Blood, Oldham Athletic community trust’s football development co-ordinator said: “The path that Ben has taken over the last six months has highlighted the positive work being done around player development within the borough.

“Striker 9 is a great opportunity for players to get involved in football and offers every chance for them to develop their skills and potentially get passed through the development centre.”

Martin Vose, development centre head coach, was impressed with Ben’s attitude and technical ability.

He said: “You could see the raw potential straight away. The pathway created has shown that it is now easier than ever to be noticed and get every chance possible to progress through the ranks.”

Ben, a Year 3 pupil at St Raphael’s School, Stalybridge, will be one of three players who have now visited the development centre on their way to the centre of excellence.

He trains three times a week during the season and will now be playing matches against other centres of excellence in the region.

To sign up for the Striker 9 programme contact Oldham Athletic Trust on 0161-678 8464.