AN ABUNDANCE of talent and a letter from a celebrity earned Ben Jackson a place at Middlesbrough Academy.
The nine-year-old midfielder’s illustrious career so far started at Marton FC, where he played for the Under-8s before going on to play at Middlesbrough FC Development Centre in Eston.
But it was playing at his school, St Gerard’s in Hemlington, that saw him propelled into the big time.
Former Middlesbrough goalkeeper Jim Platt had been coaching there and spotted Ben’s potential.
Jim then wrote a letter to Middlesbrough Academy advising them to take a look at Ben’s skills, and, after the young lad impressed coaches there, he was offered a place.
He is now in his second season.
Mum Linda Jackson, said: “He’s been playing from when he could walk and it’s all he ever talks about.
“He’s always got a football, he even heads and kicks the ball in his sleep!
“Ben is such a team player, he’s not one of those kids who just takes the ball and scores, he tries to include everyone.
“And because he’s small he’s so fast and really skillful.�
Known to his family as the ‘little star’ Ben, from Coulby Newham, hopes to follow in the footsteps of his favourite players Fernando Torres and Ronaldinho.
“It’s a good interest for him to have,� said mum-of-two Linda who’s also a football fanatic.
“I hope this is just the start of things for him.
“At the minute I’m just encouraging him to follow his dream for a long as he enjoys it.
“I’m very proud of him.�
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well done ben u earned it:) hope u make everyone proud